Seattle voters to decide on renewing crucial school levies amid 100M budget deficit

Seattle voters are preparing to vote on two essential school levies on February 11, 2025, amid a pressing $100 million budget deficit faced by Seattle Public Schools. The Educational Programs and Operations Levy (Proposition 1) seeks to renew funding of $747 million for daily operational costs, ensuring salaries for essential support staff and funding for extracurricular activities. Meanwhile, Proposition 2, the Building Excellence VI Capital Levy, is aimed at securing $1. 8 billion for technology upgrades and infrastructure improvements across the district. Community members, including parents, have voiced support for these levies, highlighting their importance in maintaining educational quality and school operations.

Notably, these levies will not introduce new taxes but will replace existing funding sources. The urgency of the situation is underscored by recent discussions around closing under-enrolled schools, which were met with community backlash. Voter turnout is crucial, with ballots needing to be postmarked by the election date or returned to drop-off locations by 8 p. m. The outcome will significantly impact the district's ability to continue providing necessary educational services.