Seattle voters passed the Families and Education Levy yesterday. The Levy is one of the most innovative and outcome-based education support measures in the country.
This Levy was a big ask, especially during these tough economic times. Our voters have strongly embraced doing all we can to provide our schoolchildren a high quality education and prepare them for college and the career of their choice.
The Council conducted a year-long planning process with a 24-member citizen advisory group before placing this Levy before the voters. As a result, this Levy has substantial safeguards built in for strong performance measures, accountability and transparency.
My colleagues and I look forward to working with the Seattle Public Schools and our communities to implement this investment in our students and schools.
The 2001 Levy will provide funding that will be available beginning with the 2012-2013 school year. The current Levy, which expires in December, provides funding through the end of the 2011-2012 academic year.