Issaquah adopts a smaller operating budget amid enrollment decline

What happened

The Board unanimously adopted a $415 million 2026-27 general-fund budget after officials described right-sizing work, roughly 3,000 fewer students since the pandemic, rising costs, and state-funding gaps.

Why it matters to families

Enrollment-based revenue is falling while staffing, special education, transportation, insurance, and facility costs do not fall at the same pace.

The evidence

The August 13 budget hearing identified the $415 million general fund, down from $417 million, and described enrollment and cost pressures. The August 27 approved minutes record unanimous adoption of Resolution 1270.

The source