Issaquah School District proposes $231.6M bond focused on safety and new high school

The Issaquah School District Board convened on December 12, 2024, to discuss critical next steps regarding the proposed bond measures aimed at enhancing school safety and capacity. The meeting highlighted a revised bond package, which reflects community feedback and aims to address pressing needs within the district.

During the session, district staff presented updates on the bond proposal, which has been adjusted to a total of $231.6 million. This new package focuses on safety and security improvements across all schools, as well as capacity expansions at Liberty High School. Notably, the proposal includes a significant allocation of nearly $40 million dedicated to enhancing safety measures, which had been reduced in previous discussions.

The board emphasized the importance of maintaining a stable tax rate for residents, with preliminary estimates indicating a combined tax rate of $3.90 for 2025. This figure is slightly lower than previous estimates, reflecting an increase in assessed property values within the district. The goal is to ensure that the new bond debt does not increase the overall tax burden on the community.

Key upcoming dates were also discussed, including a resolution deadline for a potential ballot measure set for February 11, 2025. If approved, ballots would be mailed out on January 22, allowing the community to vote on the proposed funding.

In addition to the bond discussions, the board reviewed the financial implications of the previous bond measures and the ongoing need for adequate funding to complete essential projects. The district has already spent $20 million on a high school project, with an estimated remaining cost of $272.7 million. The board is committed to transparency and community engagement as they move forward with these significant funding proposals.

As the Issaquah School District prepares for the upcoming ballot, the board's focus remains on ensuring that the educational environment meets the needs of all students while keeping financial impacts manageable for families in the community.