School Levies

Seattle Schools Education Levies

Why Do School Districts Ask for Local Levy Funding?

School districts rely on voter-approved levies to bridge the gap between what the state funds and what it costs to support our students.

Voter-Approved Education Levies Support Seattle Students

The money we collect from local, voter-approved school levies stays in Seattle. We use these funds to provide the quality of education that our students and families expect and to ensure our students have safe, welcoming schools that support student success.

Educational Programs and Services Funding

We use these levy funds to provide the quality of education that our students and families expect. This includes hiring more nurses, custodians, and other staff beyond what the state pays for, and it includes additional funding for services such as special education and child nutrition. Every three years, the district asks voters to approve renewal of the Educational Programs and Operations Levy (EP&O).

Construction and Technology Funding

Capital levies are the primary funding source for school construction. Technology used by students, teachers, school staff, and administrators, and for district operations is also primarily funded by capital levies. Capital levies are local education property taxes. Every three years, the district asks voters to approve renewal of one of the six-year capital levies.

Next Levies

The Seattle School Board is expected to place two renewal levies on the ballot in February 2025. Planning is underway for the Building Excellence VI Capital Levy (BEX VI).

Recent Voter-Approved Levies

2022

• Educational Programs and Operations Levy (EP&O);
• Buildings, Technology, and Academics/Athletics V Capital Levy (BTA V)

2019

• Educational Programs and Operations Levy (EP&O);
• Building Excellence V Capital Levy (BEX V)

2016:

• Educational Programs and Operations Levy (EP&O);
• Buildings, Technology, and Academics/Athletics IV Capital Levy (BTA IV)

2013:

• Educational Programs and Operations Levy (EP&O);
• Building Excellence IV Capital Levy (BEX IV)

Report on Recent Levies

Where has SPS spent levy funds previously approved?

Thanks to the past generosity of our community, funding measures allowed us to upgrade and maintain school buildings, provide technology to all SPS students, and improve playgrounds. Report on recent levies

Contact

Questions about the levies? Use our Let’s Talk form.