BEX VI Capital Levy
Proposed BEX VI Capital Levy
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.
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.
Levy Proposal to Seattle School Board
The proposal for BEX VI was introduced at the School Board meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024. Information can be found at item #5 on the agenda.
The Board is scheduled to take action on Wednesday, Nov. 19 to place BEX VI and the Educational Programs and Operations (EP&O) levies on the February 2025 ballot.
Online Community Information Sessions
Join us online to learn what is included in the BEX VI capital levy proposal to the School Board as well as about the Educational Programs & Operations Levy.
- Tuesday, Oct. 22, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
- Wednesday, Oct. 30, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
- Thursday, Nov. 7, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
For questions or feedback, use our online Let’s Talk form.
BEX VI Levy Details
- Proposed Levy Amount: $1.8 billion
- Levy Collected: 2026-2031
- Replaces: BEX V Capital Levy (expires 2025)
- Election Date: Feb. 11, 2025
Collection Amounts
- 2026: $300 million
- 2027: $300 million
- 2028: $300 million
- 2029: $300 million
- 2030: $300 million
- 2031: $300 million
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
Proposed BEX VI Capital Funding
The total for proposed Capital Projects Funding is $1,385,022,403.
Recommended Major Renovation and Replacement Projects
- 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
Recommended Building Systems Repairs and Replacements
- 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
Recommended Other Projects
- 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
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
Recommended 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
Proposed 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
- Infrastructure and Security
- District Systems and Data
Project Planning and Selection
Timeline for BEX VI Levy Planning
Questions and Feedback
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.