Good morning, Mercer Island. We have a cloudy start to the weekend ahead of us, but hold out for Sunday when the sun breaks through and temperatures climb into the 80s. In local news, passionate community testimony has prompted the school district to rethink planned changes to the Crest Learning Center. Here's the latest on school board updates, zoning changes, and what's happening around town.
Top News
- Community speaks out to save Crest Learning Center - Dozens of people shared passionate testimony at the latest school board meeting, prompting the district to reconsider planned cuts to the alternative high school program. (via Andy Nystrom)
- Joel McHale helps raise nearly $1M for local schools - The actor and 1991 Mercer Island High School graduate emceed the annual Breakfast of Champions, drawing over 550 people to fund school programs. (via Andy Nystrom)
- Murder suspects' pre-trial hearings pushed to June - The two people charged with the 2024 murder of a 74-year-old Mercer Island man will now face their omnibus hearings on June 4. (via Reporter Staff)
- MIPA Circus celebrates 60th anniversary - The Mercer Island Preschool Association tradition brought petting zoos, reptiles, and bouncy houses to Islander Middle School over the weekend. (via Andy Nystrom)
- Police transport subject for possible overdose - Recent police blotter activity also includes a $3,980 forged check and the theft of an e-bike and camping gear from an unsecured garage on East Mercer Way. (via Reporter Staff)
This Week in the Neighborhood
Featured
- Mercer Island Art Walk - Stroll through various venues across Mercer Island to see local artwork Friday evening, May 1 from 5:00pm to 8:00pm. (via events12.com)
- Community Baby Shower - New and expectant parents are invited to this family-friendly gathering, with music and activities for kids on Sunday, May 3. (via mercerisland.gov)
- Friends of the Mercer Island Library Spring Mini Book Sale - The popular mini book sale returns to the Mercer Island Library on Tuesday, May 5 from 5:00pm to 8:00pm. (via kcls.org)
Other Local Events
- Spring Play Performance - Students take the stage at the MIHS Performing Arts Center on Friday, May 1. (via mercerislandschools.org)
- MIHS Horticulture/Crest Plant Sale, Public - The annual public plant sale hosted by MIHS Horticulture opens at the Crest Greenhouse on Saturday, May 2. (via mercerislandschools.org)
- Tech Support for Older Adults - Get help with your technology questions and devices at the Mercer Island Library on Saturday, May 2 from 3:00pm to 4:30pm. (via kcls.org)
- City Council Regular Hybrid Meeting - The council meets Tuesday, May 5 at 5:00pm. (via mercerisland.gov)
Got an event? Hit reply with a link, or add it here. Neighborhood, library, school, Eventbrite - anything works.
What's Coming
- Mercer Island considers new zoning rules for Town Center and housing - The City Council advanced changes to its comprehensive plan, including new inclusionary zoning rules and Town Center land-use limits, to meet a state compliance deadline. (via patch.com)
- City of Mercer Island must update Comprehensive Plan by July 2026 - The city is required to update its Comprehensive Plan to comply with a Growth Management Hearings Board decision on land capacity and anti-displacement measures. (via mercerislandschools.org)
School Board This Week
- Student Safety Committee Recommends Policy Changes - The Mercer Island School District's Student Safety & Well-Being Committee presented a progress report, including recommendations for updated technology and communication policies. (via youtube.com)
- Community Testimony Saves Crest Learning Center Program - Mercer Island families and students successfully advocated at a school board meeting to preserve the Crest Learning Center's alternative program, leading officials to rework plans. (via patch.com)
- Katie Gallagher Named New Islander Middle School Principal - Katie Gallagher was introduced as the new principal of Islander Middle School. (via mi-reporter.com)
- Board President and Superintendent Host Community Conversation - Mercer Island School District announced a "Save the Date" for a community conversation with Board President Stephanie Burnett and Superintendent Dr. Fred Rundle. (via mercerislandschools.org)
- MIHS VEX Robotics Team Wins Judges Award at World Championship - A team of four Mercer Island High School students earned a Judges Award at the 2026 VEX Robotics High School World Championship in St. Louis, Missouri. (via mercerislandschools.org)
Weather Outlook
Expect a cloudy start to the weekend with highs in the mid-70s on Friday and Saturday. The sun will break through just in time for Sunday, bringing a high near 81 degrees that carries over into a warm, sunny Monday.
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