Seattle Public Schools

Report on Recent Levies

logo with a stylized school building that says Building for Learning Education Levies

Delivering on Our Promise: BEX V and BTA V Report to the Community

We want you to know how we are delivering on the promises made in each of our recent capital levies. This report provides an update on how Seattle Public Schools is delivering on the building construction and improvement projects promised in BEX V and BTA V as of December 2023.

Building Excellence V Capital Levy (BEX V)

Approved: February 2019
Levy amount: $1.4 billion over six years
Levy Funds collected: 2020-25
Expires: 2025

Buildings, Technology, and Academics/Athletics Capital Levy V (BTA V)

Approved: February 2022
Levy amount: $783 million over six years
Levy funds collected: 2023-28
Expires: 2028

Thank you Seattle voters!

Your Tax Dollars at Work

Capital levies are the main source of funding for school construction and building improvements, as well as technology investments. Investing in our school buildings supports our district strategic plan to provide high-quality instruction and learning experiences, including the goal of welcoming and safe schools.

2019 Building Excellence V Capital Levy (BEX V)

  • Approved: February 2019
  • Levy amount: $1.4 billion over six years
  • Levy funds collected: 2020–2025
  • Expires: 2025

As we continue into the last two years of BEX V funding, many major projects are complete or in progress. BEX V projects may continue past 2025, but no additional money comes in from the levy.

BEX V includes:
Promised: School Replacement, Modernization, and Additions
Promised: Safety and Security Improvements
Promised: Building Systems Upgrades and Improvements

the front of a building has one part that is 2-stories and 1 part that is 1-story. it is light colored with a roofed entry. a circular paved area, an area of grass, a concrete walkway, and a flag pole are in front. there are a few people facing away from the camera
Entrance to new James Baldwin Elementary School
a 3 story building made of reddish bricks with the 2nd floor forming a canopy over the first floor entrance. a concrete walkway and parking lot are in front. there is an American flag on a pole.
Entrance to new Kimball Elementary School
a 2 story building adjoins a historic building in an L shape with a plaza in front of both. students walk in the plaza
Van Asselt addition and renovated landmarked School
a long one-story building includes a breezeway in front of doors and a dark brick section. a walkway leads between newly planted landscaping toward the entrance with an electronic sign beside it
Entrance to the new Viewlands Elementary School
a two story brick building has a round canopy with a striped facade in fron covering a breezeway toward the entrance. a pave sidewalk and a walkway are in front. there are students walking toward the entrance.
New entry canopy to improved and expanded West Seattle Elementary School
drawing of the corner of a three-story brick building with glass windows/doors on bottom floor. a paved area in front has people walking toward the door
Architect’s drawing of new Alki Elementary entrance
architects drawing of a building on a hill with a ramp and stairs leading up
Architect’s drawing of new Asa Mercer International Middle School
drawing of a 2-story building with rows of windows, a breezeway with a door, plantings, and a walkway
Architect’s drawing of new John Rogers Elementary south entrance
drawing of a brick building with a white section connecting to a different color of brick. plantings and a walkway with people.
Architect’s drawing of new Montlake Elementary entrance
arctitect rendering of part of a 3-story building with landscaping and a walkway
Architect’s drawing of new Rainier Beach High School entrance

Promised: School Replacement, Modernization, and Additions

The following information provides an update on projects by main category, then by school.

Aki Kurose Middle School Planning
  • In progress
  • Construction funding relies on passage of the BEX VI Capital Levy

More information available – Aki Kurose Construction Project

Alki Elementary School Replacement
  • In progress
  • Estimated opening: September 2026

More information and photos available – Alki Elementary Construction Project

Asa Mercer International Middle School Replacement
  • In progress
  • Estimated opening: September 2025

More information and photos available – Mercer Construction Project

John Rogers Elementary School Replacement
  • In progress
  • Estimated opening: September 2025

More information and photos available – Rogers Construction Project

Kimball Elementary School Replacement
  • Complete
  • Opened: September 2023

More information and photos available – Kimball project

Montlake Elementary School Modernization and Addition
  • In progress
  • Estimated opening: September 2025

More information and photos available – Montlake Construction Project

Northgate Elementary School Replacement (now James Baldwin Elementary School)
  • Complete
  • Opened with new name: September 2023

More information and photos available – Northgate (James Baldwin) Project

Rainier Beach High School Replacement

This project now includes replacement of the existing performing arts center (PAC) to better integrate into the new building and extend its useful life.

Five phase project

  • Late fall 2026: Estimated completion of all phases

Complete

  • Phase 1 — Geothermal well installation
  • Phase 2 — Demolition of a portion of existing building and minor interior revisions

In progress

  • Phase 3 — Administration, commons, classrooms, library, and gymnasium building
  • March 2025: Estimated opening of phase 3

Scheduled

  • March 2025: Phase 4 — Performing Arts Center
  • March 2025: Phase 5 — Athletic Field

More information and photos available – Rainier Beach Construction Project

Sacajawea Elementary School Planning
  • In progress
  • Construction funding relies on passage of the BEX VI capital levy

More information available – Sacajawea Construction Project

West Seattle Elementary School Classroom Addition and Modernization
  • Complete
  • Opened in September 2023

More information and photos available West Seattle Elementary Project

West Woodland Elementary School Classroom and Gymnasium Addition, and Modernization
  • Complete
  • Opened September 2021

More information and photos available – West Woodland Construction Project

Van Asselt School Interim Site Classroom Addition, Gymnasium Addition and Modernization
  • Complete
  • Opened September 2023 as temporary home of Asa Mercer International Middle School

More information and photos available – Van Asselt Construction Project

Viewlands Elementary School Replacement
  • Complete
  • Opened September 2023

More information and photos available – Viewlands Elementary Construction Project


Promised: Safety and Security* Improvements

Access Controls on Four Entrances: 85 schools

Phase 1: main entry and staff entry card readers and intercom systems

  • Complete: 80 schools
  • In progress: 5 schools

Phase 2: playground and custodial entry

  • Complete: 31 schools
  • Scheduled: 54 schools

Perimeter fencing and gate improvements: 70 schools

  • Complete: 31 schools
  • In progress: 4 schools
  • Scheduled: 32 schools

Quick lockdown hardware on interior classroom doors: 85 schools

  • Complete: 53
  • In progress: 15
  • Scheduled: 17

Window shades on first floor exterior windows and doors: 64 schools

  • Complete: 33
  • In progress: 5
  • Scheduled: 28

Secure entry vestibules: 10 schools

  • Complete: 8
  • In progress: 2

Lockdown gate: 1 school

  • Complete

*School names not listed for security improvements


Promised: Building Systems Upgrades and Improvements

Elementary (A-L)

Scheduled

  • 2026: Electrical improvements

Complete

  • 2022: Ceiling fan installation
  • 2022: Site improvements
  • 2022: Sound attenuation in open concept classrooms
  • 2020: Playground upgrades

Scheduled

2025 and 2026: Exterior window upgrades

Scheduled

  • 2026: Exterior window upgrades

Complete

  • 2020: Playground upgrades
  • 2020: Sound attenuation installation in open concept classrooms

Complete

  • 2020: Playground upgrades

Complete

  • 2022: Exterior door upgrades
  • 2021: Playground upgrades

Complete

  • 2021: Playground upgrades

Complete

  • 2022: Sound attenuation installation in open concept classrooms
  • 2020: Playground upgrades

Scheduled

  • 2026: Electrical improvements
  • 2026: Exterior door upgrades

Complete

  • 2022: Playground upgrades

Complete and Open

2023: New replacement school

Complete

  • 2021: Playground upgrades

In progress:

  • PreK addition
  • Expected completion: Summer 2025

Scheduled

  • 2024: Sound attenuation installation in open concept classrooms

In progress

  • New replacement
  • Expected completion: Summer 2025

Complete and Open

  • 2023: New replacement school

Complete

  • 2022: Playground upgrades

Complete

  • 2021: Playground upgrades

Scheduled

  • 2025: Exterior door upgrades phase I

Complete

  • 2023: Ceiling fan installation
  • 2020: Playground upgrades
Elementary (M-Z)

Complete

  • 2022: Ceiling fan installation

Scheduled

  • 2024: Playground upgrades

Scheduled

  • 2026: Ceiling fan installation

Complete

  • 2022: Field replacement
  • 2020: Playground upgrades

Scheduled

  • 2026: Exterior cladding improvements
  • 2026: Exterior door upgrades
  • 2026: Exterior window upgrades

In progress

  • Landmark building modernization and addition
  • 2025: Expected completion

Complete

  • 2022: Exterior door upgrades
  • 2020: Site improvements (playground pavement)

Complete

  • 2020: Playground upgrades

Scheduled

2024: Ceiling fan installation

Complete

  • 2022: Roof replacement

In progress

  • Design for future school replacement

Complete

  • 2020: Site improvements (south playground pavement)

Scheduled

  • 2026: Parent drop-off and sidewalks
  • 2026: Ceiling fan installation
  • 2026: Sound attenuation installation in open concept classrooms

Complete

2021: Roof replacement

Complete

  • 2023: Ceiling fan installation
  • 2021: Playground upgrades

Complete and Open

2023: New replacement school

Complete

  • 2022: Playground upgrades
  • 2020: Roof repairs and coating

Complete and Open

  • 2023: Building classroom addition and modernization
  • 2023: Exterior door repairs and replacements

Complete and Open

2021: Classroom and gymnasium addition, and modernization

K-8 Schools

Scheduled

  • 2026: Ceiling fan installation
  • 2026: Exterior door upgrades

Complete

  • 2023: Heating/ventilation system upgrades
  • 2023: Roof replacement
  • 2023: Seismic upgrades for earthquake safety

Complete

  • 2021: Playground upgrades

Scheduled

  • 2025: Electrical system improvements
  • 2025: Exterior door upgrades
  • 2025: Ceiling fan installation

Complete

  • 2021: Heating system upgrades

Scheduled

  • 2026: Playground upgrades

Complete

2022: Ceiling fan installation

Scheduled

  • 2026: Exterior cladding improvements
Middle Schools

In progress

  • Design for future school modernization and addition
  • Construction costs not included in BEX V Capital Levy

In progress

  • 2023, 2024, and 2025: Exterior cladding improvements

Scheduled

  • 2024 and 2025: Exterior window upgrades
  • 2025: Ceiling fan installation

Complete

  • 2022: Playground removal
  • 2021: Field light installation
  • 2020: Site improvements (parking lot repair)

Scheduled

  • 2025: Seismic improvements for earthquake safety
  • 2025: Ceiling fans

Complete

  • 2023: Synthetic athletic field replacement

Scheduled

  • 2024: Exterior door upgrades
  • 2024: Exterior window upgrades
  • 2024: Exterior cladding improvements

In progress

  • New replacement school building
  • 2025: Scheduled completion

Complete

  • 2022: Field lights

Scheduled

  • 2027: Fire alarm upgrades
High Schools

Complete

  • 2021: Synthetic athletic field replacement

Complete

  • 2021: Security upgrades for school lockdown

Complete

  • 2023: Fire alarm upgrades
  • 2021: Gym roof replacement

Complete

  • 2021: Exterior cladding improvements

Scheduled

  • 2026: Electrical system upgrades, phase II

Complete

  • 2023: Career and technical education improvements
  • 2023: Seismic improvements for earthquake safety (east buildings)
  • 2023: Theater improvements

In progress

  • School building replacement
  • 2026: Expected completion

Complete

2023: Exterior cladding improvements

Complete

  • 2023: New auxiliary field
  • 2020: Roof repair and replacement
Other Facilities

Scheduled

  • 2026: Seismic improvements for earthquake safety
  • 2026: Fire alarm upgrades

Scheduled

  • Playfields: To be determined based on City of Seattle timing

Complete

  • 2022: Ceiling fan installation
  • 2022: Seismic improvements for earthquake safety

Complete

2023: Roof replacement

Complete

  • 2023: Seismic improvements for earthquake safety

Complete

  • 2023: Addition to use as interim site
  • 2022: Playground equipment removal

2022 Buildings, Technology, and Academics/Athletics Capital Levy V (BTA V)

  • Approved: February 2022
  • Levy amount: $783 million over six years
  • Levy funds collected: 2023–28
  • Expires: 2028

Funding for projects through BTA V first became available in April 2023. Many projects are scheduled for future completion. While some projects might be done after 2028, no additional money will come in from this levy after 2028.

BTA V Includes:
Promised: Capacity and Condition Improvement Projects
Promised: Safety and Security Upgrades
Promised: System Improvements by school or building

The following information provides an update on projects by main category, then by school.

Promised: Capacity and Condition Improvement Projects

Early Learning addition to John Muir Elementary School

In progress

  • 2024: Construction begins
  • 2025: Expected completion and opening

For more information, visit the John Muir Construction Webpage

Grandstand replacement and plumbing upgrades at Memorial Stadium
  • In negotiations with potential partners to expand the project

For more information, visit the Memorial Stadium Construction Project


Promised: Safety and Security Upgrades

In progress


Promised: System Improvements by school or building

Elementary (A-J)

Scheduled

  • 2027: Fire alarm system upgrades

Scheduled

  • 2027: HVAC system improvements
  • 2028: Fire alarm system upgrades

Scheduled

  • 2028: Roof improvements

Scheduled

  • 2027: Heating system improvements
  • 2027: Fire alarm system upgrades

Scheduled

  • 2028: Exterior window upgrades, phase II

Complete

2023: Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ramp installation and related improvements

Complete

  • 2022: Stormwater collection system replacement and other site improvements
  • 2022: Playground upgrades

Scheduled

  • 2028: Water distribution system upgrades

Scheduled

  • 2027: Fire suppression system installation
  • 2028: Exterior cladding improvements

Scheduled

  • 2026: Seismic improvements for earthquake safety

Scheduled

  • 2026: Exterior window upgrades
  • 2026: Fire alarm system replacement

Scheduled

  • 2025: Roof improvements

Scheduled

  • 2026: Exterior door upgrades (phase II)

Scheduled

2028: Exterior window upgrades

Scheduled

2024: Playground upgrades

Scheduled

  • 2026: Fire alarm system upgrades

In progress

  • Three-classroom addition for Early Learning
  • Fire alarm replacement

Scheduled

  • 2024: Fire alarm panel upgrades
Elementary (L-Z)

Scheduled

  • 2028: Storm water collection system testing, repairs, and cleaning
  • 2028: Asphalt sealing and restriping

Scheduled

  • 2026: Fire protection system upgrades and fire protection system installation in gymnasium
  • 2028: Seismic improvements for earthquake safety
  • 2028: Storm water collection system repairs and cleaning
  • 2028: Asphalt replacement and striping

Scheduled

  • 2026: Roof improvements
  • 2028: Fire alarm system upgrades

Scheduled

  • 2027: Water distribution system upgrades
  • 2027: North parking lot repaving; perimeter sidewalk repair

Complete

  • 2023: Perimeter sidewalk repairs

Scheduled

  • 2024: New grass playfield, asphalt exercise path, amphitheater, and learning garden
  • 2027: Fire alarm system upgrades
  • 2027: New fire suppression system

Scheduled

  • 2025: Playground upgrades

Scheduled

  • 2028: Seismic improvements for earthquake safety

Scheduled

  • Exterior window upgrades

Scheduled

  • 2024: Playground upgrades
  • 2025: Intercom system/clock replacement
  • 2027: Exterior cladding improvements
  • 2027: Exterior window upgrades

Scheduled

  • 2028: Roof improvements
  • 2028: Exterior window upgrades

Scheduled

  • 2025: Fire alarm system upgrades

Scheduled

  • 2026: Seismic improvements for earthquake safety
  • 2026: Electrical system upgrades

Scheduled

  • 2028: Fire alarm system upgrades
K-8 Schools

Scheduled

  • 2028: Waterline replacement
  • 2028: Fire suppression system installation

Complete

  • 2023: Playground upgrades

Scheduled

  • 2025: Electrical improvements
  • 2025: Exterior door improvements
  • 2026: Roof improvements
  • 2026: Site improvements (back parking lot pavement)
  • 2026: Intrusion detection system upgrades

Scheduled

  • 2028: Electrical system improvements
  • 2028: Intercom/clock system replacement

Scheduled

  • 2028: HVAC system upgrades
  • 2028: Fire alarm system upgrades

Scheduled

  • Fire alarm panel upgrades

Scheduled

  • 2024: Roof improvements
  • 2028: Fire suppression system upgrades
Middle Schools

Complete

  • 2023: Gym bleacher replacement

In progress

  • 2023 and 2024: Roof improvements

Scheduled

  • 2025: Fire suppression system upgrades in annex
  • 2025: Classroom conversion for science room and related seismic improvements
  • 2026: Storm water collection system testing, repairs, and cleaning; asphalt sealing and striping
  • 2028: Emergency generator replacement

In progress

  • Theater rigging, curtains, and lighting replacement

Scheduled

  • 2024: Gym bleacher replacement
  • 2025: Seismic improvements for earthquake safety, phase 2

Scheduled

  • 2027: Exterior cladding improvements
  • 2027: Exterior window upgrades

Complete

  • 2022: Seismic improvements for earthquake safety

Scheduled

  • 2028: Fire suppression system upgrades
High Schools

Scheduled

  • 2028: Toddler playground installation

Scheduled

  • 2024: Intercom/clock replacement
  • 2025: Tennis court coating
  • 2026: Chemistry lab
  • 2026: Theater curtain replacement

Scheduled

  • Synthetic turf and field lighting replacement on upper softball field (Nino Cantu SWAC)

Scheduled

2025: Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) site improvements

Complete

  • 2023: HVAC improvements
  • 2023: Fire alarm system upgrade in gymnasium
  • 2023: Parking lot improvements (resurfacing/striping, stormwater improvements, new fence and curb bumpers, lighting replacement, key card access

Scheduled

  • 2026: Storm water collection system testing, repairs, and cleaning; asphalt sealing and striping
  • 2027: Chemistry laboratory classroom
  • 2027: Acoustical treatment for band/choir rooms
  • 2027: Theater rigging replacement

Complete

  • 2022: Synthetic athletic field replacement, track and tennis courts resurfacing
  • 2023: Gymnasium bleacher replacement

Scheduled

  • 2024: Lighting system upgrades to high-efficiency LED
  • 2027: Electrical system improvements
  • 2027: Fire suppression system upgrades
  • 2027: Rigging, lighting, and curtains replacement in Little Theater and Performing Arts Center

In progress

  • 2025: New athletic field with synthetic turf

Scheduled

  • 2026: Synthetic turf replacement at auxiliary field and stadium, tennis court repaving, seating and fencing installation

Scheduled

  • 2027: Exterior cladding improvements
  • 2027: Exterior door improvements
  • 2027: Exterior window upgrades
  • 2027: Batting cages at Hiawatha Playfield in partnership with Seattle Parks
Other Facilities

Scheduled

  • 2025: Exterior door improvements

Scheduled

  • 2028: Fire alarm system upgrades
  • 2028: Intrusion detection system upgrades

Scheduled

  • 2028: Exterior window improvements
  • 2028: Fire suppression system improvements
  • 2028: HVAC system improvements

Scheduled

  • 2024: Central kitchen upgrades, phase 2
  • 2024: Humidity-controlled storage HVAC for district archive
  • 2026: Exterior cladding improvements
  • 2026: Roof repairs

In negotiation with potential partners to expand project

  • New grandstands
  • New water distribution system
  • Field light upgrades
  • Athletic field synthetic turf replacement

Scheduled

  • 2025: Exterior door improvements
  • 2025: Fire suppression system installation

Scheduled

  • 2024: Field light installation
  • Funding for heating system improvements in 1950-era building were reprogrammed to replace the existing heating system at Franklin High School

Scheduled

2024: Shared cost of synthetic turf replacement