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Board hears levy kickoff and capital projects update; EV buses arriving and new high school amendment underway
Summary
District staff presented a levy kickoff targeting a Feb. 10, 2026 ballot, described three renewal levies (EP&O, capital, transportation), and updated the board on capital projects including EV‑bus infrastructure and a major amendment submitted for a new high school with construction targeted to start March 1.
The Issaquah School District board heard a levy kickoff and capital projects update that outlined proposed renewal levies, advisory‑committee planning and progress on infrastructure projects, including electric buses and a new high‑school amendment submitted to the city.
Levy presentation: staff explained the district typically runs a four‑year Educational Programs & Operations (EP&O) levy and a four‑year capital levy, with a transportation levy commonly run as a one‑year measure to fund buses and related charging infrastructure. The presenter said the levies together provide roughly 16–17% of the district’s general fund and described legal constraints (per‑pupil limits and annual CPI adjustments). The district is forming a levy advisory committee (more than 55 applicants) to meet in September–October and refine project lists ahead of a planned levy resolution in October and ballots mailed in January for a Feb. 10, 2026 election.
Capital projects and EV buses: Tom Mullins, director of capital projects, updated the board that most 2018 levy projects would be substantially complete by month‑end, work on the 2022 levy is ongoing, and reimbursable grants from OSPI and the Department of Commerce have been approved for energy and facility projects. Mullins reported an awarded Department of Ecology grant for EV‑bus infrastructure; buses have been delivered and infrastructure installation is near completion. Jason Morris, executive director of operations, said staff expect to perform a first charge test and that the buses require safety inspection and driver training; with three buses available initially, operations will experiment with routes across grade levels and rollouts are expected this fall (not necessarily for day 1 of school).
New high school: Mullins reported the district submitted a major amendment to the city on July 1 and described site and building changes under review; the district is targeting a March 1 construction start and an opening date around Aug. 27 of the following year, subject to the city’s amendment process and permitting timelines.
Next steps: staff will continue levy advisory committee meetings in September–October, bring a draft levy resolution to the board in October, and refine capital project lists and schedules for community review.
