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 (BEX III) covers new construction, renovation, or additions at six schools and 30 infrastructure projects.  BEX III, a $490 million capital bond, was approved by Seattle voters on February 6, 2007.  It is the continuation of BEX II levy program.  For more information, please visit http://www.seattleschools.org/area/main/LevyBondFacts2007.pdf and http://bex.seattleschools.org. 

Building Excellence II (BEX II), a capital levy, was approved by voters in February 2001.  It continued a previous tax levy with $398 million over six years. The Building Excellence I ( BEX I) program completed all 19 projects by January 2003. 

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 over 600 improvement projects at nearly 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. For an overview of BTA I project goals, click here.  A list of completed BTA I projects is also available by clicking the link. 

                    A planning effort is underway for an 2010 capital levy.  For details, please visit
                http://www.seattleschools.org/area/facilities/BTAIII/2010levy.htm.