Issaquah district outlines three renewal levies, outreach plans and potential electric‑bus pilot
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Summary
District staff described three 2026 renewal levies (operations, capital renewal and a one‑year transportation levy), emphasized the levies fill funding gaps (about 16.6% of the general fund), and said passage would enable expansion of a pilot electric bus program and charging infrastructure.
District communications staff briefed the board on the district's 2026 levy measures and an active outreach schedule as ballots are prepared to mail.
Staff described Proposition 1 as a four‑year educational programs and operations renewal levy that supplements state and federal funding (about 16.6% of the district general fund). Proposition 2 is a capital renewal levy for technology and critical repairs (staff emphasized there is no new construction attached to this levy). A one‑year transportation levy would allow the district to expand a pilot electric‑bus program and install charging infrastructure if voters approve.
District outreach includes more than 60 presentations to community groups, PTSA meetings and civic organizations, targeted mailers that have already begun circulation, and additional social‑media and video assets. Staff reminded the public to register to vote (last day noted as Feb. 2) and said ballots will be mailed the week after the meeting; the election date was listed as Feb. 10.
Board members encouraged clear messaging that levies do not fund new school construction and urged turnout for the off‑cycle election. One director noted social‑media calls to 'vote no' and urged voters to consider the district's funding shortfall; another director cited state funding rankings in context for levy necessity.
The meeting did not include a board vote on the levies; staff requested the board's continued engagement and support for outreach events.