Hello BHIS Community,
For the past six years, Beacon Hill International Elementary has been a recipient of the Families, Education, Preschool and Promise (FEPP) Levy. This funding stream has been a lifeline for Seattle Public Schools, providing essential school-based staff and resources to approximately 35 high-needs schools across our city.
At BHIS this funding source has contributed to the salaries of critical positions at our school and we risk losing them in the 2026-2027 school year. These positions include:
- Assistant Principal
- Mx. Stevie has developed innovative dual-language curricula that benefit not only our school but also other Dual Language Immersion institutions in the district. Additionally, they contribute to our school through various initiatives, including restorative practices, teacher support, and community-building efforts.
- Family Support Worker
- Ms. Margarita engages with the vast majority of families at our school, offering numerous resources, translation services for our Spanish-speaking families, and support for students. Her office is a hive of activity, filled with families throughout the day.
- Academic Interventionists
- Up to four interventionists who provide personalized support in reading, writing, and math, assessing each student’s needs to tailor instruction for success. They collaborate with teachers to track progress and offer targeted lessons that assist both struggling students and those seeking advanced challenges.
Although the FEPP levy has been approved by voters, the City of Seattle has not yet finalized its implementation plan. The timeline set by the Department of Education and Early Learning (DEEL) for administering Levy funds does not align with the budgeting processes of schools and districts. This is urgent now because our school is building a budget for next year right now without knowing if this funding will continue – this uncertainty means we may lose these positions.
These staff members are vital to enhancing Beacon Hill’s learning environment and the overall well-being of our students.
Call to Action:
We need your voice now. Contact Seattle City Council Members and the Mayor’s office urging them to discuss their stance on this issue and to advocate for the following:
- Extend FEPP funding for K-12 school-based investments and family support services for one additional year (2026-27 school year).
- Vote sooner on implementing Levy funds. Schools must finalize their budgets in March, and the district completes all budgets by May. The planned June City Council vote is too late to fit into this process, risking staff losses before funding is secured.
- Ensure meaningful public input in decision-making regarding the allocation of Levy dollars while minimizing unnecessary disruptions and negative community impacts.
Share why Levy-funded programs and positions matter to you, or feel free to use the script to the right if it helps. Your personal story — how FEPP-funded assistant principals, family support workers, or interventionists have helped your child — can make a powerful difference.
Contact the Mayor’s office through this form.
Seattle City Council Members Contact Info:
District 1: Rob Saka
- Phone: (206) 684-8801
- Email: rob.saka@seattle.gov
District 2: Eddie Lin (Beacon Hill)
- Phone: (206) 684-8802
- Email: eddie.lin@seattle.gov
District 3: Joy Hollingsworth
- Phone: (206) 684-8803
- Email: joy.hollingsworth@seattle.gov
District 4: Maritza Rivera (Chair of Levy Committee)
- Phone: (206) 684-8804
- Email: maritza.rivera@seattle.gov
District 5: Debora Juarez
- Phone: (206) 684-8805
- Email: debora.juarez@seattle.gov
District 6: Dan Strauss
- Phone: (206) 684-8806
- Email: dan.strauss@seattle.gov
District 7: Robert Kettle
- Phone: (206) 684-8807
- Email: robert.kettle@seattle.gov
Position 8 (Citywide): Alexis Mercedes Rinck
- Phone: (206) 684-8808
- Email: AlexisMercedes.Rinck@seattle.gov
Position 9 (Citywide): Dionne Foster
- Phone: (206) 684-8809
- Email: dionne.foster@seattle.gov
Sample Message You Can Use or Adapt
Hello, my name is ______, and I reside in District ____ (2 for Beacon Hill).
I’m reaching out today to advocate for the extension of the Families, Education, Preschool, and Promise (FEPP) levy bridge funding for the 2026-2027 school year. Although we, as voters, approved the extension of this levy last November, the funding will not be renewed until fall 2027. This situation creates a funding gap for our schools next year.
This matter is urgent, as our school is currently preparing its budget for the upcoming year without certainty regarding the continuation of this funding. Our school, along with 34 other high-needs schools in the district, may be compelled to lay off essential staff before the City Council finalizes the new levy plan this spring.
For my child’s (children’s) school, Beacon Hill International School, this could mean that up to six staff members may be affected next year. This includes our Assistant Principal, Mx. Stevie, who has developed groundbreaking dual-language curricula not only for our school but also for other Dual Language Immersion schools in the district. Our Family Support Worker, Ms. Margarita, who is constantly engaged with families throughout the day, and our Academic Interventionists who provide individualized support in reading, writing, and math for our students. These staff members play a crucial role in enhancing Beacon Hill’s learning environment and the overall well-being of our students, particularly in closing opportunity gaps for our most vulnerable children.
I strongly urge you to communicate your intention to extend FEPP funding for the 2026-2027 school year. This bridge will ensure continuity and stability for my child(ren) and their peers, especially during a time when many families are already facing heightened anxiety due to immigration and enforcement issues.
Thank you for listening today, for your leadership, and for your ongoing commitment to the children of Seattle.