Seattle Public Schools

Capital Levies

BEX IV

Building Excellence IV (BEX IV) Capital Levy

Levy amount: $694.9 million
Approved: February 2013 by 72% of Seattle voters
Replaced: Building Excellence III (BEX III) Capital Bond
Levy collected: 2014-2019

BEX IV continues the work to replace or modernize district buildings, infrastructure and technology with previous levies. It has allowed the district to address earthquake and safety issues, capacity needs, building condition and infrastructure improvements, and major preventive maintenance needs throughout the school district.

BEX IV projects were chosen based on four criteria:

  • Safety and security
  • Capacity needs
  • Building condition
  • Maximizing flexibility for programs and services

17 Major Building Projects

Seventeen major building projects will result in new schools, replacement schools or modernized schools. By replacing or renovating school buildings, Seattle Public Schools is not just creating better learning and teaching environments. These projects also reduce the maintenance backlog by updating or replacing aging structures. Modernization of existing schools includes earthquake safety improvements.

Other Building Projects

  • Earthquake safety (seismic) improvements at 37 additional schools
  • Integrated security cameras at 19 schools. (Complete)
  • Lunchroom additions at two schools. (Complete)
  • New science labs at four schools.
  • Roofing work at five schools. (Complete)
  • Field and/or track upgrades at five schools. (Complete)

These building projects typically take place during the summer months to avoid disruption to learning.

Other Projects

  • Planning for a downtown school.
  • Classroom technology improvements in all schools.
  • Academic and business operations technology updates.
  • Technology infrastructure work.