Bellevue council backs school‑levy renewal, adopts resolution supporting Propositions 1 and 2

Bellevue City Council on Jan. 27 voted unanimously to adopt resolution 10,579 endorsing Bellevue School District Proposition 1 and Proposition 2 on the Feb. 10 special election ballot.

Mindy Carroll, co‑treasurer of Bellevue Quality Schools, told the council the levies are “true replacement, renewal levies” that fund programs the state does not fully cover, including elementary art and music, nurses and counselors, a seventh period in secondary schools, transportation, advanced learning supports and technology upgrades. “I urge the city council to approve a resolution supporting propositions 1 and 2, renewing Bellevue School District levies,” Carroll said in her presentation.

Supporters who addressed the council said the levies help preserve programs and school safety. Phil (Philip) Block, president of the Bellevue School Board, asked residents to back Proposition 1 to sustain extracurriculars and counseling and said the levies also support critical infrastructure: “Please join me in supporting Prop 1 to invest in teachers and programs that make these schools and students succeed.” Other residents, including parents and PTSA leaders, described how local school programs affect home values, neighborhood stability and student outcomes.

Deputy Mayor Hamilton moved adoption of the resolution; Councilmember Newenhouse seconded. Mayor Malakutian announced the motion passed 7‑0.

What it means: If voters approve the measures, the district would continue local funding for instructional programs and building/technology projects that school leaders say are essential beyond state funding levels. Council members said the resolution is a standard way municipal leaders can signal support while ensuring the public has access to pro and con information in the runup to a ballot measure.

Next steps: The resolution sends the council’s formal support for the two replacement levies to the public ahead of the Feb. 10 special election.