Issaquah School Board Approves Replacement Levies for February 2018 Ballot
Issaquah School Board Approves Two Year Educational Programs and Operations Replacement Levy, One Year Transportation Replacement Levy, and Four Year Critical Repair/Technology Replacement Levy
Issaquah, WA— The Issaquah School Board approved a two-year Educational Programs and Operations (EP&O) levy to be placed on the February 2018 ballot at a special public meeting held Monday, November 27. If approved by voters, the EP&O levy would authorize the District to collect $81.2 million over a two-year period, replacing the levy that expires on December 31, 2018.
By approving the two-year EP&O levy, the board rescinded their original October 11, 2017 resolution for a four-year EP&O levy. No changes were made to the $69.5M four-year Critical Repair and Technology and one-year $2M Transportation replacement levies that were approved on October 11, 2017.
The Board’s decision to place a two-year EP&O levy on the ballot was the result of many weeks, days, and hours of thoughtful deliberation by the Board and engagement with the community and local legislators. At issue for many districts, including ISD, has been understanding the impact of the new state school funding model enacted by the legislature in June 2017—one of the most significant shifts in education funding in Washington State’s history.
“The two year option gives us time to truly evaluate how the new state funding will impact the Issaquah School District, and remain fiscally responsible and responsive to the tax burdens on our residents,” said ISD Board President Lisa Callan. “We are extremely fortunate to have such an engaged community bringing their voice to these important decisions, valuing a great education and fiscal responsibility. With their input, we believe we struck the right balance with this levy proposition. It is very exciting to provide new programs and supports our students need and our community wants and expects, and to be able to lower our local levy tax burden in light of the state’s increase. As we transition to the new state funding model, we appreciate the tough work the legislators are doing to reduce inequities in education funding and the support of our taxpayers who make every child’s future brighter in the Issaquah School District.”
More information about all three replacement levies is available on the Issaquah School District Website at https://www.issaquah.wednet.edu/district/levy-issues-february-2018. Send questions about the levy by email to Levy2018@issaquah.wednet.edu or call Chief of Finance and Operations, Jake Kuper at 425.837.7024.