Mercer Islanders have a long tradition of supporting our students and keeping our schools strong. This renewal levy provides funding for critical programs not funded by the state under “basic education.” This levy will run from 2023-2026 and raise up to $12 million per year. Rates are calculated at $2742 per enrolled student, a state-determined amount. This is not a new tax nor an expected increase in your taxes. The funds comprise 17% of the district’s annual budget and includes the following: nurses at all schools, 7 period day at the high school, advanced science courses and fine arts, music, clubs, and programs at all schools. 40% of the Special Education Budget will be supported by this levy renewal. The last levy was approved by over 71% of Mercer Island voters. 99% of districts in Washington State pass similar levies. This is the local way we directly fund public education for our students. Strong public education supports our property values. This levy has the endorsement of all 6 school’s PTAs and school board directors. Please vote yes to support our students and keep our schools among the best in the state. Video, FAQ, and endorsements at www.yesmischools.org.

Submitted by: Kathy Moffett McDonald, Kim Thunen, Sarah Smith, www.yesmischools.org

In 2018, the McCleary Decision was promised to be a levy swap. Instead, state school property taxes increased dramatically and local school taxes never went away and are again spiraling out of control.

For 2020-2021, for the district's administrators, the median total compensation was $211,089 with a high of $321,541. Median teacher compensation is at $125,113 up 18% in the last 3 years - multiple times inflation.

The argument that this levy is for a certain few duty types is disingenuous and heartless at best. The district complains that this levy fills the gap left from state legislators. The legislators are correct in saying no to the district. Local voters should do the same.

Nearly all districts try to just focus on how our property tax rates will remain nearly flat as if that has or will do us any favors. A flat tax rate multiplied by skyrocketing assessed property values equals skyrocketing taxes in dollars (paid for by property owners and renters in their rents). Please provide your input and vote. More details at, www.schooldataproject.com

Submitted by: Jeff Heckathorn, info@schooldataproject.com

This renewal levy is supported by the Committee for Mercer Island Public Schools (CMIPS), a group of politically diverse volunteers who care deeply about our schools. The con statement is from an off-island individual who opposes all school levies. This replacement levy begins funding initiatives in 2023. This is not a new tax and is authorized by the legislature. The last levy was supported by more than 71% of voters. Please vote yes again.

Submitted by: Kathy Moffett McDonald, Kim Thunen, Sarah Smith, www.yesmischools.org

In 2019-2020, per pupil expenditures (including capital outlays and interest on debt) for the district were already at $21,287. That's above tuition and books at many universities let alone most private K-12 schools.

In 2018, because of the McCleary Decision, state legislators pumped billions more dollars into our public schools, largely from increased property taxes. There is no amount of money monopoly school districts will be satisfied with. Citizens are crying uncle. Enough!

Submitted by: Jeff Heckathorn, info@schooldataproject.com

Download the full text of the resolution

Simple majority (Wash. Const. art. VII, sec. 2(a))

For questions about this measure, contact: Tyrell Bergstrom, Executive Director of Finance, (206) 236-3295, tyrell.bergstrom@mercerislandschools.org