Mayor Durkan wants to increase tax levy to boost education

SEATTLE — Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan’s proposal for a new Families and Education Levy would total $636 million over seven years.

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​It would pay to fund 1,500 additional preschool students -- almost double the current number. "If they get to kindergarten ready to learn, we know how much that helps throughout their life," Durkan said at a news conference announcing the plan.

She would also add 31% more money to health and support services inside K-12 schools and expand free college tuition at Seattle's community colleges. 

"We are taking an incredible step today to really closing the opportunity gap that exists in our city," she said.

But the new Families and Education Levy on a home with a median value of $665,000 would be $249 a year. That's up sharply from the current $170 a year.

That is a big bite in a city that's already seen property taxes rise by 17 percent this year.

"I think any tax that helps education is a good idea. I'd rather see my taxes go towards education than, I don't know," said Seattleite Sarah Weiler.

Asked if he could see himself voting for higher taxes, Andrew Nordenflycht responded, "Particularly for the city of Seattle, yeah, because the benefits are here in the city of Seattle."

The city says the programs are working.

"We've seen good outcomes from our students of color. They are actually coming to kindergarten ready," said education and early learning director Dwane Chappelle.

Cox Media Group