BEX VI Capital Levy

Building Excellence VI Capital Levy

Building for Learning Education Levies 2025 graphic of a school building

BEX VI Placed on February Ballot
Important Funding Source for Buildings and Technology
BEX VI Levy Overview
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Report on Recent Levies
Proposed BEX VI Capital Funding
BEX VI Technology Funding
BEX VI Funded Projects by School and Building
Project Planning and Selection

BEX VI Placed on February Ballot

At their meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024, the Seattle School Board accepted the recommended Building Excellence VI Capital Levy (BEX VI) to be on the February 11, 2025 ballot.

Important Funding Source for Buildings and Technology

Each voter-approved capital levy continues our investment in school buildings and student technology.

These levies supply the main funding for school building improvements and upgrades and 90% of the funding for SPS’s technology operations including projects, equipment, maintenance, and staffing.

BEX VI Levy Overview

Proposed Levy Amount: $1.8 billion
- Capital Projects Funding: $1,385,022,403
- Technology Funding: $$414,977,597
Estimated Levy Rates: 93 cents to 79 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value
Levy Collected: 2026-2031
Replaces: BEX V Capital Levy (expires 2025; 2024 rate $0.78 per $1,000)
Election Date: Feb. 11, 2025

Capital Funding Separate from Operating Funds

While the district currently faces challenges in the annual operating budget, capital levy funds are separate and must be used for the building projects and technology priorities approved in the levy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Top Questions

Why are you not naming the elementary school that is included in the levy?

SPS’s well-resourced schools initiative was underway during levy planning. When the School Board approved the Building Excellence (BEX) capital levy package for the ballot, it wasn’t clear which schools would remain open once a School Board decision was made. The decision to not close any schools in the 2025-26 school year was made after the levy proposal was approved for the ballot. That is why the levy does not name the specific school for replacement.

How will you determine which school is going to be rebuilt?

There are a number of aging elementary schools in northeast Seattle. If the levy is approved, we will undergo a review of those schools and make a recommendation to the School Board. Considerations will include Board Policy, Board Guiding Principles, currently available and long-term capacity needs (for example, the City of Seattle’s proposed Comprehensive Plan notes the desire to construct 300,000 housing units within the existing city boundaries within the next 20 year to address housing issues), Facilities Condition and Safety and Security.

The design work for the replacement school would begin in 2027, and construction would begin in 2029.

How big would the to-be-determined elementary school be?

Because the school has not been identified, it is listed in the levy project list as a 650-student school. That does not mean it would be built to that size. Many of our elementary schools are built for 500 students. Some are built for 500 students with an expansion plan if an additional wing needs to be added in the future due to increasing enrollment.

Seattle Public Schools builds elementary schools based on elementary education specifications developed to provide optimal learning environments that include spaces for 3 or 4 classrooms per grade level, shared learning spaces for each grade level, special education classrooms for specific needs, pull out learning spaces for specialized learning, library/media centers, rooms for art and music, space for preschool classrooms, as well as gymnasiums, lunchrooms, and administration space.

SPS is building schools to serve students now and for the next 50 years or longer. Enrollment increases and decreases over time. These schools have zoning for heating and ventilation that allows spaces to be closed off when not needed but can quickly be brought online when enrollment increases. Having flexible spaces inside the school building means better safety and security than the old solution of using portable classrooms to manage enrollment changes.

See below for more questions and answers.

Why is so much of the BEX VI levy going to technology? Is that usually in the BTA levy?

Both capital levies have included technology for many years. Many districts run a separate technology levy. SPS chooses to include technology in the capital levy instead of running a separate levy.

Why are you asking for funding to build a new school for $150 million when you are making cuts and closing schools to close a budget gap that is less than that?

The budget gap is in the General Fund, which is the operating fund for Seattle Public Schools. Capital Funds are separate from the General Fund and cannot be used to close the budget gap. Capital funding can only be used for the work that is called out in the levy proposal. The BEX VI capital levy request is to replace an aging and inadequate school building in the northeast region. Cost estimates show that the costs to do all of the repairs, upgrades, and improvements for the schools under consideration would be more than the cost of building a replacement.

Why is a rebuild being planned when we are under capacity and were recently considering closing schools?

Seattle Public Schools has 65 elementary schools that date from 1892 to 2023. Building systems generally have a life span of 30 years, so renovations and replacements are continual to address facility condition needs. It should also be noted that there are currently 140 portables located at our existing schools and while they provide capacity relief, the elimination of these structures at school sites will enhance school safety and security for myriad of reasons.

Why can’t you take the money you are putting towards the two elementary school projects and instead make all of the corrective actions in the Säzän Building Conditions report? If you add up all of the elementary and K-8 projects, it’s only $87 million. That’s less than half of the cost of replacing one school and doing an addition at Lowell.

The 2025 BEX VI Capital Levy proposes $200 million in building systems repairs. The 2022 BTA V capital levy included $144M in building systems repairs. Neither levy will address all the needed building system repairs.

While the sum of the estimates in the Säzän report may be $87 million, the total project cost for building system repairs is much higher. The estimated costs are construction costs only for the identified deficiencies, which are items that that are recommended for capital investments in the shorter term. The Säzän report also recommended that several schools be modernized or replaced in addition to the system repairs noted.

While the Säzän review is comprehensive and meets the requirements of the state Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), it does not include all school systems.

How are playground upgrades prioritized?

Playground ranking is a little different than building ranking, as safety weighs more than other aspects, then next is age of equipment and equity. We perform a playground inspection every year and have a safety score for each structure. The priority for replacement is heavily based on the inspection score.

How will BEX VI help address the district’s environmental sustainability goals?

The BEX VI levy will fund projects that move toward environmental sustainability, including upgrades to HVAC systems, improved energy efficiency, and progress toward all-electric buildings.

How are accessibility needs for individuals with disabilities considered in school construction projects?

Accessibility is a priority in all capital projects funded by the BEX VI levy. This includes features like wheelchair ramps, elevators, and ADA-compliant restrooms, as well as improvements to playgrounds and classroom accessibility. We aim to create inclusive spaces that support every student’s learning experience.

How can my school be added to the 2025 Capital Levy?

The Seattle School Board voted to place the levy proposal on the ballot in November 2024. There will not be changes to the project list prior to the election on February 11, 2025. If the levy is approved by voters, any change in the projects will require School Board approval. This includes a decision on which elementary school will be replaced.

How can I advocate for my student’s school to be on the next capital levy?

We encourage community involvement in the planning process for future levies. You can attend district meetings, participate in public forums, and share your perspectives with the School Board and the Facilities Department. Input from families and the community plays a valuable role in setting priorities for future projects. You can send suggestions to the Levies Let’s Talk link, and we will save them for when we begin planning the next levy.

Why has the number of projects in the BEX program decreased over time?

The number of projects has decreased because the costs for each project have risen significantly. Factors such as inflation, the need for more comprehensive upgrades, and higher construction costs mean that each project requires more funding. Focusing on fewer projects allows us to make meaningful improvements in critical areas without spreading resources too thin.

Will the building condition assessment be updated to account for projects completed after 2022?

Although the Facility Condition Assessment report is updated every six years by an independent 3rd party with subject matter expertise on the various building systems, Capital Planning continuously tracks what building improvements are recommended (building condition assessments; ongoing input from Facilities Operations), when they are funded (levies and grants), and when they are to be implemented (levy implementation and cash flow plan). This information is taken into account in evaluating building condition information for any recommendations.

Why do other districts in the region spend less on building renovations?

Each district has unique needs, student populations, and building conditions, which means costs vary. Seattle Public Schools has a larger, older infrastructure compared to some neighboring districts, which can require more extensive updates. Additionally, Seattle’s construction costs are generally higher due to factors like land value and labor costs in the area.

What measures are in place to secure closed school buildings?

We are committed to ensuring that closed school buildings are securely maintained. This includes investing in security measures to prevent vandalism and theft. We have learned from past experiences and will continue to take steps to protect district assets.

Where is the funding for the Memorial Stadium project going to come from?

Memorial Stadium is a separate project with funding expected from multiple sources, including that which was approved as part of the BTA V capital levy in 2022. It is not included in this levy. The City of Seattle and outside partners are contributing to expand the project beyond what SPS would and could fund.

If you have questions or comments on the BEX VI Capital Levy or any other capital levy, please use our Let’s Talk online form.

Report on Recent Levies

Learn how previously approved levies have been used to improve Seattle school buildings.

This report will be updated in January to include 2024 information and Technology.

Proposed BEX VI Capital Funding

The total for proposed Capital Projects Funding is $1,385,022,403.

Major Renovation and Replacement Projects

graphic of a hammer and a wrench, representing building improvements

Aki Kurose Middle School addition and modernization: $225,210,400
Replacement of one aging elementary school in northeast Seattle: $150,000,000
Lowell Elementary School addition and modernization: $148,333,800
John Marshall School Interim Site modernization: $84,978,637
Chief Sealth International High School Career and Technical Education (CTE) and classroom addition: $50,097,300

Building Systems Repairs and Replacements

graphic of an ID security badge for accessing buildings

Intercom Systems (emergency notifications): $52,750,000
Security Systems: $50,700,000
Roofs: $34,888,707
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC): $22,000,000
Exterior Cladding: $11,527,535
Seismic Improvements: $8,678,342
Exterior Windows: $8,000,000
Site Improvements: $7,273,460
Fire Alarm Systems: $2,591,187
Playground Equipment: $2,335,000
Lighting: included with Clean Buildings Performance Standards Compliance

Other Projects

graphic of a person in a wheelchair going up a ramp to access a building

Clean Building Performance Standard Compliance: $92,854,739
Central Kitchen Improvements: $10,470,000
BEX V Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment (FF&E): $8,634,440
Rainier Beach High School Performing Arts Center Interior Build-Out: $8,608,142
Cafeteria Refresh: $4,255,138
Security Entry Vestibule Improvements: $4,250,000
Gender Inclusive Restrooms: $2,645,105
Nathan Hale Parking Lot (Thornton Creek Flood Mitigation): $2,000,000
ADA Improvements: $1,000,000
Elevator Repairs: $1,000,000

Academic and Athletics Projects

Athletic Fields/Field Exterior Lights: $22,219,560
Athletic Equipment: $2,127,000
Program Placement: $1,000,000
Special Education Program Modifications: $1,000,000
Early Learning Capacity: $300,000

Reoccurring Costs

Major Preventative Maintenance (3 years): $52,500,000
Property Acquisition and Infrastructure: $10,000,000
BTA VI Levy Planning and Move Costs: $9,980,000
Short and Intermediate Capacity/Portable Management: $4,000,000
Building and Site Security Equipment (Fencing): $2,500,000
Maintenance Equipment: $1,000,000
Food Service Equipment: $1,000,000
Grounds Equipment: $250,000

Programmatic Needs

BEX VI Projects Cost Escalation 5% Annually: $207,947,591
BEX VI Building Program Contingency 3%: $37,549,759
Management and Staffing: $36,000,000

Graphic of fall sports includes a person running cross country, a golf course, a slowpitch softball, a swimmer, a football, a soccer ball, and a volleyball

Graphic of winter sports includes a swimmer, a gymnast, wrestlers, a bowling ball and pin, and a basketball hoop

BEX VI Technology Funding

The total proposed for Technology Funding is $414,977,597.

Each capital levy funds SPS technology operations on a 3-year cycle and supports projects, equipment, maintenance, and staffing.

Main Funding Source

BEX VI would provide 90% of Department of Technology Services budget for the next three years.

139.3 FTE supporting schools, students, and district operations
Investments in software and hardware
Development and implementation of digital curriculum
Upgrades to business and security systems
Equitable access to digital resources and language support solutions

Areas of Funding

Student Learning and Support

This category prioritizes the maintenance, enhancement, and expansion of technology resources for students, staff, and classrooms, including technical support for equipment repairs, digital learning facilitation, procurement of instructional software and licenses, and provisioning of student devices to support school improvement initiatives and special education needs.

Infrastructure and Security

Focuses on sustaining and modernizing the district’s data center, cloud infrastructure, internet, and wireless connectivity, while strengthening cybersecurity measures, with funding allocated for system operations, equipment replacement programs, and IT personnel support.

District Systems and Data

Aims to advance districtwide academic and business systems, promote digital transformation, enhance data-informed decision-making, and support critical projects such as the replacement of aging business systems and improving academic digital resources, while providing resources for licensing, staff augmentation, and system application support.

BEX VI Rate and Collection Amounts

Estimated Levy Rates

93 cents per $1,000 of assessed value in 2026
90 cents per $1,000 of assessed value in 2027
87 cents per $1,000 of assessed value in 2028
84 cents per $1,000 of assessed value in 2029
81 cents per $1,000 of assessed value in 2030
79 cents per $1,000 of assessed value in 2031

Collection Amounts

BEX VI Funded Projects by School and Building

If the BEX VI Capital Levy is approved by voters, a work plan will be submitted to the Seattle School Board. These projects have been identified to be included in the work plan.