Summary: Your Tax Dollars at Work: Capital levies are the main source of funding for school construction and building improvements, as well as technology!
Delivering on Our Promise: BEX V and BTA V Report to the Community
We want you to know how we are delivering on the promises made in each of our recent capital levies. This report provides an update on how Seattle Public Schools is delivering on the building construction and improvement projects promised in BEX V and BTA V as of December 2023.
Building Excellence V Capital Levy (BEX V)
Approved: February 2019
Levy amount: $1.4 billion over six years
Levy Funds collected: 2020-25
Expires: 2025
Buildings, Technology, and Academics/Athletics Capital Levy V (BTA V)
Approved: February 2022
Levy amount: $783 million over six years
Levy funds collected: 2023-28
Expires: 2028
Thank you Seattle voters!
Your Tax Dollars at Work
Capital levies are the main source of funding for school construction and building improvements, as well as technology investments. Investing in our school buildings supports our district strategic plan to provide high-quality instruction and learning experiences, including the goal of welcoming and safe schools.
Promised: School Replacement, Modernization, and Additions
The following information provides an update on projects by main category, then by school.
Aki Kurose Middle School Planning
- In progress
- Construction funding relies on passage of the BEX VI Capital Levy
More information available – Aki Kurose Construction Project
Alki Elementary School Replacement
- In progress
- Estimated opening: September 2026
More information and photos available – Alki Elementary Construction Project
Asa Mercer International Middle School Replacement
- In progress
- Estimated opening: September 2025
More information and photos available – Mercer Construction Project
John Rogers Elementary School Replacement
- In progress
- Estimated opening: September 2025
More information and photos available – Rogers Construction Project
Kimball Elementary School Replacement
- Complete
- Opened: September 2023
More information and photos available – Kimball project
Montlake Elementary School Modernization and Addition
- In progress
- Estimated opening: September 2025
More information and photos available – Montlake Construction Project
Northgate Elementary School Replacement (now James Baldwin Elementary School)
- Complete
- Opened with new name: September 2023
More information and photos available – Northgate (James Baldwin) Project
Rainier Beach High School Replacement
This project now includes replacement of the existing performing arts center (PAC) to better integrate into the new building and extend its useful life.
Five phase project
- Late fall 2026: Estimated completion of all phases
Complete
- Phase 1 — Geothermal well installation
- Phase 2 — Demolition of a portion of existing building and minor interior revisions
In progress
- Phase 3 — Administration, commons, classrooms, library, and gymnasium building
- March 2025: Estimated opening of phase 3
Scheduled
- March 2025: Phase 4 — Performing Arts Center
- March 2025: Phase 5 — Athletic Field
More information and photos available – Rainier Beach Construction Project
Sacajawea Elementary School Planning
- In progress
- Construction funding relies on passage of the BEX VI capital levy
More information available – Sacajawea Construction Project
West Seattle Elementary School Classroom Addition and Modernization
- Complete
- Opened in September 2023
More information and photos available West Seattle Elementary Project
West Woodland Elementary School Classroom and Gymnasium Addition, and Modernization
- Complete
- Opened September 2021
More information and photos available – West Woodland Construction Project
Van Asselt School Interim Site Classroom Addition, Gymnasium Addition and Modernization
- Complete
- Opened September 2023 as temporary home of Asa Mercer International Middle School
More information and photos available – Van Asselt Construction Project
Viewlands Elementary School Replacement
- Complete
- Opened September 2023
More information and photos available – Viewlands Elementary Construction Project
Promised: Safety and Security* Improvements
Access Controls on Four Entrances: 85 schools
Phase 1: main entry and staff entry card readers and intercom systems
- Complete: 80 schools
- In progress: 5 schools
Phase 2: playground and custodial entry
- Complete: 31 schools
- Scheduled: 54 schools
Perimeter fencing and gate improvements: 70 schools
- Complete: 31 schools
- In progress: 4 schools
- Scheduled: 32 schools
Quick lockdown hardware on interior classroom doors: 85 schools
- Complete: 53
- In progress: 15
- Scheduled: 17
Window shades on first floor exterior windows and doors: 64 schools
- Complete: 33
- In progress: 5
- Scheduled: 28
Secure entry vestibules: 10 schools
- Complete: 8
- In progress: 2
Lockdown gate: 1 school
*School names not listed for security improvements
Promised: Building Systems Upgrades and Improvements
Elementary (A-L)
Scheduled
- 2026: Electrical improvements
Complete
- 2022: Ceiling fan installation
- 2022: Site improvements
- 2022: Sound attenuation in open concept classrooms
- 2020: Playground upgrades
Scheduled
2025 and 2026: Exterior window upgrades
Scheduled
- 2026: Exterior window upgrades
Complete
- 2020: Playground upgrades
- 2020: Sound attenuation installation in open concept classrooms
Complete
- 2020: Playground upgrades
Complete
- 2022: Exterior door upgrades
- 2021: Playground upgrades
Complete
- 2021: Playground upgrades
Complete
- 2022: Sound attenuation installation in open concept classrooms
- 2020: Playground upgrades
Scheduled
- 2026: Electrical improvements
- 2026: Exterior door upgrades
Complete
- 2022: Playground upgrades
Complete and Open
2023: New replacement school
Complete
- 2021: Playground upgrades
In progress:
- PreK addition
- Expected completion: Summer 2025
Scheduled
- 2024: Sound attenuation installation in open concept classrooms
In progress
- New replacement
- Expected completion: Summer 2025
Complete and Open
- 2023: New replacement school
Complete
- 2022: Playground upgrades
Complete
- 2021: Playground upgrades
Scheduled
- 2025: Exterior door upgrades phase I
Complete
- 2023: Ceiling fan installation
- 2020: Playground upgrades
Elementary (M-Z)
Complete
- 2022: Ceiling fan installation
Scheduled
- 2024: Playground upgrades
Scheduled
- 2026: Ceiling fan installation
Complete
- 2022: Field replacement
- 2020: Playground upgrades
Scheduled
- 2026: Exterior cladding improvements
- 2026: Exterior door upgrades
- 2026: Exterior window upgrades
In progress
- Landmark building modernization and addition
- 2025: Expected completion
Complete
- 2022: Exterior door upgrades
- 2020: Site improvements (playground pavement)
Complete
- 2020: Playground upgrades
Scheduled
2024: Ceiling fan installation
In progress
- Design for future school replacement
Complete
- 2020: Site improvements (south playground pavement)
Scheduled
- 2026: Parent drop-off and sidewalks
- 2026: Ceiling fan installation
- 2026: Sound attenuation installation in open concept classrooms
Complete
2021: Roof replacement
Complete
- 2023: Ceiling fan installation
- 2021: Playground upgrades
Complete and Open
2023: New replacement school
Complete
- 2022: Playground upgrades
- 2020: Roof repairs and coating
Complete and Open
- 2023: Building classroom addition and modernization
- 2023: Exterior door repairs and replacements
Complete and Open
2021: Classroom and gymnasium addition, and modernization
K-8 Schools
Scheduled
- 2026: Ceiling fan installation
- 2026: Exterior door upgrades
Complete
- 2023: Heating/ventilation system upgrades
- 2023: Roof replacement
- 2023: Seismic upgrades for earthquake safety
Complete
- 2021: Playground upgrades
Scheduled
- 2025: Electrical system improvements
- 2025: Exterior door upgrades
- 2025: Ceiling fan installation
Complete
- 2021: Heating system upgrades
Scheduled
- 2026: Playground upgrades
Complete
2022: Ceiling fan installation
Scheduled
- 2026: Exterior cladding improvements
Middle Schools
In progress
- Design for future school modernization and addition
- Construction costs not included in BEX V Capital Levy
In progress
- 2023, 2024, and 2025: Exterior cladding improvements
Scheduled
- 2024 and 2025: Exterior window upgrades
- 2025: Ceiling fan installation
Complete
- 2022: Playground removal
- 2021: Field light installation
- 2020: Site improvements (parking lot repair)
Scheduled
- 2025: Seismic improvements for earthquake safety
- 2025: Ceiling fans
Complete
- 2023: Synthetic athletic field replacement
Scheduled
- 2024: Exterior door upgrades
- 2024: Exterior window upgrades
- 2024: Exterior cladding improvements
In progress
- New replacement school building
- 2025: Scheduled completion
Complete
Scheduled
- 2027: Fire alarm upgrades
High Schools
Complete
- 2021: Synthetic athletic field replacement
Complete
- 2021: Security upgrades for school lockdown
Complete
- 2023: Fire alarm upgrades
- 2021: Gym roof replacement
Complete
- 2021: Exterior cladding improvements
Scheduled
- 2026: Electrical system upgrades, phase II
Complete
- 2023: Career and technical education improvements
- 2023: Seismic improvements for earthquake safety (east buildings)
- 2023: Theater improvements
In progress
- School building replacement
- 2026: Expected completion
Complete
2023: Exterior cladding improvements
Complete
- 2023: New auxiliary field
- 2020: Roof repair and replacement
Other Facilities
Scheduled
- 2026: Seismic improvements for earthquake safety
- 2026: Fire alarm upgrades
Scheduled
- Playfields: To be determined based on City of Seattle timing
Complete
- 2022: Ceiling fan installation
- 2022: Seismic improvements for earthquake safety
Complete
2023: Roof replacement
Complete
- 2023: Seismic improvements for earthquake safety
Complete
- 2023: Addition to use as interim site
- 2022: Playground equipment removal
2022 Buildings, Technology, and Academics/Athletics Capital Levy V (BTA V)
- Approved: February 2022
- Levy amount: $783 million over six years
- Levy funds collected: 2023–28
- Expires: 2028
Funding for projects through BTA V first became available in April 2023. Many projects are scheduled for future completion. While some projects might be done after 2028, no additional money will come in from this levy after 2028.
BTA V Includes:
Promised: Capacity and Condition Improvement Projects
Promised: Safety and Security Upgrades
Promised: System Improvements by school or building
The following information provides an update on projects by main category, then by school.
Promised: Capacity and Condition Improvement Projects
Early Learning addition to John Muir Elementary School
In progress
- 2024: Construction begins
- 2025: Expected completion and opening
For more information, visit the John Muir Construction Webpage
Grandstand replacement and plumbing upgrades at Memorial Stadium
- In negotiations with potential partners to expand the project
For more information, visit the Memorial Stadium Construction Project
Promised: Safety and Security Upgrades
In progress
Promised: System Improvements by school or building
Elementary (A-J)
Scheduled
- 2027: Fire alarm system upgrades
Scheduled
- 2027: HVAC system improvements
- 2028: Fire alarm system upgrades
Scheduled
- 2027: Heating system improvements
- 2027: Fire alarm system upgrades
Scheduled
- 2028: Exterior window upgrades, phase II
Complete
2023: Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ramp installation and related improvements
Complete
- 2022: Stormwater collection system replacement and other site improvements
- 2022: Playground upgrades
Scheduled
- 2028: Water distribution system upgrades
Scheduled
- 2027: Fire suppression system installation
- 2028: Exterior cladding improvements
Scheduled
- 2026: Seismic improvements for earthquake safety
Scheduled
- 2026: Exterior window upgrades
- 2026: Fire alarm system replacement
Scheduled
- 2026: Exterior door upgrades (phase II)
Scheduled
2028: Exterior window upgrades
Scheduled
2024: Playground upgrades
Scheduled
- 2026: Fire alarm system upgrades
In progress
- Three-classroom addition for Early Learning
- Fire alarm replacement
Scheduled
- 2024: Fire alarm panel upgrades
Elementary (L-Z)
Scheduled
- 2028: Storm water collection system testing, repairs, and cleaning
- 2028: Asphalt sealing and restriping
Scheduled
- 2026: Fire protection system upgrades and fire protection system installation in gymnasium
- 2028: Seismic improvements for earthquake safety
- 2028: Storm water collection system repairs and cleaning
- 2028: Asphalt replacement and striping
Scheduled
- 2026: Roof improvements
- 2028: Fire alarm system upgrades
Scheduled
- 2027: Water distribution system upgrades
- 2027: North parking lot repaving; perimeter sidewalk repair
Complete
- 2023: Perimeter sidewalk repairs
Scheduled
- 2024: New grass playfield, asphalt exercise path, amphitheater, and learning garden
- 2027: Fire alarm system upgrades
- 2027: New fire suppression system
Scheduled
- 2025: Playground upgrades
Scheduled
- 2028: Seismic improvements for earthquake safety
Scheduled
- 2024: Playground upgrades
- 2025: Intercom system/clock replacement
- 2027: Exterior cladding improvements
- 2027: Exterior window upgrades
Scheduled
- 2028: Roof improvements
- 2028: Exterior window upgrades
Scheduled
- 2025: Fire alarm system upgrades
Scheduled
- 2026: Seismic improvements for earthquake safety
- 2026: Electrical system upgrades
Scheduled
- 2028: Fire alarm system upgrades
K-8 Schools
Scheduled
- 2028: Waterline replacement
- 2028: Fire suppression system installation
Complete
- 2023: Playground upgrades
Scheduled
- 2025: Electrical improvements
- 2025: Exterior door improvements
- 2026: Roof improvements
- 2026: Site improvements (back parking lot pavement)
- 2026: Intrusion detection system upgrades
Scheduled
- 2028: Electrical system improvements
- 2028: Intercom/clock system replacement
Scheduled
- 2028: HVAC system upgrades
- 2028: Fire alarm system upgrades
Scheduled
- Fire alarm panel upgrades
Scheduled
- 2024: Roof improvements
- 2028: Fire suppression system upgrades
Middle Schools
Complete
- 2023: Gym bleacher replacement
In progress
- 2023 and 2024: Roof improvements
Scheduled
- 2025: Fire suppression system upgrades in annex
- 2025: Classroom conversion for science room and related seismic improvements
- 2026: Storm water collection system testing, repairs, and cleaning; asphalt sealing and striping
- 2028: Emergency generator replacement
In progress
- Theater rigging, curtains, and lighting replacement
Scheduled
- 2024: Gym bleacher replacement
- 2025: Seismic improvements for earthquake safety, phase 2
Scheduled
- 2027: Exterior cladding improvements
- 2027: Exterior window upgrades
Complete
- 2022: Seismic improvements for earthquake safety
Scheduled
- 2028: Fire suppression system upgrades
High Schools
Scheduled
- 2028: Toddler playground installation
Scheduled
- 2024: Intercom/clock replacement
- 2025: Tennis court coating
- 2026: Chemistry lab
- 2026: Theater curtain replacement
Scheduled
- Synthetic turf and field lighting replacement on upper softball field (Nino Cantu SWAC)
Scheduled
2025: Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) site improvements
Complete
- 2023: HVAC improvements
- 2023: Fire alarm system upgrade in gymnasium
- 2023: Parking lot improvements (resurfacing/striping, stormwater improvements, new fence and curb bumpers, lighting replacement, key card access
Scheduled
- 2026: Storm water collection system testing, repairs, and cleaning; asphalt sealing and striping
- 2027: Chemistry laboratory classroom
- 2027: Acoustical treatment for band/choir rooms
- 2027: Theater rigging replacement
Complete
- 2022: Synthetic athletic field replacement, track and tennis courts resurfacing
- 2023: Gymnasium bleacher replacement
Scheduled
- 2024: Lighting system upgrades to high-efficiency LED
- 2027: Electrical system improvements
- 2027: Fire suppression system upgrades
- 2027: Rigging, lighting, and curtains replacement in Little Theater and Performing Arts Center
In progress
- 2025: New athletic field with synthetic turf
Scheduled
- 2026: Synthetic turf replacement at auxiliary field and stadium, tennis court repaving, seating and fencing installation
Scheduled
- 2027: Exterior cladding improvements
- 2027: Exterior door improvements
- 2027: Exterior window upgrades
- 2027: Batting cages at Hiawatha Playfield in partnership with Seattle Parks
Other Facilities
Scheduled
- 2025: Exterior door improvements
Scheduled
- 2028: Fire alarm system upgrades
- 2028: Intrusion detection system upgrades
Scheduled
- 2028: Exterior window improvements
- 2028: Fire suppression system improvements
- 2028: HVAC system improvements
Scheduled
- 2024: Central kitchen upgrades, phase 2
- 2024: Humidity-controlled storage HVAC for district archive
- 2026: Exterior cladding improvements
- 2026: Roof repairs
In negotiation with potential partners to expand project
- New grandstands
- New water distribution system
- Field light upgrades
- Athletic field synthetic turf replacement
Scheduled
- 2025: Exterior door improvements
- 2025: Fire suppression system installation
Scheduled
- 2024: Field light installation
- Funding for heating system improvements in 1950-era building were reprogrammed to replace the existing heating system at Franklin High School
Scheduled
2024: Shared cost of synthetic turf replacement
