Issaquah City Council unanimously backs renewal of three school levies for Feb. 10 special election
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Summary
The Issaquah City Council voted unanimously Jan. 20 to adopt Resolution No. 2026‑04 endorsing three renewal levies on the Feb. 10 special election ballot that the district says total $3.09 per $1,000 of assessed value and fund operations, critical repairs and a one‑year transportation levy.
The Issaquah City Council voted unanimously Jan. 20 to adopt Resolution No. 2026‑04 supporting the Issaquah School District’s three replacement levies on the Feb. 10, 2026, special election ballot.
City Clerk Tisha Geyser opened the public hearing and explained the three propositions: Proposition 1 is the replacement education programs and operations levy, Proposition 2 is the replacement capital projects levy for technology and critical repairs, and Proposition 3 is a one‑year school bus levy. The district estimates the combined levies would equate to $3.09 per $1,000 of assessed valuation.
The hearing drew multiple residents, educators and district representatives. Doronna Uzzle, president of the Issaquah Education Association, and teacher Christie Santadomingo urged council support, saying levy revenue sustains counselors, nurses, special‑education services and activities that state funding does not fully cover. Janet Kelly, a volunteer and business‑community leader, said the capital levy funds critical repairs and the transportation levy supports reliable bus service that employers rely on.
One resident, Kurt Strickland, opposed the levies and argued that declining enrollment should prompt a reassessment of tax burdens. District representative Harlan Gallinger responded during the hearing that the levies are renewal measures, do not increase the tax rate and primarily fund more than 400 staff positions and critical repairs rather than new high‑school construction.
In council debate, Council Member Nichols emphasized that these are renewal levies that fund daily operations (about 17% of local funding) and maintenance, and cited state law (RCW 42.17.555) permitting municipal bodies to weigh in on ballot measures that affect their communities. Multiple council members reiterated that the measures maintain the existing tax rate and are intended to preserve staffing and safe facilities.
Council President De Michel made the motion to approve the resolution; the measure passed with all council members present voting aye. The resolution directs the city to officially endorse the renewal levies ahead of the Feb. 10 ballot.
The council did not change levy content or amounts; the action was an expression of municipal support. The district will proceed with ballot materials and outreach prior to the Feb. 10 special election.
