School Levies on February 2022 Ballot
Posted: | Updated:
Summary: Please remember to vote by Tuesday, February 8.
Dear SPS Families,
Every three years, we ask our Seattle voters to consider measures that continue funding for our students, our staff, and our schools. On the February 8 ballot are two levies we are asking our Seattle community to consider.
Proposition 1, the Educational Programs and Operations Levy renewal, also known as EP&O. This will continue funding for our day-to-day operations, staff, programs, and student opportunities.
Proposition 2, the Building, Technology, Academics, Athletic Capital Levy Renewal, also known as BTA. This funds student and classroom technology and funds the repairs to maintain the health and safety of our school buildings. These levies are not new taxes.
They renew existing taxes and continue critical funding to provide for our nearly 50,000 students and maintain our 106 schools.
Some people might wonder why do school districts need to ask voters for funding?
K-12 education is not fully funded by the state of Washington. The state provides only limited funding for technology and school building construction. Districts like ours rely on community approved levies to bridge that funding gap.
The levies support every SPS student and ensure they have access to the resources they need to succeed, as well as to learn in safe school buildings.
The EP&O Proposition 1 levy funds school staff like nurses, support staff, custodians, students supports, and programs including special education, English learner programs and STEM programming, and opportunities for students, including arts, music, and athletics.
The BTA Proposition 2 levy funds building projects to support the health and safety of our school buildings, funding for technology, including computers and tablets used by our students and teachers, classroom technology, technology training, and academic and athletic related equipment and building projects.
All levy funds stay in Seattle to directly support Seattle students, staff, and schools. Thank you for taking the time to learn about these levies.
More information on school levies
Please remember to vote by Tuesday, February 8.
Thank you,
Dr. Brent Jones
Superintendent
Seattle Public Schools
