If education is going to thrive here, Seattle Public Schools must continue upgrading, improving and replacing its worn-out buildings.

In one of two measures on the Feb. 6 ballot, the school system is asking voters to approve six years of local property taxes for a $490 million bond issue to pay for capital improvements. Voters should say yes to Seattle School District Proposition 1, as well as to the even more vital Proposition 2, which provides local school operating funds.

Approval of the bond would provide money to remedy drinking water and other safety issues more thoroughly and renovate or replace seven schools, almost exclusively at the middle and high school levels. Like the operating money, Proposition 1's capital spending has drawn broad support, although with a few questions from critics.

After the decision to close some elementary buildings, the district's capital campaign makes eminent sense. Seattle Public Schools are taking the responsible step of reducing excess capacity. Over the long term, that will make it easier to afford the modern, safe, functional and attractive buildings.

Some well-informed, thoughtful critics have questioned specifics of the capital package, including its focus on secondary schools and a pairing of nearby projects in the southeast part of the city. But every package -- this is the third in a series dating from 1995 -- has met questions that largely stem from the difficulties of trying to make choices amid a host of needs. We think this package will help Seattle students, schools and communities succeed.

Soundoff (Read 10 comments)
Tell us what's on your mind.

Should school districts in Washington state have to ask voters for basic operating levies for teachers, class size reduction and other routine expenses?
14.3% Yes	29.3% Yes, it promotes accountability
17.0% No	36.1% No, but it will only change when the courts enforce the state constitution's clause making ample funding for schools the state's paramount duty
3.4% Not sure, don't care or other
Total Votes: 147