Tell the Seattle School Board: Reject BEX Levy Plans for Mega Elementary Schools

email advocacy
160 / 500 have signed

160 / 500 Have Signed

Email Subject:

Dear [Your Elected Official],

I am writing to urge you to vote NO on the approval of Resolution No. 2024/25-4, the Building Excellence (BEX) VI Capital Levy Program. There is no public mandate for the inclusion of two mega elementary schools in this levy, and I strongly believe that funding for building replacements could be directed to middle and K-8 schools until a new elementary school approach is developed with meaningful community input. My request is limited to these large-scale investments, not to necessary building repairs and replacements that elementary schools may require.
Need for a Transparent Process and Community Engagement SPS’s previous decision to plan and build mega elementary schools without engaging the public has resulted in a severe loss of public trust. To regain our trust, SPS should identify and involve the communities impacted by a proposed school co-location in advance of the Board voting on the BEX levy resolution. By doing so, SPS can ensure a thoughtful result that reflects the needs and values of the community. A clear and transparent process will help build community support and avoid confusion or opposition that stems from a lack of prior engagement.
Lack of Evidence on Academic Outcomes Moreover, SPS has not provided any evidence that building mega elementary schools would improve academic outcomes for students. Nor has the district shown that these schools wouldn’t harm student outcomes compared to the previous school configuration. Before launching into this plan under the last BEX, SPS never demonstrated that larger elementary schools would be beneficial to students, both academically and socially. This critical oversight further underscores the need for a reset and a more thoughtful, evidence-based approach moving forward.
Focus on Diverse, High-Quality Schools Seattle’s students are diverse, and their educational needs cannot be met with a one-size-fits-all approach. The large, uniform "mega school" model fails to provide the differentiated learning opportunities and equitable access to support services that our students deserve. 
To clarify, this request does not oppose essential capital improvements in elementary schools, including necessary repairs and replacements. These are critical and should continue where needed.
I urge you to vote NO on Resolution No. 2024/25-4 and to prioritize establishing a clear, community-driven process that identifies which elementary schools will be co-located as part of building replacements. This approach will build trust and ensure decisions are made in the best interests of the students, families, and broader community.
Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

[Your Address]

[Your City & State]

Send me occasional emails about this issue

Send a copy of this email to me

Summary

Seattle Public Schools (SPS) is moving forward with the BEX VI levy, which includes plans for large, one-size-fits-all mega elementary schools—without a public mandate. The previous decision to plan and build these schools was made without meaningful engagement from the communities affected. This lack of transparency has led to growing concerns, particularly in light of recent discussions around potential school closures. Additionally, SPS has not provided any evidence that mega elementary schools will improve academic outcomes or ensure better educational experiences for students compared to smaller, more community-focused schools. The academic and social impacts of this model remain unaddressed. What Needs to Happen Before the Seattle School Board votes on any BEX Levy, SPS needs to engage both of the communities that would be impacted by co-locating elementary schools. This process should involve gathering input from parents, educators, and local stakeholders to fully understand the effects these changes would have on the students and neighborhoods. A clear, transparent process that includes meaningful community involvement would ensure that decisions reflect the priorities of those most affected. How You Can Help We need action now. Tell the Seattle School Board to vote NO on the BEX VI Levy plans for mega schools. Urge SPS to redirect funds toward middle and K-8 schools and to collaborate with the community in developing a better, more equitable model for elementary education that ensures high-quality learning environments for all students. Voting “no” on the current BEX VI proposal will not jeopardize the levy itself. SPS would simply come back with a revised plan for the School Board’s approval, one that reflects the input and needs of the communities impacted by these proposed changes. The BEX VI Capital Levy funds the construction, modernization, and renovation of school buildings to address overcrowding, safety concerns, and infrastructure needs across the district. Let’s make sure these funds are used wisely and in ways that benefit all students—especially those whose voices have been left out of the conversation. Please note that the name of your school board director will not populate when you enter information. It will be added after you click "Send email."

Who will receive your email?

Liza Rankin Director

Sarah Clark Director

Evan Briggs Director

Joe Mizrahi Director

Michelle Sarju Director

Gina Topp Director

Brandon Hersey Director