Seattle Schools Education Levies

Voter-Approved Education Levies Support Seattle Students

Every three years, Seattle Public Schools asks voters to consider renewing two levies that support our students, staff, and schools. While SPS receives funding, based on enrollment, from state and federal sources, the district also relies on local levies to fund our schools. Levies help bridge the gap between what we need for students, staff, and schools and what we receive from the state.

The February 2025 levies replace current local funding sources and help SPS fund day-to-day operations for our schools and help make sure students have safe and healthy school buildings, including access to technology to meet today’s learning needs.

The money collected from local, voter approved levies stays in our district to support our students. These levies will not resolve the district’s budget shortfall; they renew current funding to maintain essential school operations, provide special education services, support classroom technology, enhance school safety, and fund the renovation and repair of school facilities.

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Two Levies Up for Renewal

Two levies will be on the February 2025 ballot: renewal of the Educational Programs and Operations Levy (EP&O) and renewal of the Building Excellence Capital Levy (BEX VI).

Ballots must be postmarked by Feb. 11, 2025, or placed in a ballot dropbox before 8 p.m. on that date.

Educational Programs and Operations Levy (EP&O)

The three-year Educational Programs and Operations Levy (EP&O) would replace the expiring EP&O, which was approved by Seattle voters in 2022. 

This levy is placed on the ballot every three years. We use these levy funds to provide the quality of education that our students and families expect. This includes additional funding for services such as special education and child nutrition.

Building Excellence VI Capital Levy (BEX VI)

The six-year Building Excellence VI Capital Levy (BEX VI) would replace the expiring Building Excellence V Capital Levy (BEX V), which was approved by Seattle voters in 2019. 

Capital levies are the primary funding source for school renovations and replacement, school building improvements, and technology for students, teachers, school staff, and administrators.

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How Seattle School Taxes Compare 2024

Per $1,000 of assessed property value. Source: King County Assessor Reports, Levy Rate Reports; Includes all current school levies and bonds for 2024.

Tax Rate

As shown above, the current tax rate (2024) is $1.85 per $1,000 of assessed property value. This includes the expiring EP&O levy ($0.63), the expiring BEX V capital levy ($0.78) and the continuing Building, Technology and Academics capital levy approved in 2022 ($0.44). 

If the two levies are renewed, the rate for SPS levies in 2026 would be $2.12, if the state legislature lifts the current levy collection restrictions*. This would include the new EP&O levy ($0.78*), BEX VI capital levy ($.93), and BTA V capital levy ($0.41). 

*We are asking for additional capacity beyond what the state laws us to collect for our EP&O levy, as we have with past levy asks. This allows us to collect additional funding if the state legislature makes changes to its funding formula. 

Community Information Sessions

We held five in-person sessions in January. You can watch the video from our meeting on Jan. 16, 2025, which was held at Kimball Elementary School.

You can use our Let’s Talk feedback form for ongoing questions and comments.

Presentation

Previous Information Sessions

Thank you to those who joined us on Tuesday, Oct. 22, Wednesday, Oct. 30, and Thursday, Nov. 7.

• Download the presentation
• Watch the video.

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Report on Recent Education Levies

Your tax dollars are supporting Seattle students

Seattle Public Schools (SPS) relies on local, voter-approved levies to help pay for day-to-day operations, and to fund building construction, repairs, renovations, and the technology equipment, services, and support not funded by the state.

Our district has a long history of support from the community to help fund our schools with operational and capital levies. Two of these levies expire in 2025, and replacement levies will be on the February 11, 2025, ballot.

We want to share how Seattle Public Schools is spending funds previously approved by Seattle voters to support academic excellence for all students.

Thank you, Seattle! You continue to make a difference for our students.

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Past Voter-Approved Levies