SPS 2022 Levy Votes on February Ballot

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There are two ballot propositions on the February 2022 ballot that will ask Seattle voters to renew two different levies that support Seattle Public Schools.

On Thursday, January 13th, join us at 6:30pm on Zoom for a presentation regarding these levies from Assistant Superintendent of Business and Finance, JoLynn Berge, as well as Director of Capital Projects and Planning, Richard Best.

The two levies up for renewal are:

Educational Programs and Operations Levy (EP&O)

From SPS:

If approved, the levy continues funding for day-to-day operations, staffing positions, academic programs and student opportunities that are not fully funded by the state.

School staff: Helps pay for teachers’ salaries and support staff, like school nurses and custodians.

  • For instance, the state funds nine nurses, but thanks to the levy we employ 68

  • Supports and programs: Continues funding for special education, advanced learning, child nutrition programs and social-emotional health, as well as programs such as Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM)

    • For instance, the state funds $82 million for special education, but thanks to the levy we can fund our special education program at $180 million — a $98 million gap.

  • Opportunities for students, including funding for athletics, arts, drama, and music

    • For instance, the state provides zero dollars for athletics, but the levy funds $4 million toward athletic opportunities for students.

BTA V Capital Levy

From SPS:

Capital levies are the main source of funding to ensure that every student has a safe, welcoming learning environment. School districts receive limited state or federal funding for improvements to school buildings.

Seattle Public Schools relies on voter-approved capital levies to fund school construction and renovations, safety and security upgrades, building systems improvements, and major maintenance.

Capital levies provide most of the funding for important classroom technology and support for student learning, district technology systems, and technology infrastructure. Report on recent levies.

B stands for Buildings: This portion of the levy includes projects that improve our school buildings. Examples of projects include roof replacements, small renovations, safety improvements and upgrades, heating and ventilation improvements, major maintenance, and critical maintenance.

T stands for Technology: Capital levies provide the primary funding source for making strategic investments in technology for learning and teaching in the classroom; delivering services to students, teachers, staff, and families; and improving efficiency in business processes. Projects and services fall into three major categories: student learning and support, district systems and data, infrastructure, and security

A stands for Academic/Athletics: This portion of the levy pays for modifications needed for academic program changes, playground improvements, athletic field improvements and equipment, and art and science equipment. In addition, SPS owns Memorial Stadium, and the levy includes funding to invest in new grandstands so it can continue to be used for high school athletics, for graduations, and by the community.