District News
BEX III wraps up as BEX IV planning continues
All major projects funded through the Building Excellence III (BEX III) capital bond have been completed. The six-year $490 million BEX III capital bond was approved by Seattle voters in 2007 to continue Seattle Public Schools’ long-range plan for renewing aging school buildings, infrastructure and technology.
Over the past six years, BEX has funded construction of two new school buildings, renovations of four school buildings, and a new classroom building addition at Ingraham. These projects required patience and flexibility among the teachers, staff, parents and students. As a result, students now have modern learning environments that will help them prepare to succeed in the 21st century.
Photo of the Ingraham High School classroom building addition
• Ingraham High School: classroom building addition opened February 2012.
• Nathan Hale High School: occupied renovation completed in spring of 2011.
• Denny International Middle School: new construction completed for opening of school in September 2011.
• Chief Sealth International High School: modernization completed by September 2010.
• Hamilton International Middle School: historic renovation with opening for beginning of school 2010.
• South Shore Pre-K–8: newly constructed school opened September 2009.
• Rainier Beach High School’s library renovation was complete in 2008.
Planning for the BEX IV Capital Levy is underway and will be submitted to Seattle voters in February 2013. It will include a number of capital improvements such as new schools and major additions to existing schools. The Seattle School Board will vote in October 2012 on a final list of construction projects to include in the levy package.