2024 Issaquah School District (ISD) Bond—What’s Next?
The Issaquah School District’s bond measure failed in November, falling short of the 60% supermajority required to pass. The bond aimed to raise $642.3 million for school modernization and construction projects.
In December, the district and school board gathered community feedback to help determine contingency plans to address student safety, overcapacity enrollment at all high schools, and uneven enrollment at several elementary and middle schools. Options being considered include:
- Reconfiguring the structure of schools by re-purposing a middle school to serve ninth graders across the district or changing school levels (making elementary school K–6th grades, middle school 7–9th grades, and high school 10–12th grades).
- Redrawing current school boundaries to level enrollment across every building and level.
- Adding a double shift at high schools with two different start times during the day, where some students start earlier and some start later, with an overlap in the middle.
Significant changes like these will impact all students, families and staff members, requiring much collaboration, reprioritization of resources and transportation investments.
Spring 2025 Online Learning Opportunities
The ISD Online Learning Department offers semester-long, asynchronous online classes that may be taken during the school year at no charge. High school students may take up to two courses per semester, with a limit of eight during their high school career. Interested students should consult their counselor and apply by Wednesday, Jan. 8, to start classes on Wednesday, Jan. 29. Alternatively, apply by Feb. 7 for a start date of Feb. 26.
Successful completion of Online Learning coursework will appear on student transcripts, and evidence of learning can be submitted to advisors for competencies. A complete course directory and links to the online application are available on the ISD website.
Upcoming Events with ParentWiser
ParentWiser delivers the latest research and educational insights to support families in raising thriving students. This program is made possible through a partnership between the Issaquah School District PTSA and the Issaquah Schools Foundation. The upcoming events include:
- Jan. 17: “Relieving Frustration” with Jenni Pertuset
- Feb. 2: “The Parent Compass: Practical Steps to Navigate the Adolescent Years” with Cythina Clumeck Muchnick, M.A.
- March 7: “Goodbye, Anxiety” with Terri Bacow, Ph.D.
Get to Know Your Principal
Ours schools often host informal events where parents and community members can meet the principals. It’s a great opportunity to discuss school-related topics, ask questions, and get updates on what’s happening at the school and within ISD. Upcoming opportunities include:
- Jan. 24: Coffee with Christy (Clark Elementary) via Zoom at 9:30 a.m.
- Jan. 30: Java with JZ at Issaquah Middle School and via Zoom at 2 p.m.
- Feb. 5: Java with Jeff at Pacific Cascade Middle School at 1:30 p.m.
Join the Special Services Parent/Family Advisory Group
The ISD Special Services Department invites parents and family members of current students that receive special education services to join our Special Services Parent/Family Advisory Group and help improve programming across the district.
Interested family members are asked to fill out the Advisory Group Interest Form to attend. Agenda topics will be shared to interested members prior to the meeting date. Meetings will be held monthly, with the schedule provided upon completing the interest form.
Enjoy “Swingin’ in Vienna” on Feb. 8
Join the Issaquah Jazz Band and the Evergreen Philharmonic for the annual “Swingin’ in Vienna” fundraiser open to the community on Feb. 8—an enchanting evening of live music, dancing and light refreshments. This beloved community tradition, established in 1999, showcases a mix of Big Band jazz and Viennese waltzes, bringing together students, parents and neighbors for a night of celebration and connection.
8th Grade Transition: High School Information Night for New Families
An information night for families new to U.S. high schools will be held via Zoom on Feb. 11 from 6:30–8:30 p.m. Topics will include high school credits, graduation requirements, high school opportunities, general information about course selection, and programs such as AP, IB and Running Start. Each ISD high school will host their own 8th grade transition night with school staff to explain specific information. Register in advance.
Cultural Bridges: Connecting Families, Cultures and the Issaquah Community
Cultural Bridges, a program from the Issaquah Schools Foundation, fosters connections with families and children from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds as well as ISD and the greater Issaquah community. The program promotes understanding and engagement across cultures through outreach, events, mentoring, translation services, and a magazine available in eight languages. Learn more at the ISF website.
Scholarship Awards with Washington State PTA
The Washington State PTA (WSPTA) awards four $2,500 scholarships to graduating seniors from public high schools with an active PTA in the state. These scholarships support students beginning their college journey, whether at a two-year or four-year institution, in the fall. The deadline to apply is Feb. 13. More information online.
Highly Capable Testing for Second Graders
Highly capable testing for all second-grade students will occur in March. Students who are identified as “most highly capable” will be invited to enter either the SAGE or MERLIN programs in the 2025–26 school year. If you do not want your student to participate in testing, please complete the opt-out form available on the ISD website.
