Seattle Council votes on Families Education Preschool Levy to enhance child services

In a recent meeting of the Seattle City Council's Select Committee on the Families, Education, Preschool & Promise (FEPP) Levy, significant discussions centered around the proposed amendments to enhance educational services and support for families in the city. The meeting, held on June 12, 2025, highlighted the urgent need for community support amid ongoing challenges faced by immigrant families and students.

One of the key speakers, Tim, emphasized the precarious situation of immigrant communities, citing increased detentions and harassment by immigration officers. He urged the council to support amendments aimed at improving essential services for families, reinforcing Seattle's commitment to being a welcoming city. This call to action reflects a broader concern about the impact of federal policies on local communities and the necessity for local government to step up in support of vulnerable populations.

Jamie Fackler, a candidate for Seattle City Council, also voiced strong support for the proposed amendments, linking them to transformative educational programs that foster social and emotional development in children. Fackler's personal experience as a parent underscored the importance of mentorship and mental health services, which are critical components of the proposed levy.

The council then moved to discuss Council Bill 120981, which seeks to lift the limit on regular property taxes to fund educational support services. This initiative aims to double affordable childcare slots, expand access to the Seattle Preschool Program, and enhance school-based health services, including mental health care. The proposed levy is designed to address significant educational gaps, with alarming statistics indicating that a majority of students are not meeting proficiency standards in reading and math.

The meeting also touched on safety measures for schools, particularly in light of recent discussions by the Seattle Public Schools (SPS) regarding the presence of school resource officers. The SPS emphasized a comprehensive approach to safety, advocating for multiple strategies to ensure student well-being. This reflects a growing recognition of the need for community-driven solutions to address safety and educational challenges.

As the council prepares for a vote on the levy on June 17, the discussions from this meeting underscore the critical role of local government in supporting education and community well-being. The anticipated outcomes of the levy could significantly impact the lives of Seattle's children and families, providing essential resources to foster educational success and community resilience.