Mercer Island schools are excellent, but the buildings are aging. The proposed bond funds: $100M at Islander Middle School (built 1961) for improved learning spaces and critical security and safety enhancements; $64M at Mercer Island High School (1957) for essential capital improvements; $1M to develop a capital improvement plan for 3 elementary schools: Lakeridge (1953), Island Park (1956) and West Mercer (1964).

The bond will cost taxpayers $0.45 per $1,000 of assessed home value or $450 per year for each $1M of assessed value.  If the bond measure passes, Mercer Island school taxes will remain 20-60% lower than neighboring school districts. 

Mercer Island School District developed the bond measure with extensive input from an outside architectural firm that has worked with MISD for over 20 years, two years of planning with the Long-Term Facilities Planning Committee, and five public hearings.  While the proposed plan did not fund everything that the community asked for, the Board voted unanimously 5-0 to approve this modest sized capital project plan.

The need for these long overdue capital improvements will not go away and will only be more costly if deferred.  Vote Yes for these essential improvements.   

Submitted by: Frank Schott, Leslie Ferrell, Samantha Rubenfield, www.yesmischools.org

Schools & parks are Mercer Island’s most prized asset, but the proposed plan is wrong for us. The problem is a deteriorating quality of education, not substandard buildings.  As evidence, enrollments are down 14% while revenues are up 23%.  Our children are from well-educated and supportive families yet 1 in 4 students are not on track for college-level learning without remedial classes.  The District has lost focus. The proposed District solution of building shiny new facilities will not improve student outcomes.  

The proposed plan will cost the median $2.2 million homeowners an additional $1,282 the first year, per District estimates. A 40% increase over the current local school tax burden, making our tax burden by far the highest of comparable school districts.

The solution is to re-prioritize “nice to have” components not crucial to improving student outcomes.  “Bonds are for buildings and levies are for learning.” This bond does not improve learning.  There were a number of lower cost options presented to the School Board.  Remember, we spent millions making major renovations/additions to IMS and MIHS over the years.   

This is an irresponsible $165,000,000 commitment. Vote no with your neighbors.  Let’s improve student outcome from the inside!

Submitted by: Mike Cero, https://www.miforss.com/2025

The opposition’s statement is factually incorrect.  This bond is fiscally responsible, the smallest of four options considered. Our school taxes will remain the lowest in the region, increasing property tax by less than 7%.

Capital improvements are needed now to replace aging infrastructure, provide modern STEM and arts learning spaces, and enhance security.  According to OSPI, Mercer Island students outperform their Eastside peers by every metric.  Support our schools and amazing students.  Vote Yes!

Submitted by: Frank Schott, Leslie Ferrell, Samantha Rubenfield, www.yesmischools.org

Will this very expensive bond improve student outcomes?  Clearly no!  It provides non-essential updates which have to no impact on student learning.

Don’t be fooled.  Our tax rates are lower because our property values are high.  We are at the top in funding per student.  Indeed, the financial management of the district is being questioned as demonstrated by recent downgrades by Moody’s Ratings.  Vote No to this unnecessary $165,000,000 expense.

Submitted by: Mike Cero, https://www.miforss.com/2025

Download the full text of the resolution

60% yes vote and a minimum turnout of 40% of voters casting ballots in last general election (Washington Constitution, art. VII, sec. 2(b))

For questions about this measure, contact: Dr. Fred Rundle, Superintendent, (206) 236-3300, fred.rundle@mercerislandschools.org