Capital Projects and Planning
Photos above, left to right: New Kimball Elementary School, new James Baldwin Elementary School, and modernized and expanded West Seattle Elementary School School.
SPS Capital Projects and Planning Department
The Capital Projects and Planning Department supports student success and the district’s Strategic Plan by creating welcoming and safe schools. Our work covers major projects such as school replacements, and other construction work such as replacing heating and cooling systems, roofs, or playgrounds.
- We design buildings that support the learning conditions and instruction that lead to academic success.
- We build healthy and safe environments for each school community.
- We work with school staff and parents to make sure each school meets the particular needs of the school community as well as the district’s educational specifications.
Recent Accomplishments
- School Board approval of the 2025 Facilities Master Plan Update.
- Opening of the new main building at Rainier Beach High School, completing phase 3 of a 6-phase replacement project.
- Opening of new John Rogers Elementary School for 2025-26 school year — a replacement project.
- Opening of the modernized and expanded Montlake Elementary School for the 2025-26 school year.
- Opening of new Asa Mercer International Middle School for the 2025-26 school year — a replacement project.
- Opening of the new Early Learning addition at John Muir Elementary School.
- Voter approval of the Building Excellence VI Capital Levy (BEX VI).
Current Construction Projects
Three major construction projects continue: replacement of Rainier Beach High School, modernization of the gym and construction of a new main building at Alki Elementary School, and replacement of Seattle Public Schools Memorial Stadium.
Each summer, multiple projects take place while school is out to minimize disruption to the learning process.
Planning is in progress for an addition and modernization at Aki Kurose Middle School, with construction expected to begin in summer 2026.
Capital Levies
Voter-approved capital levies are the primary way SPS pays for new school buildings, major renovations, and major preventative maintenance.
The Building Excellence VI Capital Levy (BEX VI) was approved by voters on the Feb. 11, 2025, ballot. On the same ballot, voters also approved the district’s Educational Programs and Operations Levy. Learn about both levies: 2025 Levies information
Recent Capital Levies
Buildings, Technology, and Academics/Athletics Capital Levy V (BTA V) is a six-year $783 million levy providing funds for projects that improve our school buildings, technology for students, staff, and teachers, and changes to support academic achievement. It also funds school playground and playfield improvements, and replacement of the stands at Memorial Stadium. This levy was approved in 2022, with a 78% approval. BTA V expires in 2028.
Building Excellence V Capital Levy (BEX V) a six-year, $1.4 billion levy that modernizes or replaces eight aging schools, plans for the future, invests in technology, and improves building systems and athletic fields. It was approved by Seattle voters in 2019. BEX V expires in 2025.
Sustainability
All new school buildings constructed using the 2019 BEX V capital levy and beyond are fully electric and do not include any infrastructure for fossil fuels.
In 2021, the Seattle School approved Board Resolution 2020-21-18, which committed SPS to transition to 100% clean, renewable energy with the goal of improving student health and the creation of more sustainable and equitable communities.
The resolution called for a Clean Energy Task Force which made recommendations on how to meet the stated goals. Currently, work is underway to develop those recommendations into an actionable plan.
Previous School Board Resolutions:
More information on resource conservation
Student and Community Workforce Agreement (SCWA)
Construction projects that are $5 million or above in estimated construction costs are part of the Student and Community Workforce Agreement (SCWA). The SCWA supports business objectives and prioritizes career development, training, and employment for SPS students.