Seattle Public Schools Capital Levies
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.
Building Excellence V (BEX V) is the most recent capital levy. It was approved by voters in February 2019.
Earlier capital levies include:
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.
Oversight
The BEX/BTA Capital Programs Oversight Committee is a citizen oversight committee required by the School Board. They are tasked with assuring that the BEX and BTA programs support academic achievement in the schools and monitoring program revenues, expenditures, and future capital levy planning.