Issaquah School District Sends 3 Levies To April Ballots

ISSAQUAH, WA — In a little more than two months, Issaquah voters will determine the fate of a trio of school levies set to appear on ballots for the April special election in King County. Like other school districts across the state, including many who had levies on February ballots, the Issaquah School District relies on voter-approved measures to fill gaps in state funding to help support programs, capital projects and staffing.

This year's levies include two renewals and a third measure that would help Issaquah purchase dozens of new school buses.

Here's a rundown of the three ballot propositions:

Prop. 1: Renewal Educational Programs & Operations Levy

The first ballot measure would renew an expiring levy that currently provides more than 15 percent of the district's funding. Money from the EP&O levy helps support school nurses, guidance counselors, mental health services, extracurricular activities and sports, along with special education programs, summer school and gifted student programs. Funds also help support student transportation, including bus driver staffing, maintenance and fuel.

Prop. 2: Renewal Capital (Technology and Construction) Levy

The majority of funding in the second levy renewal helps maintain the school district's classroom technology needs, including student laptops, tablets and library hardware. Another portion of funding supports building maintenance, including critical repairs, and will contribute to the district's plan to build a new high school to address overcrowding.

Prop. 3: Transporation (School Bus) Levy

The new levy is a single-year measure and seeks to raise $3 million in 2023 by adding a small property tax so the district can purchase 64 new buses between next year and 2026. Officials said the $3 million in levy revenue mixed with $6.25 million in state reimbursements will allow the district to keep its transportation network up to standards and safely transport 7,500 students every day.

King County Elections will mail ballots to registered voters on April 6 and they will be due back by 8 p.m. on April 26. Learn more about Issaquah's 2022 school levies on the district's website.