A message from the Superintendent

Feb. 15, 2013

Dear Seattle Public Schools staff, families and community:

On behalf of the nearly 50,000 students at Seattle Public Schools, thank you.

Seattle voters have shown overwhelming support for the renewal of both the Operations Levy and the Capital Levy. Because of these levies, our students will have safe, high-quality classrooms and buildings, and our schools will receive critical funds for our day-to-day operations.
 
Additionally, we will be able to meet the needs of our growing enrollment, which is projected to increase by more than 7,000 students in the next decade. The committed support and collaboration of our entire community means we can continue to provide positive learning environments that help our students succeed.

As I work toward completing my first year as Superintendent of Seattle Public Schools, I am humbled by the support this community has shown for its students. As of Thursday evening, with 75 percent support for the Operations Levy and 72 percent support for the six-year Building Excellence IV (BEX IV) Capital Levy, we know this community understands the importance of a strong public school system.

I want to stress that we do not take this trust lightly. We are committed to using levy funds efficiently and effectively to address the needs of all Seattle Public Schools families. Our District will hold itself to a high degree of accountability, transparency and stewardship of these tax dollars.

The BEX IV funds will replace, modernize and expand 17 schools, and 37 schools will receive earthquake safety upgrades. All schools will receive wireless Internet, and 19 schools will have integrated security camera systems installed. More information can be found at: http://bit.ly/SPSBEX.

The Operations levy will provide more than 25 percent of the Seattle Public School's operating revenue and will help pay for additional teachers, textbooks, classroom supplies, transportation, security and student activities, such as athletics and music. This important levy supports educational programs not fully funded by the state.

While we are beginning work on these improvements immediately, we also acknowledge that it takes time to build and upgrade facilities. I am asking for your understanding as we address short-term capacity management issues in our buildings through temporary measures, including creative use of classroom space and the addition of portables at some schools.

I want to thank in advance our principals, teachers, students and families for their ongoing flexibility and patience as we work through the challenges presented by our increasing enrollment.

A successful Capital Levy package could not have been developed without the input of our staff, School Board and communities through multiple community and district meetings. I would like to express my gratitude to our Capital staff for their incredible efforts to make sure this was an open process.

Additionally, I want to thank the members of the Facilities and Capital Management Advisory Committee (FACMAC) and BEX Oversight Committee for their tireless work over the past year.

I also want to acknowledge all of the incredible volunteers — parents, students, labor partners and community members — who spent time making calls, putting up signs and telling their neighbors and friends about the importance of these two levies. It is your work that supports the success of our students.

Finally, I want to extend a sincere thank you to the Schools First organization for coordinating efforts to support our levies.

In closing, I want to reiterate my heartfelt appreciation for the level of support Seattle gives to our public schools.

Thank you, Seattle voters, for your investment in our children and their future. This is an amazing city, and I’m proud to be a part of this community. I look forward to our continued work together in support of all students.
.

Sincerely,



José Banda
Superintendent
Seattle Public Schools

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