Seattle City Councilmembers passed legislation out of committee to place a renewal of the Families and Education Levy on the November ballot. After rigorous discussion, the Council unanimously approved the levy at $231 million. The legislation will be considered for final adoption at the Full Council meeting on March 28.

“Today’s unanimous vote sends a strong signal that this Council is committed to Seattle’s most vulnerable children and struggling schools,” said Councilmember Tim Burgess, chair of the Council’s Public Safety and Education Committee. “We recognize the City must do more to partner with the School District and prepare all of our children for college and career. The Levy is an effective tool that moves us closer to this goal.”

The Levy would fund programs with proven results to help at-risk students and low-performing schools. These programs, directly administered and controlled by the City, supplement the basic academic instruction provided by Seattle Public Schools. The Levy would also provide continued funding for school-based health centers and enhanced early learning opportunities to ensure young children enter kindergarten ready to learn alongside their classmates.

Read the full press release here.