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Capital Levy and Bond Programs

Overview

The Facilities Department works closely with school principals and central office staff to assess Seattle Public Schools' capital improvement needs. These needs receive priority rankings based on following factors:

Health and safety

Building condition

Capacity needs

Educational adequacy

Program improvement

A capital program, schedule, and estimated cost are developed from these rankings and presented to the School Board for approval. The Board introduces approved programs to Seattle voters for appropriate funding.

Building Excellence Programs

The most recent Building Excellence program covers new construction, renovation, or additions at 15 school facilities. Building Excellence II (BEX II), approved by voters in February 2001, continues a previous tax levy with $398 million over six years. The BEX I program completed all 19 projects by January 2003.

For information and updates on both BEX projects, click on the links above.

BTA Programs

Another capital levy program in progress is Buildings, Technology & Academics (BTA II). On February 3, 2004, voters approved the $178 million capital levy, a renewal levy which will fund nearly 700 improvement projects at every school in the district. For more information about this capital levy, click 2004 Capital Levy. A list of completed BTA II projects and schedule is available at http://www.seattleschools.org/area/facilities/CapitalLevies/BTAII/ProjectListandSchedule.pdf

BTA II levy is the continuation of BTA I Levy - Building Renovations, Technology & Athletic Fields. BTA I levy focused on updating or replacing existing systems in facilities to provide students with safe and secure buildings. Voters approved the $150 million dollar capital levy in February 1998. The six-year levy financed more than 465 small and large facility improvement projects at every school in the District and runs through 2004. All projects are now complete. For an overview of BTA I project goals, click here. A list of completed BTA I projects is also available by clicking the link.

2007 Capital Bond (BEX III)

A $490 million capital bond was approved by Seattle voters on February 6, 2007. It is the continuation of current BEX II levy program. For more information, please visit http://www.seattleschools.org/area/main/LevyBondFacts2007.pdf.