In this episode of Mercer Matters, I sit down with Superintendent Dr. Fred Rundle to break down the upcoming EP&O (Enrichment Programs and Operations) levy on the ballot for February 10. We cover the basics—what the levy funds, how it fits into school financing in Washington state, and the differences between levies and bonds. Dr. Rundle shares a fact-based overview from his perspective as district leader, including how the levy supports day-to-day operations like staffing, class sizes, nurses, intervention teachers, electives, and the seven-period day at the high school. We also touch on enrollment trends, budget challenges, and what happens if the levy doesn't pass.

This conversation aims to give Mercer Island residents the info they need to make an informed vote—no spin, just the details. If you're a parent, taxpayer, or community member, this one's worth a listen as ballots are already in mailboxes.

Check out previous episodes on the school bond measure for more context. Subscribe to stay updated on local issues that matter.

2026 Mercer Island School District EP&O Levy Discussion with Dr. Fred Rundle

In this episode of the Mercer Matters Podcast, I speak with Julie Hsieh, candidate for Mercer Island City Council (Position 7). Julie discusses her journey as a physician, small-business owner, and community volunteer, and outlines her priorities: ensuring fiscal responsibility while maintaining core city services and infrastructure, supporting a vibrant town center and local businesses, fostering public safety, and promoting civic engagement—especially through the arts and neighborhood partnerships.

To learn more about Julie Hsieh’s campaign for Mercer Island City Council Position 7, visit: http://www.julieformicity.org

Julie Hsieh - Candidate for Mercer Island City Council Position 7

I sit down with Stephanie Burnett, longtime Mercer Island resident and MISD alum, to discuss her path from systems engineer on the F-35 program to aviation attorney and school volunteer (room parent, PTA president at Lakeridge, and most recently IMS PTSA president). With three children—one MIHS grad, one at IMS, and one at Hamlin Robinson—Stephanie outlines priorities shaped by both parent and board-room perspectives: restoring trust and civility, clearer communication and transparency, and steady fiscal stewardship through tight budgets.

We cover her focus on meeting students where they are: strengthening math pathways and appropriate acceleration, taking a hard look at how tools like i-Ready are used and supplemented, and expanding supports for language-based learning differences (including the dyslexia pilot). She shares views on right-sizing future bond proposals, setting clear safety protocols and expectations following the Twombly case, and calibrating technology (cell phones, iPads, AI) by grade with consistent guidance. Stephanie closes on opportunities ahead—especially in math, literacy supports, and thriving arts/music—while emphasizing community engagement and data-informed decisions.
stephanieformischools.com [https://stephanieformischools.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com].

Stephanie Burnett - Candidate for Mercer Island School Board Position 4

I sit down with Julian Bradley, unopposed candidate for Mercer Island School Board (Position 2), to discuss his decade of volunteering in the district—from classroom reading programs to serving on the PTA and PTA Council. Julian talks about his personal journey to Mercer Island, his experience raising two children (one in high school, one in middle school), and how his involvement has shaped his views on district policy and communication.

The conversation explores three key themes: funding challenges (especially the role of the operations levy and state contributions), academic priorities and gap-filling, and parent–school transparency and tech systems (like ParentSquare). Julian also shares his perspective on open enrollment as a tool to preserve course diversity in high school and weighs in on how future bonds might be structured. For more on his candidacy, visit bradleyforboard.com

Julian Bradley - Candidate for Mercer Island School Board Position 2

I speak with Rob O’Callahan, candidate for Mercer Island School Board (Position 4), about his background in software engineering and AI, his family’s experience at Island Park, and the issues he sees in the district. We discuss his concerns about curriculum rigor (including math and heavy iPad use), student-safety governance following the Twombly case, and financial transparency.

Rob outlines why he believes trust needs to be rebuilt—with emphasis on student-facing staffing (nurses, librarians), enrollment recovery, and clearer prioritization of capital projects after the recent bond’s failure. He shares a cautious view of introducing AI tools in earlier grades, and highlights goals around literacy, extended writing, and updating assessment tools. More about his campaign: https://rob4mischools.com/ [https://rob4mischools.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com]

Rob O'Callahan - Candidate for Mercer Island School Board Position 4

On the November ballot, Proposition 1 would authorize $103.16 million in bonds to build a new Public Safety & Maintenance Facility — replacing aging, scattered, and often failing public works, police, and emergency operations infrastructure. 

In this episode, I sit down with Deputy Mayor Dave Rosenbaum, longtime Mercer Island Councilmember, parent, and community advocate, for a deep dive into why he supports a “Yes” vote. We talk about:

 * the structural and operational risks of existing facilities
 * how new design standards (e.g. seismic resilience, efficient layouts) protect public safety and civic services
 * the long-term cost vs. repair trade-offs
 * how this project fits into Mercer Island’s vision for sustainable growth and resilient infrastructure

To read more about the bond measure and facility plan, see the City’s project page here:
https://letstalk.mercergov.org/21665/widgets/94539/documents/73809 [https://letstalk.mercergov.org/21665/widgets/94539/documents/73809?utm_source=chatgpt.com]

Dave Rosenbaum - Vote Yes on on Proposition 1 Public Maintenance and Safety Building

On the ballot this November: Proposition 1, a proposed $103 million Public Safety & Maintenance Building  intended to house both the city’s public works and police operations. In this episode, I sit down with Mike Cero, Mercer Island resident, former City Council member, and spokesperson for the Vote No campaign.

Listen in for Mike’s view on the project’s costs, its impact on taxpayers, and how he thinks Mercer Island should approach public investment.

🔗 Learn more about the Vote No campaign here: https://www.miforss.com

Mike Cero - Vote No on Proposition 1 Public Maintenance and Safety Building

In this episode of the Mercer Matters podcast, Ben interviews Adam Ragheb who is running for for Mercer Island City Council Position 7.  In this discussion, we talk about issues facing Mercer Island residents including Proposition 1 for the construction of a new Public Safety and Maintenance Building, Adam's extensive experience on the planning commission, housing density on Mercer Island and his concerns about public safety on Mercer Island.

You can learn more about Adam Rahheb on his website https://www.adam-ragheb.com/

Adam Ragheb - Candidate for Mercer Island City Council Position 7

In this episode of the Mercer Matters podcast, Ben interviews Lisa Anderl who is running for re-election for Mercer Island City Council.  In this discussion, we talk about issues facing Mercer Island residents including Proposition 1 for the construction of a new Public Safety and Maintenance Building, Lisa's vision for the future of the Town Center, public safety and an overview of the financial situation of the City of Mercer Island.

You can learn more about Lisa Anderl at her website https://www.lisaformi.com/

Lisa Anderl - 2025 Election for Mercer Island City Council Position 6

In the final episode of our three-part series on the $165 million Mercer Island School Bond Measure, we sit down with Jennifer McLellan from the Vote Yes campaign. With the April 2025 vote fast approaching, Jennifer breaks down the bond’s potential impact.

Mercer Matters delivers what you need: no-nonsense discussions with key players on both sides of this critical issue. Our goal? To arm you with the facts for an informed decision.

Missed the earlier episodes? Check out Dr. Fred Rundle’s perspective as Superintendent and Mike Cero’s Vote No take to get the complete story. Subscribe now and join us as we close out this deep dive into what’s next for Mercer Island’s schools!

Mercer Matters Podcast: Episode 3 – Jennifer McLellan on Why Yes Matters for the 2025 School Bond

Hosted by Ben Sharpe, "Mercer Matters" is your local source for candid conversations with candidates running for office right here on Mercer Island. Each episode introduces you to the people who aspire to shape our community, providing a platform for them to discuss their views on key local issues—ranging from education to city planning. Our aim is to foster informed dialogue and community involvement so that when election day arrives, you'll have the insights you need to cast your vote. Simple, down-to-earth, and undeniably Mercer Island—this is "Mercer Matters."

Ben Sharpe

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