Mercer Island has a long-standing tradition of raising great students who go on to do amazing things for our community, country, and world. We have proven that investment in our children’s future through exceptional, local education pays off for all islanders.

Our district is facing a significant budget shortfall for the 2017-2018 school year due to several factors. The most significant factor is the state of Washington’s failure to provide adequate funding to our schools. Mercer Island is one of the lowest-ranking districts in per-pupil funding in the state. We rank 291 out of 300 districts.  Again, our community investment in excellence for education is under threat. The Mercer Island School District recently presented proposed budget cuts of $2.1 million to the Mercer Island School Board.

At risk are:

• 17-18 teachers across all 6 schools
• 3 administrators
• Class programs
• Corresponding increase in class size

The impact of losing 17 to 18 teachers would be detrimental, causing selected classes to grow in size and compromising educational programming.

The central pillar to our community’s vitality is our exceptional school system, which ranks as one of the best in the state.  As a community, we can take control and decide we don’t have to wait for the legislature to make a decision.  Together, we have the ability to keep our excellent teachers, keep class sizes low, and continue to provide a world-class education to every student.

The Mercer Island community can save some, perhaps even all, of our teachers if we commit to rally around our students and bridge the gap through community investment to the Mercer Island Schools Foundation BRIDGE l 2017 Campaign.

Your investment in the next generation of leaders, innovators and citizens is the key.  In order to fulfill the promised quality of teaching and learning, our schools depend on the success of the Mercer Island Schools Foundation’s BRIDGE l 2017 Campaign.

The BRIDGE l 2017 Campaign kicks off with the “Breakfast of Champions” on Tuesday, April 25th at the Mercer Island High School.  Join us to celebrate outstanding, students, and teachers.  Meet the 2017 Mercer Island Pathfinders, graduates who started on this tiny Island and are now changing the world. Learn more about the programs that benefit every Mercer Island student, in every classroom, every day, and how you make quality education a reality for every student.

Throughout the spring, exciting community events will be taking place across the Island. Watch for individual school and community events hosted by the Mercer Island Schools Foundation. Join the fun, catch the spirit, and show your strong commitment to Mercer Island schools.