MISD Board Meeting Recap – March 26, 2026

MIHS creative arts magazine Pegasus students and staff with the Board as they were recognized at the meeting for receiving two First Class Ratings from two different scholastic organizations.

Mercer Island, WA, March 27, 2026 – The Mercer Island School District School Board held a Regular Meeting on Thursday, March 26 at the District's Administration Building. Board Director Julian Bradley did not attend the meeting.

View Board Meeting Agenda

The Board meeting started at 5pm in the District Administration Building with Board Announcements, Inquiries, and Reports.

Board Announcements, Inquiries, and Reports

Director Burnett – Director Burnett spoke about hosting the Fine Arts Showcase on Wednesday at MIHS and how exciting and nice it was to see all the performances by MISD students. She spoke about working on the Student Safety and Well-Being Committee and upcoming updates to the community. She attended Gator 4 A Night and enjoyed seeing fifth grade students exploring Islander Middel School.

Director Lee – Director Lee complimented Director Burnett on hosting the Fine Arts Showcase on Wednesday. She attended a conference with Washington State auditors that audit MISD annually.

Director Martinez – Director Martinez spoke about working with the Student Safety & Well-Being Committee. She spoke about how Washington State is one of 10 states that elects the State Superintendent of Public Instruction, as opposed to being appointed, and how this is special for Washington. Martinez attended the Fine Arts Showcase on Tuesday to view all the visual arts creations by MISD students.  

Director Tucker – Director Tucker attended the Lakeridge PAC meeting and the IMS production of High School Musical Jr. She was impressed by the Fine Arts Showcase and how hard students work to perform musical pieces and visual arts pieces and how hard staff work to produce the event.

After Board Director announcements the Board took up nine items on the Partial Governance Process Monitoring agenda and one item on the Full Governance Process Monitoring agenda.

1. Board Policy 1800 OE-10: Instructional Program - Core Curriculum Adoption for the 2026-2027 School Year (English 12 - Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi) (1st rdg)

Board Policy 1800 OE-10 calls for the Superintendent to, "Bring all textbook and instructional materials that require board approval, as described in Board Policy 2020, as a discussion item prior to a vote and notify the Board when core materials have new editions representing cumulatively significant changes from previously approved materials." As such, MIHS administrators in partnership with the English Department and MIHS Librarian presented for discussion the adoption of a new core text for English 12 and English 12 - Race in Literature. This was a first reading and if agreed to by the Board could be approved at this Board meeting or at the next regular meeting in April.

The proposed text is Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi. Homegoing is an award-winning piece of historical fiction. The book tells the story of two sisters and their descendants as they journey from Ghana to the plantations of Mississippi, through the Civil War, and into Jazz era Harlem. Spanning eight generations, readers see the different lives of the family as they move through the chains of oppression, fighting to find a place in the world. This book will complement the historical narratives read in both English 12 - Critical Composition and English 12 - Race in Literature and is an engaging, accessible book for all learners. There is a need in English 12 courses for a new narrative text that provides historical context and facilitates critical conversations about contemporary issues. This text will increase students' exposure to nonfiction literature that complements historical fiction narratives and provides an opportunity for rhetorical analysis of narrative structure and use of symbolism. Homegoing will also be used as a framework for historical research and synthesis writing, a college-readiness skill.

A copy of Homegoing was available for preview at the District Administration Building, and the texts were highlighted on the District and MIHS websites. Access to a feedback form was also made available to allow community members to provide comments on the recommended text.

Board Discussion, Action, and/or Recommendations

Director of High School Jamie Prescott and MIHS English teachers Anne Fillmore and Carrie Thompson spoke to the Board about the English department’s process for adopting Homegoing. Directors asked questions about the book and spoke about reading the book and how it will be received by high school students. The Board voted 4-0 and the Student Representatives voted 2-0 to adopt Homegoing as a core curriculum for the 2026-27 school year.

2. Board Policy 1800 OE-10: Instructional Program - Core Curriculum Adoption for the 2026-2027 School Year (AP Cybersecurity - Computer Security: Principles and Practice by William Stallings) (1st rdg)

Board Policy 1800 OE-10 calls for the Superintendent to, "Bring all textbook and instructional materials that require board approval, as described in Board Policy 2020, as a discussion item prior to a vote and notify the Board when core materials have new editions representing cumulatively significant changes from previously approved materials." As such, MIHS administrators in partnership with the CCR/CTE Department and MIHS Computer Science presented for discussion the adoption of a new core text for the AP Cybersecurity course. This was a first reading and if agreed to by the Board could be approved at this Board meeting or at the next regular meeting in April.

The proposed textbook, Computer Security: Principles and Practice (fourth edition), is a comprehensive, highly-regarded textbook and reference guide covering the foundational principles, technologies, and management aspects of cybersecurity. It offers a detailed, up-to-date survey of threats, defenses, cryptography, network security, and software vulnerabilities. This material is well-suited as a main textbook for an AP-level cybersecurity class because it provides a comprehensive, balanced, and current survey of both theoretical principles and practical application. It covers core topics in the ACM/IEEE Computer Science Curricula and is considered a foundational text. It also provides hands-on practice projects, labs, and case studies. MIHS plans to offer the text as a digital resource that students can use without a physical copy to avoid limiting ever-changing content and the skills required in the world of technology and AI advancements.

A copy of Computer Security: Principles and Practice was available for preview at the District Administration Building, and the texts were highlighted on the District and MIHS websites. Access to a feedback form was also made available to allow community members to provide comments on the recommended text.

Board Discussion, Action, and/or Recommendations

Director of High School Jamie Prescott and MIHS and IMS CTE teacher Michael Hughes spoke to the Board about Computer Security: Principles and Practice and why the book should be adopted for a new AP Cybersecurity class at MIHS. Hughes and Prescott answered questions from the Board about the book and the AP Cybersecurity class. The Board voted 4-0 and the Student Representatives voted 2-0 to adopt the AP Cybersecurity Computer Security: Principles and Practice book as a core curriculum for the 2026-27 school year.

After the two curriculum adoptions the Board took up the single item on the Full Governance Process Monitoring agenda.

3. Board Policy 1800 OE-11: Facilities and Capital Assets (L-1)

The Board conducted its annual monitoring of Board Policy 1800, Operational Expectations 11 (OE-11), Facilities and Capital Assets. The Administrative Report of Compliance was reviewed for a  determination of compliance.

Board Discussion, Action, and/or Recommendations

District staff presented the Administrative Report of Compliance. The Board voted 4-0 and the Student Representatives voted 2-0 that the Superintendent was in compliance with Board Policy 1800 OE-11: Facilities and Capital Assets.

There were seven items on the Partial Governance Process Monitoring agenda after the monitoring of Board Policy 1800, Operational Expectations 11 (OE-11).

4. Board Policy 1800 OE-11: Facilities and Capital Assets - Preliminary Bond Discussion

Mercer Island showed strong support for the April 2025 bond but approval felt short of 60%. The failed bond would have made capital investments into MIHS, IMS, safety, accessibility, and preservation of assets. The funding needed for the projects was $165 million.

Through Board Policy 1800 OE-11, the Board expects the Superintendent to:

• Establish a schedule and set priorities for capital construction, replacement, renovation and maintenance projects. In setting those priorities, the Superintendent will:
  • Assign highest priority to the correction of unsafe conditions.
  • Schedule maintenance as necessary to enable facilities to reach or exceed their intended life.
  • Disclose assumptions on which the schedule and priorities are developed, including growth patterns, and the financial and human capital impact individual projects will have on other parts of the organization and Operational Expectations.

Accordingly, the Superintendent and staff team provided information to the Board regarding the maintenance or significant capital improvements they believe should be considered in the short, mid, and long term. Board direction will help the team prepare a more complete recommendation for consideration in fall 2026.

Board Discussion, Action, and/or Recommendations

The Board asked District staff questions and held a discussion. The Board stopped their discussion after about 15 minutes to do three student recognitions and then returned to the discussion after student recognitions. Superintendent Rundle took notes on the discussion and will be bringing back answers to questions Board Directors had. No action was taken by Board.

Three different student groups were recognized at the Board meeting.

Recognition

MIHS Wrestling – Superintendent Rundle recognized MIHS wrestlers Emerson Woods and Luke Sincock for winning 3A State Wrestling Championships. Woods, a sophomore, won the girls 110-pound championship and Sincock, a senior, won the boys 175-pound championship.

MIHS Boys Swim and Dive – Superintendent Rundle recognized MIHS sophomores Luke Dunn and Connor Carsons for winning 3A State Championships in swimming and diving. Dunn won the 3A Championship in the 200 IM and 500 free. His time in the 500 free, 4:28.89 is a new MIHS record. Carson won the 1-meter diving 3A State Championship.

 

Pegasus Fine Arts Magazine – Superintendent Rundle recognized the students and staff of the MIHS creative arts magazine Pegasus for being recognized with two First Class Ratings from two different scholastic organizations. The 2024-25 issue of Pegasus received a REALM First Class magazine rating by the National Council of Teachers of English. The second First Class rating is from the National Scholastic Press Association and includes a Mark of Distinction for Writing and Editing. This is the third consecutive year Pegasus has earned First Class honors from REALM, and the second consecutive year they have received the top National Scholastic Press Association rating. These two national programs recognize the best high school literary magazines in the country.

After Recognitions the Board took up the remaining six items on the Partial Governance Process Monitoring agenda.

5. Board Policy 1800 OE-7: Financial Administration - 2025-2026 Financial Dashboard and January and February 2026 Budget Status Reports

District staff presented the financial dashboard for the fiscal year beginning September 1, 2025, through February 28, 2026, as well as the January and February 2026 financial reports. Additionally, a summary of finances through the end of December 2026 is available below.

Notes to the Financial Dashboard - Finances through February 28, 2026

• We’re through February, or 50% of the (fiscal/school) year.
• Expenditures are at 49.6%, or slightly under the 50% month-over-month comparison.
• Revenues are at 47.9%, this is under the 50% measure, due to .5% less apportionment in January, limited federal reimbursements for grants received in February and reduced Cap/Tech transfers to the General Fund.

Expenditures

• Basic Education, increase due to substitute costs and additional leave replacement contracts.
• Support & Community Services, increase due to a larger food services contracted payment, though this is a pass-through as costs are offset by meal payments/student fees.  Additionally, increase in charter/transportation bus services and utility payments for sewer and storm water fees. 

Revenues

• State Apportionment, increase from January to February due to the Apportionment Advance.
• Federal Grants, we see a decrease month-over-month due to minor receipt of federally reimbursable grant dollars in February.  It is not unusual; we will receive that added revenue in March/April.
• Other, there was -$13,788, which was for the sale of a surplus bus.  This revenue was then transferred to the Transportation Vehicle Fund (TVF) out of the General Fund as we are not allowed to directly deposit revenue into the TVF.     

Monthly Fund Balance / Cash-on-Hand

• The fund balance, at the end of February, was $1,882,553.  Year-over-year, this is an increase of +$1,976,246.  This is due to the Apportionment Advance received at the end of February.

Board Discussion, Action, and/or Recommendations

District staff presented financial dashboard and financial statements to the Board. The Board asked questions of District staff. No action was taken by the Board.

6. Board Policy 1800 OE-7: Financial Administration - Property Tax Report

District staff reviewed 2026 property tax rates and the proportion of total property taxes allocated to the school district, including information on levy assessments. Information on 2025 property tax rates was also presented to the Board for reference.

Board Discussion, Action, and/or Recommendations

District staff presented property tax information to the Board. No action was taken by Board.

7. Board Policy 1800 OE-9: Communication and Support to the Board - Proposed Revisions to Board Policy 1400: Meetings (1st rdg)

The Board approved revisions to Board Policy 1400 - Meetings at its meeting on March 12, 2026. At that time, the Board directed the Superintendent to propose additional revisions reflecting guidance on agenda additions, authorized absences and parliamentary procedure. Markup and clean versions of the revised policy taking into account the Board's requests were presented for a first reading.

The Board may take formal action on Board Policy 1400 at this meeting or elect to place this item on the consent agenda for a second reading and formal action at the next regular meeting.

Board Discussion, Action, and/or Recommendations

District staff presented options and information to the Board. The Board discussed edits to the policy and put it on the agenda for a second reading at the next meeting.

8. Board Policy 1800 OE-9: Communication and Support to the Board - Proposed Revisions to Board Policy 1420: Proposed Agenda and Consent Agenda (1st rdg)

Revisions to Board Policy 1400 - Meetings, as noted in the prior agenda item, require updates to Board Policy 1420 - Proposed Agenda and Consent Agenda for consistency. Minor revisions were also made to add clarity around removing items from the consent agenda. Markup and clean versions of the revised policy were presented for a first reading.

The Board had the option to take formal action on Board Policy 1420 during the meeting or elect to place this item on the consent agenda for a second reading and formal action at the next regular meeting.

Board Discussion, Action, and/or Recommendations

The Board voted 4-0 and the Student Representatives voted 2-0 to adopt the revisions to Board Policy 1420 – Proposed Agenda and Consent Agenda.

9. Board Policy 1800 OE-9: Communication and Support to the Board - Report on Non-Staff Budget Reductions for 2026-2027

With 85% of the District's operating budget dedicated to staffing costs, this is an obvious place to look to balance the budget and increase fund balance. However, the District hired these staff members because the investment supports learning. Therefore, the District will present an overview of non-staffing reductions the District has made or will make to mitigate against more significant staffing reductions.

Board Discussion, Action, and/or Recommendations

District staff presented information to the Board on non-staff budget reductions within the District. Superintendent Rundle also presented to the Board information on how MISD compared to neighboring school districts in regard to District administrators and Central Office staff. No action was taken by Board.

10. Board Policy 1800 OE-7: Financial Administration - Draft Resolution No. 754 - 2026-27 Reduced Education Program (Certificated Impact) (1st rdg.)

The Draft Resolution No. 754 sets forth a proposed reduction of 2.5 full-time equivalent (FTE) certificated staff positions across the District. This draft resolution is presented for a first reading and discussion only and does not constitute final Board action. Rather, it is intended to support thoughtful Board review, questions, and deliberation. A second reading, at which the Board may consider taking formal action, is scheduled for the next regular Board meeting currently scheduled for April 23, 2026.

Before recommending any reduction in staffing, the District engaged in a thorough review of its operational and programmatic expenditures and identified and evaluated non-staffing reductions in an effort to lessen impacts on personnel. Staffing reductions are proposed only after those alternatives were determined to be insufficient to meet required budgetary targets.

The resolution establishes the authority to implement reductions but does not require that such authority be exercised. Whether, and to what extent, any reductions are ultimately implemented will depend on several factors, including the availability of additional funding, employee resignations, approved leaves of absence, and other staffing changes that may occur between now and the start of the 2026–27 school year. Please note that reductions achieved through attrition, such as decisions not to fill vacant positions, are not reflected in the 2.5 FTE figure referenced in this summary.

Board Discussion, Action, and/or Recommendations

The Board asked District staff questions and held a discussion. No action was taken by Board.

After the Partial Governance Process Monitoring agenda, the meeting transitioned to Public Input.

Public Input

No community members gave Public Input at this meeting. To find out how you can give Public Input at a future Board meeting visit our Public Input page.

The last three items on the agenda after Public Input for the meeting were the Consent Agenda, Superintendent Report & Announcements, and the Legislative Report.

Consent Agenda – The Consent Agenda was passed 5-0 by the Board and 2-0 by the Student Representatives.

Superintendent Report – Superintendent Rundle updated the Board on the hiring process for the Islander Middle School principal. He thanked the Teaching and Learning Team for the work they are doing in regard to technology in classrooms. Superintendent Rundle informed the Board about trees that were cut down illegally on West Mercer elementary property during mid-winter break and the process with the Mercer Island Police Department to try and identify who cut the trees down. The trees are located on the north side of the property above the downhill driveway into the school parking lot. Rundle spoke to the Board about reaching out to local athletics groups to start partnering with them on student safety and well-being.

Legislative Report – Director Martinez presented a Legislative Report to the Board. The Board held a discussion about a proposed WSSDA Permanent Position around safe learning environments in schools. The Board agreed to put this item on the April 9 special meeting agenda for formal action. 

The meeting adjourned at 8:34pm.

We encourage community members to watch the YouTube recording of the March 26 Board Meeting to learn more about what was discussed by Board Directors. 

To see when the next Board Meeting is visit the Meeting Calendar and Agendas page.

To learn more about MISD’s School Board Directors visit our School Board Information page.