Seattle Public Schools Capital Levies
Updated March 10, 2021
Capital levies are part of Seattle Public Schools’ long-range plan to upgrade and renovate aging school facilities on a planned and predictable schedule, and play a key role in funding district technology equipment, software and services.
Seattle Public Schools has two, six-year capital levy programs that are put before voters for approval on an alternating basis. Every three years, Seattle voters are asked to consider either a Building Excellence (BEX) Capital Levy or a Buildings, Technology, and Academics (BTA) Capital Levy.
Planning Underway for BTA V Replacement Capital Levy
Planning has begun for the district’s next capital levy. The Buildings, Technology, and Academics Capital Levy V (BTA V) is expected to be on the ballot for February 2022. It is a replacement for BTA IV, which expires in 2022.
BTA V projects are divided into three categories.
Buildings projects: Small renovations, systems upgrades, major maintenance, and improvement projects in district schools
Technology projects: Funding for technology used by students, teachers, schools, and the district as well as support and training for technology users.
Academic/Athletics projects: Modifications needed for academic program changes, playground improvements, athletic field improvements
BTA V Planning Timeline and Materials
Fall/Winter 2020-2021
Develop and refine list of potential BTA V projects
Seattle School Board adopts Guiding Principles for BTA V
Spring 2021
Continue to develop and refine list of potential BTA V projects
Community engagement on levy planning
- To be scheduled: Virtual engagement opportunities
Summer 2021
Refine list of potential list of BTA V projects
Score and rank potential BTA V projects
Fall 2021
Finalize proposed BTA V projects
Community engagement on proposed BTA V levy
School Board approval of proposed BTA V levy and vote to place on ballot
February 2022: Special Election
Why Seattle Public Schools Needs Capital Levies
Capital levies are the primary funding source to ensure that every student has a safe, optimal learning environment. School districts receive limited state or federal funding for improvements to school buildings.
Seattle Public Schools relies on voter-approved capital levies to fund school construction and renovations, safety and security upgrades, building systems improvements, and major maintenance. Capital levies also provide the majority of funding for important classroom technology and support for student learning, district technology systems, and technology infrastructure.
2019 Capital Levy
Building Excellence V (BEX V) is the most recently approved capital levy. It was approved by more than 70% of Seattle voters in February 2019.
Previous Capital Levies