Passage of Proposition No. 1 would allow the Mercer Island School District to replace the existing educational programs and operations levy that will expire at the end of calendar year 2026. Consistent with the current levy, this replacement levy will be used to pay educational programs and operations expenses either not funded or fully funded by the State of Washington, including funding gaps caused by the State’s special education funding system. These expenditures include, but are not limited to, safety and security, instructional materials, expanded performing arts including elementary band and orchestra, increased nurse staffing, the seven-period day at MIHS, activities and athletics at IMS and MIHS, enhanced staffing to reduce class sizes or increase support (salaries and benefits), transportation, technology infrastructure, maintenance of facilities, and non-capital expenses of operating the district. Information is available on the District’s website www.mercerislandschools.org.
The proposed replacement educational programs and operations levy would authorize collection of taxes to provide up to $16,000,000 in 2027, $17,000,000 in 2028, $18,000,000 in 2029, and $19,000,000 in 2030. The levy rate per $1,000 of assessed value required to produce these amounts is estimated to be $0.72 in 2027, $0.75 in 2028, $0.77 in 2029, and $0.80 in 2030. The exact levy rates and amounts to be collected may be adjusted based upon the actual assessed value of property within the District and the limitations imposed by State law at the time of the levy. Exemptions from taxes may be available, call the King County Department of Assessments, 206-296-3920.
