Departments

Capital Projects and Planning

Photos above, left to right: New Wing Luke Elementary School, modernized and expanded Daniel Webster School, and modernized and expanded Daniel Bagley Elementary School

SPS Capital Projects and Planning Department

The Capital Projects and Planning Department supports the district’s Strategic Plan by building and modernizing schools so they support high-quality instruction and learning experiences.

When we build a new building, modernize an existing school, or construct an addition, the project is planned to meet the district’s educational standards as well as the specific needs of the individual school.

Our primary goals are:

  • To strengthen and streamline capital project management
  • To wisely manage the use of building capacity
  • To enhance cost-effective use of capital resources

Current Work

Capital Levy Planning

Planning is in progress for the next capital levy, Building Excellence VI (BEX VI), which is expected to be on the ballot in February 2025.

Capital Levy-Funded School Construction Projects

School construction projects and building improvements are funded primarily by voter-approved capital levies. Visit the construction project pages to see where work is underway.

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.

Student and Community Workforce Agreement (SCWA) with priority hire provisions will apply to construction projects that are at or above $5 million in estimated construction value. The SCWA supports business objectives and prioritizes career development, training, and employment for SPS students.

Recent Accomplishments

  • Projects completed in 2022 include seismic improvements, building system upgrades, and playground replacements, which were mostly completed during the summer months.
  • Construction is underway on school replacements and additions.
  • Planning is in progress for additional BEX V-funded school building replacements or major improvements.
  • A groundbreaking ceremony and school celebration was held for the beginning of the Rainier Beach High School replacement project.