[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6344428,"mediaKeyId","2250883-5c521b1dd524f845cba97b1a29d58c34","parentId",2250883,"title","School board seeks support for $165 million bond to address aging facilities; pro and con committees appointed","audioSeconds",1738,"startMs",6782000,"endMs",8520000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2250883-5c521b1dd524f845cba97b1a29d58c34&start=6782&end=8520","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2250883-5c521b1dd524f845cba97b1a29d58c34/thumbnail_6782000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6344428/Washington/School-board-seeks-support-for-165-million-bond-to-address-aging-facilities-pro-and-con-committees-appointed","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6344428-36f4d77466ca5b3704d30e7d1f440b87/orig.mp4?Expires=1770703134&Signature=EbhWuKufILSKYeQiR6OAke-gtU0dBq1nMlm9FBoiV1PlRX2QVdxQPLY3sNJVEewEmi3smejwsLl-YjCOnPIsHKuo4LMbT4fCT5Zq9YWWVQsJ8D6fEzpEZkXNdXyirEghvYHUkc-ZwACkctBTj7p9SKVdfTRYzuA5Fwy2tJ6A2XC-lHsQJnKzA43cBFuvOaQvlfIs6QOPUBwVbDoej7DTOi-~AqpCP6iU3D9h5~gJ4m4eO-Jjke4BnPdGOqzfW06OBRgCJDLM5RBOJQb2TGIVCFwQysbS8qwzy5WUbV~MeHyUJTZuuR6s~0rm0QHwPGfVefzKgrVx5CrukORoTsyG3A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Mercer Island School District, WA","date","2025-02-09T08:56:26.767Z","article","School board members presented a multi-year facilities plan and said the board will seek voter approval in April for a bond proposition described by trustees as approximately $165 million to address aging school buildings, systems and targeted educational upgrades.

A board representative described the district’s facilities as 60–70 years old in many locations, noted recent piecemeal repairs — boilers, roofs, HVAC, and seismic work — and said a bond would fund comprehensive upgrades including HVAC and safety systems, ADA work, and educational spaces such as a robotics lab and media/radio facilities. The board said it had developed the proposal through community input, a facilities committee and technical assessments; the district’s projects will include planning funds for future elementary‑school work.

Board members asked for coordination with the city on timing and messaging and noted the community is carrying multiple infrastructure needs — city water and sewer upgrades and district facility work. Trustees said the district’s aim is to structure a tax impact that is predictable for homeowners and to learn lessons from past bond campaigns.

The board also followed the statutory process for the county voters’ pamphlet: trustees appointed committee members to write the pro and con statements that appear in the pamphlet. The board named Mike Siro as the lone committee member for the con statement and appointed Samantha Rubenfeld, Leslie Harrell and Juliet Katz (reported as applicants) as the pro committee members. The board voted to approve those appointments during the meeting.

Board members and city officials discussed timing and emphasized continuing coordination so voters understand both city and school infrastructure needs before any ballot measures are placed.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","2025 02 06 MISD Board Special Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","The Mercer Island School District board outlined a long-range facilities plan and announced it will place a $165 million bond proposition before voters; the board appointed named pro and con committee members for the county voters’ pamphlet process.","taxTitle","Mercer Island School District, School Districts, Washington","taxId",57180,"location","Washington","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6344433,"City and schools plan education push as e-bike and scooter use rises among students",483,5015000,5498000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2250883-5c521b1dd524f845cba97b1a29d58c34&start=5015&end=5498","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2250883-5c521b1dd524f845cba97b1a29d58c34/thumbnail_5015000.jpg","/articles/6344433/Washington/City-and-schools-plan-education-push-as-e-bike-and-scooter-use-rises-among-students","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6344433-59420ae322dffce71d094711a198e125/orig.mp4?Expires=1770703134&Signature=FJZ~SylcXAnJvPYB4OtWHgzKhC3YXl5glUCbZi9smwNNndr6C4ZwavLzmuuOlURieH~UYLFiMc8TPhu-a2ppe8PTtM62leVREHX90vX5FsiwzbfxgUYkEv27HPiuRg9uoRUovGKq5RklH1ogYGTwuJQVv~PJkEfsmcLVOd4WLzlPqNjTEVbWnwoOQymM4ZeO36njbpvekYuEg3ya92LQACg8PeUuf7abBNKyDVMkfNoEvs1dN-JbsOsSJAVg~gKj3Nq8B8YLIk5L1Dh5PZ5La0Zq6hntmwgqx1erT9OgyJavcgQJoEb4CyEs8cOtpUlYb-wYxQHy2Xmu~xOMzRu78w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Chief Chris Setter (Chief of Police, City of Mercer Island) and district staff described a multi-pronged approach to address e‑bike and e‑scooter safety that combines school assemblies, parent outreach and enforcement.

School and city officials said the police department will work with middle‑school staff to present age‑appropriate assemblies for students and families, likely this spring, and that the high school will use student-led channels for outreach. The district and city emphasized that state motor‑vehicle rules governing electric‑assist bicycles and motorized devices already exist and that a primary goal is to ensure students and parents understand the legal and safety differences among device types.

Chief Setter and school officials said an educational effort and greater enforcement visibility have coincided with an observed decline in risky behavior during winter months. City and district speakers urged parents to check devices purchased as holiday gifts and to ensure appropriate helmets and equipment are used if families provide electric devices to minors. Several participants suggested hands‑on or interactive events — modeled on historic “bicycle rodeos” — to combine safety instruction, helmet checks and community engagement.

City and district representatives said they will continue coordination with PTAs, principals and the school resource officer to schedule assemblies and outreach, and to monitor behavior as warmer weather approaches.","Mercer Island police and school staff described an educational campaign aimed at reducing risky e-bike and e-scooter behavior among middle- and high‑school students, including assemblies, parent outreach and enforcement coordination.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6344439,"City outlines Safe Routes to School projects, timelines and near-term crosswalk installations",1159,4441000,5600000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2250883-5c521b1dd524f845cba97b1a29d58c34&start=4441&end=5600","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2250883-5c521b1dd524f845cba97b1a29d58c34/thumbnail_4441000.jpg","/articles/6344439/Washington/City-outlines-Safe-Routes-to-School-projects-timelines-and-near-term-crosswalk-installations","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6344439-b85ff8347abec10cea1c78441fa36519/orig.mp4?Expires=1770703134&Signature=UuSIVcvzqYQmtpY~W20yelegyzRoU5Y6BQVws5UYZxRJK-GTqAXv8k~I9FNwQhmBSxr6NBM8o9L2aYbycoY~waGQQG3glubotheXNbuQ~gHlK2ZwP7Kjw~cB2-42ha2kXdgb5-OkBrZr93bZSn-vdePJ2R~Xhw13cVoL-VGrVMBCYUCspY4rIxpNOJ7l4wuGWhbDXkw-J~0~K7DHUaQFA2kf9hX0A7yBKOzIrz2OkhthGsx4KmqPJDPW9LfsC82SFdcbJWCSISnF-s0-3kQzrgRKAKaGxWJCxaW0MuQnGKamdTFfamV1E19ZpZ4QO55rg0rHGwbQUbPk2x1SNSAPZA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Jason Skinner, chief of operations for the City of Mercer Island, reviewed eight projects in the city’s Transportation Improvement Program that are intended to improve walking and biking connections to schools.

Skinner said construction timelines stretch across the TIP six-year horizon. Projects highlighted include North Mercer Way sidewalk and curb ramps (construction planned in 2026); Southeast 40th and Gallagher Hill sidewalk improvements (anticipated in 2028 but delayed by an ongoing water-supply replacement); an east‑ and west‑side strategy on Gallagher Hill that combines sidewalk and paved shoulders; a multi-phase shared path on Huntacrest Way to improve access to Island Park Elementary and Island Crest Way; and intersection improvements at Southeast 68 and Mountaindale Parkway.

Skinner noted the city is coordinating construction of sidewalks and ramps with a separate, higher‑priority water main replacement to avoid tearing out newly finished pavement. He explained project years in the TIP generally reflect a design year followed by the construction year.

City staff said near-term work includes installing rectangular rapid‑flashing beacons (RRFBs) at crossings near Island Crest Way and Island Park Elementary; the installation has been delayed by long lead times for electrical equipment. City and district staff emphasized ongoing coordination: several projects were delayed by last year’s water emergency and will be scheduled to minimize redundant excavation.

Officials described Huntacrest Way as a corridor with mixed traffic, bikes and school movements, which requires staged safety fixes: signage, lighting and vegetation improvements followed by curb, sidewalk and shared‑path construction. Speakers said project designs are being refined and that additional design and permitting is underway before construction seasons scheduled in later TIP years.","City staff presented an eight-project Safe Routes to School program that includes sidewalk and curb work, phased shared-path construction on Huntacrest Way and near-term installation of rectangular rapid flashing beacons (RRFBs) at school crossings.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6344443,"Mercer Island Schools Foundation reports record fundraising, expands grants and staffing",341,112000,453000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2250883-5c521b1dd524f845cba97b1a29d58c34&start=112&end=453","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2250883-5c521b1dd524f845cba97b1a29d58c34/thumbnail_112000.jpg","/articles/6344443/Washington/Mercer-Island-Schools-Foundation-reports-record-fundraising-expands-grants-and-staffing","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6344443-b58fc707a5c18353af1e0f1306779ad4/orig.mp4?Expires=1770703134&Signature=jn6TpgsNfzA9JakSzOkjXIQZWa9PnNmi9a1uw7BvtLHn7BmVUkoJ6MlBniGOijGrtVgDy-D8ZAd3CYUqafoFRAhLyeh8aRFMUwhiKVR1A7tHAx~JYTypvWlO2wg93Le5ybusPWo674jIoD7wgmoZ~pf2ulfrjAhfFaygwnbp7yWReoi-GMs~BJ5733BuBCeANFifjXxQNrDWSlGRYm517z56a2x2yfu25rQRd7zv75IMirrOCSFxk27d4MNBzTVMUG9ODVCrRZiJvrC19P-TGCC7vsotuuU3OjAhErRCdxksgJ7amvFROth9tjGK146O6Go-2Nv~5NHdpA~VGa2Aug__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Tammy Chase, executive director of the Mercer Island Schools Foundation, told attendees the foundation raised a record $623,000 during its September–December All In for Kids fall campaign and had reached $756,000 as of the meeting day, roughly $200,000 more than the same time last year.

Chase said the foundation awarded 74 teacher grants this year, spending $85,500 — nine grants more and more funding than the prior year — and that the fall event raised $182,000 in gross proceeds, including about $25,000 in sponsorships. She also reported the foundation received a $100,000 gift this season and referenced prior large gifts that helped build reserves.

The foundation is adding staff: Chase said the organization recently hired a development manager and a database manager to support donor outreach and data cleanup. She said the group plans student-centered storytelling for the spring fundraising breakfast, will continue an art contest for students, and is running a Valentine’s fundraiser that sends cards and small gifts to teachers for donations above a set level.

On legacy giving and naming, Chase said a community committee has developed an approach that would recognize one or two individuals annually “who’ve left a legacy in the district.” She said the committee’s draft would separate recognition from direct financial commitments but could provide a channel for donors who wish to make gifts linked to a particular program or facility. Chase emphasized the committee’s work has not been presented to, or voted on by, the school board and said the next step is a study-session presentation to the board.

Board members and meeting participants recommended continuing translation and outreach efforts for events, using student hosts at the breakfast and expanding social-media outreach. Chase asked trustees and city representatives to help amplify foundation posts and to refer potential board candidates.

The foundation presentation concluded with a request for volunteers to help with new-family outreach and other event support, and with an invitation to the district breakfast that the foundation organizes as a major spring fundraiser.","At a joint school–city meeting, foundation leaders said the Mercer Island Schools Foundation raised record amounts in its fall campaign, awarded 74 teacher grants and is expanding staff and outreach while exploring a facility-naming policy for legacy recognition.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

School board seeks support for $165 million bond to address aging facilities; pro and con committees appointed

City and schools plan education push as e-bike and scooter use rises among students

City outlines Safe Routes to School projects, timelines and near-term crosswalk installations

Mercer Island Schools Foundation reports record fundraising, expands grants and staffing