Understanding the Feb. 10 Levy Renewal Measures
With less than a week remaining before the Feb. 10 special election, Issaquah School District (ISD) wants to ensure our community has clear, factual information about the three renewal levies on the ballot and how they support students, schools and daily operations. As of Feb. 2, King County Elections reports that 10% of registered voters from the ISD have returned their ballots.
Local levies are a significant part of how ISD provides the programs and services that students need and families expect. State and federal funding combined do not fully cover the cost of operating our local schools.
The expiring Educational Programs & Operations (EP&O) Levy represents 16.6% of the district’s operating budget, providing more than $70 million per year to support staffing, student services, programs and safety beyond what the state funds. The expiring Capital Levy helps pay for technology and updates to keep students and staff warm, safe and dry in existing school facilities. The levy supports roof and HVAC repairs as well as safety systems. It does not fund new school construction. The expiring Transportation (School Bus) Levy supports safe and reliable transportation for students and helps manage maintenance and replacement of the district’s bus fleet.
If approved, the renewal levies would maintain the current total combined local school tax rate. If they are not renewed, district leaders would need to make funding decisions affecting student supports, academic opportunities, staffing, technology, facilities and transportation.
Ballot returns are underway. To ensure your ballot is counted, election officials strongly recommend using a King County Elections ballot drop box, especially within the final week before Election Day.
Key reminders:
- Ballots must be postmarked or placed in a ballot drop box on Feb. 10 by 8 p.m.
- Due to potential mail delays, avoid using a USPS mailbox within 7–10 days of Election Day
- You must be registered to vote; online or mail registration is open through Feb. 2, with in-person registration available through Feb. 10 at King County Election Centers
Learn more about the renewal levies:
Special Services Transitions Evening: Planning for Student Success
Families of students with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) are invited to join the Special Services Team for an evening focused on helping students navigate key educational transitions on Monday, Feb. 9, from 5:30-7 p.m. Presentations will highlight planning strategies, available resources and ways to support your child through change.
Staff will explore transitions including:
- Early childhood education to kindergarten
- Fifth to sixth grade
- Eighth to ninth grade
- Transition services
An interpreter will be available. Please RSVP using the sign-up form.
Reminder: Explore Local Options at the Issaquah Preschool Fair
Families with young children are invited to the Issaquah Preschool Fair at the Holly Street Early Learning Center (565 NW Holly St., Issaquah) on Sunday, Feb. 8, from 10 a.m. to noon. The free, drop-in event is designed to help families explore local preschool options all in one place.
Meet local preschool providers, ask questions and learn about programs that support children from birth through age 6—all while your child enjoys crafts, playground time and interactive classroom activities.
Families do not need to live within the Issaquah School District to attend.
ISD Hosts ‘Multiple Choice,’ A National Film on Career-Connected Learning
Save the date for Feb. 26! ISD is proud to present a screening of “Multiple Choice” at the Issaquah High School Theater. This nationally recognized documentary explores how high schools across the country are reimagining learning by connecting academics with real-world, career-focused experiences. Tickets for the free screening are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Hosted by the district’s Career & Technical Education (CTE) Department, this is a unique opportunity for students, families, educators and community members to engage in a national conversation about how we can prepare students for multiple pathways and purposeful futures.
Reserve your free ticket(s) on Eventbrite.
Prepare for the Fifth Grade Transition to Middle School Event
ISD’s Family Partnership Team invites fifth grade families to a special information event on Monday, Feb. 9, from 6:30-8:30 p.m.
This virtual event is designed for families of fifth grade students entering middle school in fall 2026. It is an introduction to middle school, and it’s especially helpful for families who are new to the U.S. public school system. Families who want to learn more about middle school before their individual school presentations are welcome to join.
Topics we will cover include:
- Course selection and elective options (such as orchestra and choir)
- PE/Health classes
- Sports and clubs
- Health and immunization requirements
- Costs, fees, and supplies
- What a typical middle school day looks like
- General information to help you and your child prepare for this next step
Presentations will be available in English, Chinese and Spanish. Presentations in other languages will be scheduled after the February break.
Use this link to register for the event.
Kindergarten Registration Opens Feb. 2
Do you have a child who will be 5 years old by Aug. 31, 2026? Local elementary schools are hosting information nights this month so that families can learn more about kindergarten in ISD.
This year, enrollment officially begins on Feb. 2! To learn more about the registration process, please visit the Kindergarten Registration Webpage. Links to your neighborhood school’s kindergarten information is also available on that page.
Kindergarten Information Night will be hosted at Clark and Grand Ridge elementary schools on Jan. 28 from 5:30-6:30 p.m.
District Achieves One of Washington’s Highest Graduation Rates
ISD achieved the highest graduation rates in Washington among surrounding school districts with multiple comprehensive high schools for the 2024-25 school year. The district’s four-year graduation rate reached 96.3%, ranking number one in King County and tying for number one statewide among large districts with more than 10,000 students.
The district’s overall rate rose by nearly two percentage points from last year, and all ISD high schools improved, with nearly every campus exceeding a 95% four-year graduation rate.
The district’s four-year plus continuing rate increased to 98.9%, reflecting continued success in supporting students who need additional time to earn their diploma. As part of the district’s ongoing commitment to closing opportunity gaps, graduation rates also improved for students of color, students with disabilities and students whose families classify as low-income.
Class of 2029 Invited to Apply for Fall Enrollment at Gibson Ek
New this year, Gibson Ek High School is accepting applications from current ninth grade students for enrollment starting in fall of 2026. Visit the Gibson Ek Enrollment page to view informational videos, learn more about the school and see the link to the application.
Hear directly from students about what they love about Gibson Ek, and from Principal Tonja Reischl about the Gibson Ek design thinking learning model, which “flips the script” from a traditional learning model.
