Board hears levy-funded program overview and details on capital, safety and solar projects ahead of renewal
Summary
District leaders outlined how local levy renewals fund computer science, K–12 librarians, arts, CTE and safety upgrades; COO Dr. Heather Sanchez said the district will install 'over 2,500 kilowatts' of solar across 17 sites and called the levy a renewal, not a tax increase.
The Bellevue School District board on Wednesday reviewed programs and capital projects supported by upcoming local levy renewals, including classroom technology, safety upgrades and a large solar installation planned across district sites.
Chief Operating Officer Dr. Heather Sanchez described levy-funded investments that include classroom presentation and projection systems, student and staff devices, assistive technology, i-Ready assessment tools and recurring software licenses. Sanchez said levy dollars also fund secure entry vestibules at every school, upgraded cameras on a rotating schedule and a dedicated physical security specialist.
"You're the community levy dollars at work are powering greener buildings," Sanchez said, adding the district plans to install "over 2,500 kilowatts" of solar panels across 17 sites, which she said will generate the equivalent electricity for "more than 400 plus average homes every year," and that Sammamish High is expected to host the district's largest school-based array.
Melissa Macias, executive director of teaching and learning, and Aaron Miller, chief of schools, told the board levy funds enable expanded elementary computer science experiences, full-time elementary librarians, certified elementary art instruction, band and orchestra in fifth grade and a 7‑period day that supports hundreds of elective offerings and career and technical education (CTE) opportunities.
"It is not an increase in taxes — it is a renewal levy," Dr. Sanchez said, urging the community to understand the levy preserves current programs rather than adding new taxes.
Board members stressed local levies are central to the district's program mix. One director noted the district relies on local levy support for a meaningful portion of services, calling levy revenues a defining feature of Bellevue's offerings.
The presentation also highlighted facility and sustainability work paid for with levy dollars — new gender-neutral restrooms at Sammamish High, new baseball fields, inclusive playground installations and district-wide roofing and HVAC upgrades intended to lower utility costs and free general-fund dollars for classrooms.
The board did not take a formal vote on the levy at the meeting; members encouraged community members to attend outreach events, including a Jan. 7 regional town hall on education funding referenced during public comment. The levy renewal will appear on the February ballot as part of the district's ongoing funding plan.
