How will BEX VI help address the district’s environmental sustainability goals?

The BEX VI levy will fund projects that move toward environmental sustainability, including upgrades to HVAC systems, improved energy efficiency, and progress toward all-electric buildings.

Why are you asking for funding to build a new school for $150 million when you are making cuts and closing schools to close a budget gap that is less than that?

The budget gap is in the General Fund, which is the operating fund for Seattle Public Schools. Capital Funds are separate from the General Fund and cannot be used to close the budget gap. Capital funding can only be used for the work that is called out in the levy proposal. The BEX VI capital levy request is to replace an aging and inadequate school building in the northeast region. Cost estimates show that the costs to do all of the repairs, upgrades, and improvements for the schools under consideration would be more than the cost of building a replacement.

Why are you not tell us which school you are replacing in the northeast region?

SPS’s well-resourced schools initiative was underway during levy planning. It was unclear which schools would remain open once a School Board decision was made. While the plans for 2025-26 are now to close no more than five schools, we cannot make plans to build a replacement school until the School Board has made a decision and provided direction for future planning regarding school closures.

How are accessibility needs for individuals with disabilities considered in school construction projects?

Accessibility is a priority in all capital projects funded by the BEX VI levy. This includes features like wheelchair ramps, elevators, and ADA-compliant restrooms, as well as improvements to playgrounds and classroom accessibility. We aim to create inclusive spaces that support every student’s learning experience.

How can my school be added to the 2025 Capital Levy?

In developing recommendations for the capital levy package, we evaluated multiple factors for all 106 school buildings in the district such as building and system condition information, previous investments, upcoming regulatory requirements, and projected regional capacity need in the future. To develop the recommended levy package for the BEX VI capital levy we followed the guidance of Board Policy 6901, Capital Levy Planning, and Board levy guiding principles (Board adopted 10/11/23), and developed a scored and ranked list of major projects. The scoring and ranking method was approved by the Board in September 2024.

How can I advocate for my student’s school to be on the next capital levy?

We encourage community involvement in the planning process for future levies. You can attend district meetings, participate in public forums, and share your perspectives with the School Board and the Facilities Department. Input from families and the community plays a valuable role in setting priorities for future projects. You can send suggestions to the Levies Let’s Talk link, and we will save them for when we begin planning the next levy.

If schools slated for closure are included in the current levy proposal, will funds be reallocated to projects at other schools?

If any schools included in the levy proposal are closed, those funds will be reallocated to other priority capital projects within the district. This approach ensures that the funds continue to benefit Seattle students, supporting projects that improve safety, security, and learning environments at remaining schools.

Why has the number of projects in the BEX program decreased over time?

The number of projects has decreased because the costs for each project have risen significantly. Factors such as inflation, the need for more comprehensive upgrades, and higher construction costs mean that each project requires more funding. Focusing on fewer projects allows us to make meaningful improvements in critical areas without spreading resources too thin.

Will the building condition assessment be updated to account for projects completed after 2022?

Although the Facility Condition Assessment report is updated every six years by an independent 3rd party with subject matter expertise on the various building systems, Capital Planning continuously tracks what building improvements are recommended (building condition assessments; ongoing input from Facilities Operations), when they are funded (levies and grants), and when they are to be implemented (levy implementation and cash flow plan). This information is taken into account in evaluating building condition information for any recommendations.

Why do other districts in the region spend less on building renovations?

Each district has unique needs, student populations, and building conditions, which means costs vary. Seattle Public Schools has a larger, older infrastructure compared to some neighboring districts, which can require more extensive updates. Additionally, Seattle’s construction costs are generally higher due to factors like land value and labor costs in the area.

What measures are in place to secure closed school buildings?

We are committed to ensuring that closed school buildings are securely maintained. This includes investing in security measures to prevent vandalism and theft. We have learned from past experiences and will continue to take steps to protect district assets.

Where is the funding for the Memorial Stadium project going to come from?

Memorial Stadium is a separate project with funding expected from multiple sources, including that which was approved as part of the BTA V capital levy in 2022. It is not included in this levy. The City of Seattle and outside partners are contributing to expand the project beyond what SPS would and could fund.

A lot goes into levy planning, and it is all guided by the Strategic Plan, School Board Policy, and School Board Guiding Principles for each capital levy.

• Reviewing and assessing the current building, system, and site condition information, including the Facilities Condition Assessment and maintenance records.
• Reviewing the Facilities Master Plan Update from 2021.
• Determining what will be needed to meet Board and regulatory requirements for clean energy and energy-efficient building operations.
• Assessing needs for accessibility improvements.
• Assessing needs for safety and security improvements.
• Assessing needs for seismic improvements.
• Reviewing current capacity, and enrollment projections for 5 years, 10 years, and 20 years.
• Collecting information on modifications necessary for program placement needs.
• Evaluating district technology including equipment needs, licensing, software, and services, and aligning with superintendent’s initiatives and priorities.
• Consulting with the BEX and BTA Capital Programs Oversight Committee and the Information Technology Advisory Committee.
• Preparing the draft Scoring and Ranking Methodology to present to the Seattle School Board for approval.

SPS Capital Planning developed a proposed BEX VI Capital levy package for the Seattle School Board to consider as introduced at the October 9, 2024, board meeting.

BEX VI would fund building repairs and modernizations or replacements, and districtwide technology projects. The buildings portion of the proposed capital levy package is developed using building condition assessment data prepared by a consultant, SPS Facilities Department data and expertise, and Board Policy 6901, Capital Levy Planning, which provides levy planning principles and priorities. The Seattle School Board also provided guiding principles for the BEX VI levy planning in October 2023.

As required by Board Policy 6901, staff provides an analysis of proposed projects by scoring the projects against the priorities provided. The scoring and ranking method for the BEX VI levy was developed using previous, Board-approved, levy scoring and ranking methods as the starting point (2019 BEX V capital levy, 2022 BTA V capital levy).

Scoring and Ranking Table

Scoring and ranking for most schools within the district. Major renovation and replacement projects recently completed or under construction are not included.

The BEX VI scoring and ranking method includes five categories:

• Health, Safety, Security and Building Condition,
• Learning Environment,
• Accessibility,
• Facilities Planning, and
• School Equity.

The categories and weighting factors reflect the Building Excellence (BEX) VI Capital Levy Guiding Principles approved by the board on Oct. 11, 2023.

Säzän Environmental Services provided data for Health, Safety, Security, and Building Condition; Learning Environment, and Accessibility. (Facilities Condition Assessment) The district’s Research and Evaluation Department provided the School Equity Index. Capital Planning generated data for the category of Facilities Planning.

The Seattle School Board approved the method for selecting the BEX VI capital levy projects at the September 18, 2024, regular board meeting. For a detailed description of the scoring and ranking method please refer to the posted Board Action Report.

Early levy planning included steps such as assessing strategic plan implications for the levy, reviewing lessons learned from previous levies and construction projects, assessing upcoming regulatory and Board requirements that will influence the levy projects, and gathering information on multiple other topics.

An initial list of projects was developed to study/consider based on previous studies and levy planning efforts.

• Requested proposals to create concept plans for potential levy construction projects.
• Hired Bassetti Architects to create concept plans.
• Begin Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (PEIS) work.

• Began research and reviews to create concept plans for considering construction projects
• Developed project cost estimates based on concepts developed.

• School Board provides Guiding Principles for BEX VI planning. (Adopted Oct. 11, 2023)
• Continue to develop and refine list of potential projects.

• Continue to develop and refine list of potential projects and costs.

• Refine list of potential projects and costs

• Scoring and Ranking Method for levy construction projects presented to School Board: Aug. 28, 2024
• Scoring and Ranking Method for levy construction projects approved by School Board: Sept. 18, 2024
• Staff recommendation and levy introduction to School Board: Oct. 9, 2024
• Online Community Information Sessions Oct. 22, Oct. 30, Nov. 7
• School Board action to place the levy on the February 2025 ballot: Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024

• Information sharing on BEX VI and the district’s Educational Programs & Operations Levy.
• Ballots due February 11, 2025.