On Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2023, the Seattle School Board approved these Guiding Principles for the Building Excellence VI Capital Levy (BEX VI). Thank you to all who provided feedback on the draft guiding principles.

Planning for a capital levy is an extensive process that reviews and assesses both building needs and technology needs. A lengthy list of potential projects is developed.

The Guiding Principles are used to score and rank projects proposed to be included in the levy.

Throughout the next year, SPS staff and consultants will work on recommendations for the levy projects. The process includes community engagement. Read more about BEX VI levy planning.

The School Board decides the final list of projects and the levy amount.

About SPS Capital Levies

Every six years, SPS asks voters to consider renewing the Building Excellence capital levy. BEX VI would replace the expiring BEX V capital levy, which was approved by Seattle voters in 2019.

Capital levies fund capital improvements including projects to modernize or replace aging buildings, and fund technology for student learning, district infrastructure and security, such as:  

• Construction projects such as building or replacing schools  
• Condition projects, such as: modernizing school buildings; installing safety and security systems in school buildings  
• Completing earthquake safety/seismic upgrades for school buildings  
• Providing classroom technology and technology infrastructure  
• Making capital improvements to meet educational needs for students and staff  
• Upgrading athletic fields and tracks 

Capital Funding Separate from Operating Funds 

While the district currently faces challenges in the annual operating budget, capital levy funds are separate and must be used for the building projects and technology priorities approved in the levy. 

Read more about the school levies that help support our district.