The Municipal League of King County
Supports
Seattle Public Schools Operating Levy and Capital Bond
February 7, 2007 Ballot
SUMMARY
Citizens of Seattle will vote on two school measures: Proposition 1 is a six-year $490 million
Capital Bond, and Proposition 2 is the three-year $397 million Operating Levy. The levy will
cost $1.17 per thousand of assessed property value, the bond $0.66/$1,000. These are both
renewal taxes that extend current school district tax levels. For a median-priced Seattle home
valued at $420,000, a homeowner would pay $769 per year. The measures replace existing operating
and capital levies which were approved in 2001 and 2004 respectively. Both the levy and bond
require a 60% supermajority vote and a turnout of 40% of the total number of votes cast in the
November 2006 general election.
Proposition 1 is the 2007 Capital Bond. The $490 million would fund 26 projects in
three major components: buildings, infrastructure and technology. Major capital construction includes:
- Nathan Hale High School
- Ingraham High School
- Denny/Sealth Campus plan
- Hamilton Middle School
- South Shore K-8
- Rainier Beach Career & Technology Center
Additional projects are replacement of water lines at seven schools, indoor air quality projects
at six schools and four athletic field projects. Technology projects include replacement of
outdated classroom and districtwide computer equipment, continued development of The Source website
and upgrades to academic and business data processing and communications systems.
Proposition 2 is the Operating Levy. $397 million will support basic educational
services including instructional programs, technology, student activities, transportation, and
security and maintenance of school buildings. The levy also pays for counselors, librarians,
instructional assistants, full-day kindergarten, bilingual and special education services,
professional development for teachers and staff, and activities such as athletics, band, choir
and drama. The levy accounts for 24% of the Seattle School District’s annual budget.
The levy rate is calculated such that a fixed amount of money is generated and rates decline
as property values rise. The 2006 Seattle school levy rate is $2.19 per thousand and is relatively
low compared to other school districts in the region such as Kent, Shoreline, Federal Way and Highline
which are all over $4.00 per thousand of assessed value.
ARGUMENTS FOR THE MEASURE
The following arguments were put forth by the proponents of the levy and bond:
The operating levy (Proposition 2) represents 24% of the School District’s annual
general fund budget and supports basic educational programs that are not fully funded by the state.
- Every school in the District receives funding from the operating levy according to regular
allocation formulas.
- Seattle has 103 schools with an average age of 40 years. The capital bond (Proposition 1)
funds major renovations at six schools, improvements to air and water quality, technology
and athletic fields at schools citywide.
- The levy and bond replace existing voter-approved measures and will not increase tax rates.
- Technology tools are essential systems in education and management today. Continuing upgrades
are needed to keep pace with the District’s technology needs.
- Seattle schools serve 47,000 students, of whom 39% receive free and reduced price lunches, 13%
receive special education services and 13% receive bilingual education services. The diverse
population of students requires the support of the city’s citizens.
- Student achievement continues to improve at Seattle’s public schools. Reading, writing and math
scores have improved significantly since 1999. Improving achievement requires resources and the
support of the voters.
- The community has an economic interest in ensuring the strength and quality of our schools, to
support the trends toward an ever more highly skilled workforce.
- Property owners have a healthy self-interest in investment in community infrastructure and quality
neighborhood schools and should support the school levy and bond.
- Major community organizations have endorsed both measures, including the Chamber of Commerce,
the Seattle Education Association, the PTSA, and the Urban League.
ARGUMENTS AGAINST THE MEASURE
The League was unable to identify any organized opposition to the school levy and bond proposals,
but developed the following potential arguments against the measures:
- The Washington State Constitution states that education is the “paramount duty” of the
state government and should be paid for out of regular tax collections.
- The School Board has demonstrated inadequate leadership and accountability and should be
replaced before the taxpayers authorize new funding for the Seattle School District.
POSITION and RATIONALE
The Municipal League of King County supports the 2007 Seattle Operating Levy and Capital Bond.
Despite leadership problems at the School Board level, the Seattle School District has demonstrated improving
fiscal management and a sincere effort to be responsive to the community. The school levy and bond are
an integral part of the ongoing operating and capital budgets of the District. Without them, our schools
would lose 24% of their general fund and much of their ability to maintain safe, modern and well-maintained
school buildings. Seattle Public Schools are in the midst of a multi-year program to increase student
achievement. The efforts have begun to bear fruit, and the schools deserve the continuing support of
the community. The levy and bond replace existing voter-approved levies and do not represent an increase
in tax rates.
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