Three YES Votes for Schools
State funding covers only part of education costs. School levies are a mission critical component of our quality educational programs. The three levies will continue to provide funding for close to 1/4 of all educational and support programs, will keep our school transportation safe, and will provide critical student learning enhancements and infrastructure support in our schools.
A new requirement to act locally. The economic challenges of Washington State bring new local expectations for schools. School levies have never been so important. In fact, state funding for the MISD was cut by $2M last year and is expected to be further reduced by $1-2M in the coming year. Budgeted differences are expected to be made up at the local level.
A key community benefit. Excellent schools are an asset for every member of our community. Good schools help the local economy, positively influence property values, and help economic development. Ask those in neighboring communities about Mercer Island and to the person you'll hear about our top quality schools. Even in our earliest days, Islanders have made education a priority.
MISD has managed to reduce their budget by $3 million ($8%) over the last 4 years and now is expecting another $1M state funding reduction for 2010-11. MISD is in the bottom 10% from a state funding perspective, ranking 288th out of the 295 WA school districts in funds received. MISD is in the bottom half from an expenditures per student perspective, lagging behind Seattle, Bellevue, Bremerton and Tukwila. 
Did You Know?
Excellent schools are an asset for every member of our community
YES! RESOLUTION 575 | General Fund Levy
This four-year renewal of the expiring levy currently pays for 23.6% of all educational and support programs in the district. This includes paying for 88 teachers and staff as well as lower student-to-teacher ratios beyond what the state funds, the seven-period day at the high school, enhanced special education programs, programs for English-language learners and most of the athletic and sports programs. learn more
YES! RESOLUTION 576 | Capital Levy
This six-year levy extends the current Capital Levy and will fund critical captial projects across the district, at every school. It will fund projects that will enhance student learning such as classroom expansions, athletic facililty and playfield improvement, and technology-based solutions to achieve the district's 2020 vision, as well as critical infrastructure support projects such as communication system upgrades, security upgrades and facility maintenance projects. learn more
YES! RESOLUTION 577 | Transportation Levy
This standard, one-year replacement levy is put on the ballot every four years to replace older school buses at the end of their serviceable life. New school buses are more cost efficient for the district and provide safer transportation. learn more
