Capital Levy Renewal to Be Submitted to Seattle Voters
Feb. 12, 2019, ballot will include Building Excellence V (BEX V)
Updated Dec. 3, 2018
At the regular meeting on Oct. 30, 2018, the Seattle School Board approved asking Seattle voters to consider renewal of the Building Excellence Capital Levy. This levy, Building Excellence V (BEX V) will replace the expiring capital levy that was approved by Seattle voters in 2013. Capital levies are part of Seattle Public Schools’ long-range plan to upgrade and renovate aging school facilities on a planned and predictable schedule.
Download the Board Action Report (BAR) and Resolution authorizing the levy 
Why SPS needs a capital levy
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 construction, renovations,
safety and security upgrades, major maintenance or school and district
technology. In order to fund capital improvements, Seattle Public
Schools relies on our local levy, which must be approved by Seattle
voters. Capital levies also provide the majority of funding for
important classroom technology and support for student learning,
district technology systems, and technology infrastructure.
What's included in the BEX V Capital Levy
Go to project list by school
BUILDING CONSTRUCTION AND IMPROVEMENTS
The BEX V Capital Levy:
Replaces or modernizes eight aging schools: Rainier Beach High School, Mercer International Middle School, Alki Elementary, Kimball Elementary, Montlake Elementary, Northgate Elementary, John Rogers Elementary and Viewlands Elementary.
Adds classrooms and removes portables:
- Adds a total of 1,908 new seats to help balance class sizes across the district.
- Removes 76 portables from schools.
- Increases capacity at new replacement or modernized schools.
- Builds an addition at West Seattle Elementary.
- Expands Original Van Asselt to serve as an interim site.
Enhances safety and security at EVERY school:
- Secures entrances and school sites.
- Makes earthquake safety (seismic) improvements.
- Upgrades fire alarm systems.
Plans for the future:
- Funds design work for modernization and addition at Aki Kurose Middle School
- Funds design work for replacement of Sacajawea Elementary
- Provides funding for property acquisition and future school planning.
Other projects, including:
- Upgrades or replacement of heating/cooling systems, doors and/or windows, roofs, and electrical and plumbing systems.
- Improvements to playgrounds at multiple elementary and K-8 schools.
- Athletic fields and athletic field lighting.
- Sound attenuation to reduce the volume of noise in eight open concept schools.
TECHNOLOGY INVESTMENTS
Capital levies provide the primary funding source for district technology needs. Making strategic investments in technology supports learning and teaching in the classroom; delivers services to students, teachers, staff and families; and improves efficiency in business processes. Projects and services fall into three major categories:
Student Learning and Support. Under BEX V, the district will upgrade and expand classroom, student, and staff technology and resources to provide a baseline across schools. Technology and professional learning will be included, specifically to support school improvement, district programs, and special needs with additional funding to high-need schools.
District Systems and Data. Student and business systems support all schools and central office. Improvements will continue to allow the district deliver services needed for payroll, purchasing, human resources, finances, budgeting, transportation, health, nutrition, Special Education, scheduling, attendance, managing instruction, grade reporting, and parent communication. Work will also continue to improve processes, communication, collaboration, and compliance; improve data governance, systems integration, and using data to improve results.
Infrastructure and Security. Upgrades will be made to the data center and cloud systems with improvements to the district’s data security and access systems. School internet connectivity and wireless access will be upgraded to meet higher demands. Implementing a computer replacement program will ensure that technology is refreshed on a regular and predictable schedule.