Ballot Issues Report

Seattle School District Proposition No. 1
Maintenance & Operation Levy

Unlike its examination of Proposition 2, the Seattle Schools' "technology" levy, the Municipal League of King County has not prepared a detailed analysis of Proposition 1, a $150 million, two-year maintenance-and-operations measure (the M & O levy) appearing on the same February 6 ballot.

Proposition 1 is not a "new" tax. That is, it would replace a levy which is set to expire and its property-tax costs would remain roughly unchanged. (An average of $261 annually, for example, for the owner of a $150,000 home.)

M and O measures have been renewed consistently by Seattle voters for the past 20 years. Maintenance-and-operating levies undergird educational services not fully funded by the state. In Seattle's case, Proposition 1 represents 23 per cent of the schools' operating budget, and represents the maximum levy allowed by state law.

The levy supports a variety of programs and services ranging from all-day kindergarten, Head Start and athletics to classes for bilingual, at-risk and special-education children.

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The Municipal League researches and analyzes ballot measures and other issues affecting local government. For membership information or to join a Municipal League committee, e-mail the League or call (206) 622-8333 for more information and mention you saw our web page!