Volunteers for Issaquah School (VIS) was formed in 1977 by individual community members as a Non Profit 501c4 organization that works to promote passage of Issaquah School District bond and levy issues.
We are run entirely by community volunteers.
Why Does VIS Exist?
It is costly for a school district to place a bond or levy issue on a ballot and those costs are paid by general funds. So it is important to get information out to voters and successfully pass bonds and levies when they are placed. Responsibly, financial resources of school districts can only be used to place the ballot issue and to provide information and facts related to the ballot measures only. School districts are prohibited by law from using school resources to actively promote the passage of bonds and levies.
Under Washington State law bonds require a super majority (60 %) and levies a simple majority (50 %) to pass.
Therefore, it is our organization’s sole purpose to actively promote and campaign for the passage of Issaquah School District Bonds and Levies.
Issaquah School District is one of the most fiscally responsible school districts in the country. Issaquah School District (ISD) received the Moody’s AAA rating which is given to less than one percent of all school districts in the United States. The district has the lowest administrative costs as a percentage of our budget than any other school district in King County. ISD manages our bond & levy dollars effectively.
How Are Contributions to VIS Used?
Most campaign costs are related to delivering information about the ballot proposals and to increasing voter turnout. Costs include printing/postage for campaign literature, newspaper advertisements, yard signs, buttons & magnets and voter registration. Bond & levy campaigns that are successful are supported financially by community members who understand the vital role of quality public education for the overall well-being of the community. All donations and expenditures are reported to the Public Disclosure Commission in Olympia. Records are available for inspection upon request.
How Can You Help?
Be an advocate for public education within the Issaquah Schools community. In addition to making an important financial contribution, opportunities exist for volunteers to help with campaign strategy, fundraising, voter registration, mailings, yard signs and honk & wave. You can also share information and your support for the campaigns by talking to neighbors, homeowner associations, speak at community meetings, and sharing on your social media.
Vote to support education. Endorse the bond or levy. Donate money to the campaign.Sign up to help with the campaign when asked. Talk to your friends and neighbors about the benefits of passing the bonds and levies, and make sure they are all registered to vote.
To learn more, please visit the VIS website.