Two Seattle education levies for buildings, programs, staff on February ballot

Seattle Public Schools is turning to its residents for support with two education levies on the February 11 ballot, which are crucial for sustaining school operations and funding various programs. Proposition 1, known as the Educational Programs and Operations Levy, aims to secure millions for areas such as special education, transportation, and school sports. Meanwhile, Proposition 2 seeks to renew the Building Excellence VI levy, which finances new construction and repairs, as well as technology and support staff. Parents like Lesley Krokower highlight the importance of these levies, stating that state funding is insufficient and that losing this support would create equity issues for students. Richard Best, the SPS Executive Director of Capital Projects, warns that failing to pass these levies could lead to a detrimental loss of 120 technology support staff across 106 schools.

The district's current budget crisis, which exceeds $90 million, underscores the urgency of these funding measures. If both propositions pass, property owners will face a rate of $2. 12 per $1,000 of assessed property value. The community is encouraged to consider the implications of these levies on the future of education in Seattle.