Superintendent Rundle Message On MISD Thriving and May Recognitions

Dear Mercer Island School District Community,

As we enter the final stretch of the school year, I want to take a moment to reflect, acknowledge, and celebrate. Spring is a season of renewal—and this May, our schools are alive with learning, achievement, and pride.

First, thank you to everyone who participated in the recent school bond election. While 56.5% of voters supported the measure—a strong show of confidence—it fell just short of the 60% supermajority required to pass. I understand this result brings a mix of emotions, and I want to assure you that the conversation is far from over. The School Board will discuss next steps during their upcoming Study Session on May 29 and again on June 16. These meetings will be recorded and open to the public, and I encourage you to tune in.

In the meantime, I remain committed to doing what I was hired to do: connect with community members from across the spectrum of perspectives, collaborate with our internal team on thoughtful, transparent planning, and remind all of us why Mercer Island schools continue to be the best investment in our shared future—whether you measure that by real estate value, community pride, or educational opportunity.

At this year’s Mercer Island Schools Foundation Breakfast of Champions, I had the chance to spotlight a truth that too often gets lost amid the noise of national and local debates: our students are thriving, and our district is setting the pace for others to follow.

But don’t just take my word for it—consider these remarkable facts:

Did You Know?

• In 2012, MIHS students took 469 AP tests. This May, over 1,500 AP tests will be taken.
• All four of our elementary schools were recognized by the Washington School Recognition Program—and two received an additional honor for extraordinary growth in 2023–24.
• KMIH 88.9 The Bridge, our high school radio station, was named the Best High School Radio Station in the Nation—by two different national organizations.
• The MIPA Circus drew the largest crowd in its 58-year history just a couple of weeks ago.
• For the second year in a row, an IMS student was honored in the New York Times Tiny Memoir Contest, rising above thousands of global entries.
• Despite lower enrollment at IMS than in the previous decade, more high school Algebra and Geometry classes are being offered than ever before.
• The narrative that “students are leaving the district” is not supported by the data:
  • The rate of students leaving from one year to the next is lower than pre-COVID.
  • Excluding kindergarten, twice as many students are enrolling as leaving.
  • Roughly 12% of Island-resident students attend school elsewhere—a number consistent with pre-pandemic years.
• Financially, our district has been turning the corner:
  • Since 2022–23, we’ve moved from a negative fund balance to a $3.6 million reserve.
  • While this doesn’t yet cover a full month of operating costs, it marks three straight years of growth, even as nearby districts face deficit spending and state oversight.
• A recent MIHS graduate—just 23 years old—appeared on CNN last week in her role as Assistant Editor for The Atlantic, discussing the future of AI in a story she wrote titled “The Gen Z Lifestyle Subsidy”.
• Our annual Educational Effectiveness Survey (EES) shows parent feedback is up:
  • “This school is doing a good job of preparing my student for a successful future” rose by 13%.
  • “Teachers listen when I share concerns” rose by 10%.
• And most importantly, the EES shows our students feel known and challenged:
  • 94% say they have a trusted adult at school.
  • 95% feel their teachers provide lessons and activities that challenge them to learn.

Student Health and Nurse Update

We know that student health and safety are foundational to learning. That’s why, throughout the month of May, a dedicated team of school nurses, administrators, and other staff members is meeting regularly to develop a new health room model—one that prioritizes student needs first, rather than being based solely on the number of school buildings.

This work is being approached with great care. Let me be clear: we will not sacrifice student safety. But if there are ways to maintain strong, even enhanced, support for students while using our resources more efficiently and cost-effectively, we will pursue them. Our goal is to provide the right care, in the right place, at the right time—for every student who needs it.

You can expect another update on this important work at the beginning of June.

Horticulture and Advanced Horticulture Hosting the Annual CREST Plant Sale

Spring is in full bloom, and so is the Annual Crest Plant Sale, hosted by our Horticulture and Advanced Horticulture students. One weekend is already in the books—but plenty of inventory remains! Under the expert leadership of our Horticulture teacher, Elysse Forester, this year’s sale is more vibrant than ever.

Come visit the Crest Learning Center greenhouses on Saturday, May 17, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM and see the incredible work of our students firsthand. Whether you're looking for flowers, vegetables, or native plants, there's something for every gardener and green thumb.

Recognizing and Celebrating Together

The month of May offers us many important opportunities to celebrate, honor, and reflect as a school community. These observances remind us of who we are, what we value, and how we can continue to grow together with empathy, curiosity, and respect.

Mental Health Awareness Month is a time to shine a light on the emotional well-being of students, staff, and families. Promoting mental health is not only about responding when someone is struggling—it’s also about creating a culture of openness, connection, and proactive support. At Mercer Island, we are committed to ensuring every student knows they are seen, supported, and never alone.

I would be remiss not to acknowledge our friends, colleagues, and collaborators from Mercer Island Youth and Family Services. The eight MIYFS counselors in our schools provide essential support to the well-being of our students.

Jewish American Heritage Month celebrates the many contributions of Jewish Americans to our nation's history, culture, and progress. For our students, it is a chance to learn about resilience, creativity, and leadership through the lens of Jewish American stories—past and present. It also affirms our district’s commitment to standing against antisemitism and honoring the diverse identities that strengthen our community.

Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month honors the rich traditions, achievements, and lived experiences of AAPI individuals and communities. From science and the arts to civil rights and public service, AAPI Americans have played vital roles in shaping our country and our local community. This month invites students and staff to deepen their understanding, challenge stereotypes, and celebrate the cultures and voices of our AAPI neighbors, classmates, and friends.

Memorial Day, observed on the last Monday in May, is a solemn occasion to remember and honor those who have died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. It is a day of gratitude and reflection, and within our schools, we aim to help students understand the meaning of service, sacrifice, and civic responsibility.

These are just a few of the stories and values that define us—not just as a school district, but as a caring, engaged, and forward-looking community. Let’s carry this momentum into the final weeks of the year with pride and optimism. Mercer Island’s future remains bright, and together, we will continue to build a district where every student thrives.

With appreciation and hope,

Fred