Local, Voter-Approved Levies Help Bridge the Gap in Funding
This February, our community will vote on three renewal levies that fund essential educational services not covered by the state.
The Educational Programs & Operations (EP&O) Levy, Capital Levy and Transportation Levy allow Issaquah School District (ISD) to maintain programs and services that students and families rely on every day.
State and federal funding covers only the basic minimum for K–12 education, leaving a significant gap between what is funded and what ISD needs to thrive. That includes essential staff, special education, mental health resources, transportation, technology and student enrichment programs such as advanced courses, dual language learning, athletics and activities, career guidance and more.
For example, the district must use about $9.5 million each year to cover legally required special education services that the state does not fully fund—an amount that continues to grow.
The EP&O Levy alone funds 16.6% of the district’s general fund. The district’s other revenue sources come from Washington state (67.8%); local fees, tuition and gifts (9.4%); other financing sources (3.8%); federal funding (2.1%); and other funding (0.4%).
Because these levies were approved in 2022 and expire in 2026, renewing them simply extends existing funding through 2030. They are not new taxes, but a continuation of what voters have already supported. Levies require a simple majority of 50% plus one vote to pass.
The three renewal measures are designed to keep the projected combined tax rate stable at about $3.09 per $1,000 of assessed value, according to the district. For the previous 20 years, the average total combined tax rate for ISD has been $3.86.
Prop. 1: Educational Programs & Operations (EP&O) Levy
As stated above, the EP&O Levy provides about 16.6% of the district’s annual budget. It keeps schools running smoothly while supporting students and staff. The levy funds:
- Student well-being services: counseling, nursing, behavior supports, security, equity programs, VOICE Mentors, athletics and activities.
- Academic opportunities: 7-period high school days, dual language programs, individual learning supports, Gibson Ek High School and special education.
- Daily operations: teachers, substitutes, custodians, transportation and maintenance staff.
Prop. 2: Capital Levy
The Capital Levy helps maintain safe, modern and functional school buildings. Key investments include:
- Technology upgrades: 1:1 student laptops, cybersecurity improvements, crisis alert systems, device replacement and AI tools for learning.
- Critical building repairs: roofs, HVAC, safety systems, food service equipment and sports fields.
- Enhanced safety: secure entrances at all three comprehensive high schools.
Prop. 3: Transportation Levy
The Transportation Levy ensures safe, reliable transportation for students by funding:
- Bus fleet modernization: reducing maintenance costs across 170 vehicles.
- Electric bus expansion: adding more electric buses and charging infrastructure (currently three electric buses purchased with grant funds).
Remember to vote by Tuesday, Feb. 10. Ballots must be postmarked by that day or dropped in a King County Elections drop box by 8 p.m.
