The Issaquah School District board moved to approve the 2025–26 school improvement plan (SIP) set for each district school during the Dec. 8 meeting. The plans were developed after three review meetings with administrators and building leaders and presented in a feeder‑pattern format.

Two public commenters — long‑time educators Stephanie Tolanin and Camille Wright — urged the board to rethink SIP goals tied strictly to letter grades (for example, aiming for 'all students earn a C or higher'). Both argued that grade‑based goals can create pressure on teachers, hide real learning gaps, and disproportionately affect schools serving higher‑need students. Wright recommended shifting toward measures of mastery of essential standards, documented growth over time, stronger attendance, and demonstrable skill acquisition.

Board members praised the SIP process for its data alignment and feeder pattern structure and discussed the value of adding a spring touchpoint for system‑level follow up. Several directors recommended a mid‑year work study to spotlight particular schools and themes and to allow the board to follow up on system responses to SIP discussions.

The motion to approve the SIP set for each ISD school was moved, seconded, and passed by voice vote; no board member opposed the approval.