Seattle committee debates levy language on school safety after Garfield parents urge return of officers

Chair Maritz Rivera opened the committee’s May 29 meeting of the Select Committee on the Families, Education, Preschool and Promise Levy to consider 12 proposed amendments to the levy ordinance. One of the most contested was amendment 1, sponsored by Councilmember Rink, which would add implementation principles emphasizing equitable access for historically underserved communities, prioritizing nonpunitive approaches to safety, and ensuring investments “do not contribute to the school‑to‑prison pipeline.”

The amendment’s sponsor framed the change as guidance for how levy funds should be used. “This amendment ensures that we are addressing root causes of violence through non punitive approaches,” Councilmember Rink said, adding that the levy should not repeat “mistakes of the past.” Central staff analyst Jasmine Marwaha told the committee the amendment would provide high‑level guidance only and would not bind the Council to specific services or change the proposed property tax rate.

The public comment period preceding the briefing drew parents…