Mercer Islanders have a long tradition of supporting our students and keeping our schools strong. This renewal levy provides funding for critical capital and technology improvements for our schools. This levy will run from 2023-2028 and raise $7.7-$8.4 million per year. This is not a new tax. Renovations and improvements will be made to school roofs, building infrastructure, classrooms, athletic fields, playgrounds, and other maintenance requirements. School safety and security will be enhanced and maintained. This levy renewal benefits the entire community. The school district owns Mary Wayte pool and plans a much needed refresh of locker rooms, deck, and viewing area. The MIHS tennis courts will be resurfaced and lights added. The bus lot will prepare to accept electric school buses for a cleaner environment for all Islanders. This levy renewal provides students and staff computer equipment, training and access to online textbooks. The last levy renewal was approved by 77% of Mercer Island voters. 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

These cap levy items should come out of the General Fund. If salaries were not so bloated this would be possible.

These levies should be rejected. There should be no tax measures whatsoever on the ballot in February. February is the lowest voter turnout election of the year. Understandably. Most citizens are just learning that there are levies to vote on - again. We just had the holidays. Citizens have voting fatigue. And, importantly, citizens won't even receive their property tax bills for the year until a month later in March. How convenient.

In the interest of high voter participation, these important, large tax measures (which affect all property owners and renters in their rents) should be only on the November Election. It is irresponsible for the district to propose property tax measures a month before voters see their property tax bills.

The state will never be able to fulfill its constitutional obligation of fully-funding schools so long as local districts are allowed to spend more than the ample provision the state provides. Until that changes, citizens need to reject these local levies like the ones before you today. 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