SEATTLE — It’s been a tough year for Seattle Public Schools as they navigate through a $100 million deficit. In recent months, Superintendent Dr. Brent Jones suggested the district shut down nearly a dozen schools to counter that deficit, but was quickly met with public outrage; those plans were scrapped in November.
As the district navigates this financial crisis, two school levies that provide critical funds for the district will be up to the public for renewal as they are on the ballot in the election on February 11.
On Monday, SPS held its second meeting open to the public at Wing Luke Elementary School to explain what exactly each levy funds for the district:
Proposition 1: Renewal of the Educational Programs & Operations (EP&O) Levy - Supports day-to-day school operations and helps bridge the gap between what the state funds and what our students need, including school security, services such as special education and extracurricular programs like arts and athletics.
Proposition 2: Renewal of the Building Excellence VI (BEX VI) Capital Levy - Funds school renovations, replacements and earthquake safety improvements to maintain safe and healthy school buildings. Also funds 90% of the district’s technology budget, continuing funds for student computers and classroom technology.
KIRO 7 spoke with a couple of parents who attended Monday’s meeting.
“A lot of our funding comes from these levies and a lot of what we do comes from the levies and as a parent, I want my kids to have everything they can get from school and levies help support that,” Ariel Mieling, who represented the Dearborn PTSA, said.
“Great schools don’t just benefit the students that are in them or the school community, they benefit everyone,” parent Lesley Krokower said.
KIRO 7 also caught up with SPS Chief Operations Officer Fred Podesta. Podesta expresses confidence that these levies will pass, but he warns that the district’s financial issues will persist.
“Even with the levies, we are facing an annual $100 million operational gap,” Podesta said.
Here is a list of the next public meetings discussing the levies up for renewal.
- Jan. 14 at Viewlands Elementary, 10525 3rd Ave Northwest, Seattle
- Jan. 16 at Kimball Elementary, 3200 23rd Avenue South, Seattle
- Jan. 21 at Olympic Hills Elementary, 13018 20th Avenue Northeast
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