Issaquah board hears capital projects update; high school site work to begin April 1, Maple Hills roof prioritized

Capital projects staff told the Issaquah School Board on March 26 that site work for the district's new high school is scheduled to begin April 1 after issuance of the required site-work permit, with a pre-construction meeting set and a target opening in August 2027.

Tom Mullins and Martin Tourney outlined critical-repairs projects funded by the recently approved 2026 critical-repairs levy (collections begin in 2027). Early priorities include vestibule upgrades at multiple high schools and a full roof replacement at Maple Hills Elementary.

Staff reported progress on 2022-levy projects such as multiple roof repairs; they said an energy-efficiency grant at one high school totaled approximately $850,000 with the district's match around $150,000 (project total near $1,000,000) and noted measurable energy savings.

Directors raised an urgent operational matter: water damage the preceding Monday left a kindergarten classroom at Maple Hills inhabitable. Board members asked whether remaining 2022-levy funds or board reserves could accelerate a full reroof. Staff said around $600,000 remains in the roofing portion of the 2022 levy but the full reroof is approximately $3.5 million; maintenance patches and an open purchase order were in place to keep classrooms usable until replacement.

Staff also reported that the capital projects oversight committee has about 26 members with typical meeting attendance of 14-18 and that an oversight meeting is scheduled for May 12. Presentations and project materials are posted on the district website for public review.

Next steps: staff will proceed with the upcoming site work for the new high school, coordinate the Maple Hills repair/priority scheduling and report progress to the oversight committee and the board in future updates.