Initiative Measure 87
INITIATIVE MEASURE NO. 87
Great Schools for a Great City
WHEREAS the City of Seattle has a compelling municipal interest
in supporting the Seattle Public School's efforts to raise student
achievement and to reduce the disparity in educational achievement
that now exists between students of varying economic, ethnic, racial
and cultural backgrounds; and
WHEREAS the City of Seattle has a compelling municipal interest
in having a school system that is a model for urban districts across
the country; and
WHEREAS the City of Seattle has a compelling municipal interest
in restoring music and arts to the Seattle Public Schools in support
of the City's investment in music and arts as part of the cultural
fabric of the city; and
WHEREAS any sustainable economic strategy begins with focusing
community investments in academic achievement; and
WHEREAS the City of Seattle and its children cannot afford to
sit back and idly watch the financial strangulation of the Seattle
Public Schools as the School Public Schools responds with structural
changes to funding challenges;
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY OF SEATTLE as follows:
Section 1. Legislative Findings
a. Providing City services, including the enhancement of educational
programs described in this initiative, is a City purpose.
b. The educational programs to be funded are intended to support
student academic achievement and are supplemental to the basic
education financed by the State of Washington and the Seattle Public
Schools maintenance and operations levy, and will not displace or
reduce state funding for the public schools in the Seattle School
District.
c. In 1990, 1997, and 2004, the voters of Seattle approved measures
that provided funding for educational services to Seattle's school
children.
Section 2. Definitions. As used in this measure, the following
words when capitalized have the following meanings:
a. "City" means City of Seattle.
b. "Funds" means the Funds required to be spent by this Ordinance.
c. "People" means the people of the City of Seattle.
d. "Seattle Public Schools," "Seattle School District," and "School
District" mean Seattle School District No. 1.
e. Secondary "core classes" means the areas of English and language
arts, mathematics, science, social studies, arts, music, and
languages other than English.
Section 3. Expenditure of Funds-Amount
For the years 2008 through 2013, the City shall provide to the
School District additional funding for educational programs as
defined herein in an amount that is not less than the additional
regular property tax levy amount authorized by Seattle voters for
educational purposes.
Section 4. Expenditure of Funds-Allocation
The Funds shall be allocated as follows:
1. 75 % of the funds shall be used to provide class size relief,
program enhancement and restoration of critical coursework in
elementary, middle and high schools across the district. The funds
will be allocated by the school district to the following three
purposes:
a. To restore a comprehensive arts, drama and music program and
library services for elementary, middle and high schools, including
restoring instrumental music at middle and elementary schools. Funds
may be used to provide materials and instruments for these purposes;
b. To target reductions in class size and/or pupil classroom teacher
ratios in core classes at the secondary level and for reducing class
size and/or pupil-classroom teacher ratios in elementary schools; and
c. To provide, tuition free, all-day kindergarten for all children
enrolled in School District; and
2. 20 % of the funds shall be used to reduce the disparity in
educational achievement that now exists between students of varying
economic, ethnic, racial and cultural backgrounds. The funds will be
allocated by the school district to the following three purposes:
a. Providing extended learning opportunities, through lengthened
school days or school years and/or further reducing class size or
pupil-classroom teacher ratios, to students needing additional in-
class support to graduate on time and to meet state and district
standards;
b. To increase student achievement by providing time for school staff
to meet and focus on curriculum and teaching strategies to meet the
needs of students; and
c. To provide other school-based student support, such as nurses.
certificated counselors, or social workers; and
3. 5% of the funds shall be used to support classrooms, purchase
teaching materials, support new teachers, and support custodial and
maintenance needs for the increased operational hours and space
utilization.
None of the Funds shall be used by the School District to
supplant then-existing City support of students and schools; nor
shall any of the Funds be used to supplant then-existing state,
federal and levy funded expenditures for the purposes set out in this
section.
Any Funds not expended in the year in which they are collected will
be carried forward by the School District to be used in subsequent
years in accordance with this Section.
Section 5. Implementation
The City shall enter into all contracts necessary to effectuate the
purposes of this measure. The City shall consider raising the Funds
required to be expended by this measure by increasing in accordance
with Chapters 84.52 and 84.55 RCW the regular property taxes to be
levied for the years 2007 through 2012, as approved by the voters.
Should the voters disapprove of that increase in the regular property
tax levy, this Ordinance shall not take effect.
Section 6. Oversight
The School District shall provide to the Citizens of the City and
the City Council on an annual basis, beginning no later than August
31, 2009, and annually thereafter, a report on the use of the Funds
and the impact of this funding upon class size, progress toward
graduation, graduation rates, student attendance, student
achievement, disproportionate academic underachievement based upon
race, ethnicity or low socio-economic status, student and teacher
turnover, and disproportionate referrals to discipline and special
education based upon race, ethnicity, or low socio-economic status.
Section 7. Severability
In the event that any one or more of the provisions of this
ordinance shall for any reason be held to be invalid, such invalidity
shall not affect any other provision of this ordinance or the
allocations and expenditures authorized and directed herein, but this
ordinance shall be construed and enforced as if such invalid
provisions had not been contained herein; and any provision which
shall for any reason be held by reason of its extent to be invalid
shall be deemed to be in effect to the extent permitted by law.
Section 8. Effective Date
This measure shall take effect and be in force thirty (30) days
from and after its passage by the City Council and approval by the
Mayor (but if not approved and returned by the Mayor within ten (10)
days after presentation, then as provided by Municipal Code Section
1.04.20); or in accordance with City Charter Article IV, upon
proclamation of the Mayor within five (5) days after the election at
which it is approved by the People.
init87.htm
rev. 4/11/06