Seattle Schools Education Levies

Voter-Approved Education Levies Support Seattle Students

Every three years, Seattle Public Schools asks voters to consider renewing two levies that support our students, staff, and schools. While SPS receives funding, based on enrollment, from state and federal sources, the district also relies on local levies to fund our schools. Levies help bridge the gap between what we need for students, staff, and schools and what we receive from the state.

The February 2025 levies replace current local funding sources and help SPS fund day-to-day operations for our schools and help make sure students have safe and healthy school buildings, including access to technology to meet today’s learning needs.

The money collected from local, voter approved levies stays in our district to support our students. These levies will not resolve the district’s budget shortfall; they renew current funding to maintain essential school operations, provide special education services, support classroom technology, enhance school safety, and fund the renovation and repair of school facilities.

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Two Levies Up for Renewal

Two levies will be on the February 2025 ballot: renewal of the Educational Programs and Operations Levy (EP&O) and renewal of the Building Excellence Capital Levy (BEX VI).

Ballots must be postmarked by Feb. 11, 2025, or placed in a ballot dropbox before 8 p.m. on that date.

Educational Programs and Operations Levy (EP&O)

The three-year Educational Programs and Operations Levy (EP&O) would replace the expiring EP&O, which was approved by Seattle voters in 2022. 

This levy is placed on the ballot every three years. We use these levy funds to provide the quality of education that our students and families expect. This includes additional funding for services such as special education and child nutrition.

Building Excellence VI Capital Levy (BEX VI)

The six-year Building Excellence VI Capital Levy (BEX VI) would replace the expiring Building Excellence V Capital Levy (BEX V), which was approved by Seattle voters in 2019. 

Capital levies are the primary funding source for school renovations and replacement, school building improvements, and technology for students, teachers, school staff, and administrators. District operations is also primarily funded by capital levies.

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How Seattle School Taxes Compare 2024

Per $1,000 of assessed property value. Source: King County Assessor Reports, Levy Rate Reports; Includes all current school levies and bonds for 2024.

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Community Information Sessions

Five regional information sessions are scheduled in January. You can join us at any session that works for you. Several parent organizations are also scheduling online sessions so watch for information from your school.

In Person Sessions

• Jan. 9: 6:30-7:30 p.m.
  Genesee Hill Elementary, 5013 SW Dakota St., Seattle 
• Jan. 13: 6:30-7:30 p.m.
  Wing Luke Elementary School, 3701 S Kenyon St, Seattle 
• Jan. 14: 6:30-7:30 p.m.
  Viewlands Elementary School, 10525 3rd Ave NW, Seattle 
• Jan. 16: 6:30-7:30 p.m.
  Kimball Elementary School, 3200 23rd Ave S, Seattle 
• Jan. 21: 6:30-7:30 p.m.
  Olympic Hills Elementary School, 13018 20th Ave. NE, Seattle 

You can use our Let’s Talk feedback form for ongoing questions and comments.

Previous Information Sessions

Thank you to those who joined us on Tuesday, Oct. 22, Wednesday, Oct. 30, and Thursday, Nov. 7.

• Download the presentation
• Watch the video.

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Report on Recent Capital Levies

We want you to know how we are delivering on the promises made in each of our recent capital levies. This report covers the building construction and improvement projects completed, in progress, or scheduled through December 2023. These projects were funded by the Building Excellence (BEX) V Capital Levy and the Buildings, Technology, and Academics/Athletics (BTA) V Capital Levy.

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Past Voter-Approved Levies