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Seattle schools getting $20 million under state capital budget

The district said the money will help with projects that are needed after ten years of significant enrollment growth.
(Credit: KING)

Washington's new capital budget will allocate more than $20 million for Seattle Public Schools to address critical capacity and safety needs after significant growth in the past 10 years, the school district said Friday.

The budget passed Thursday provides $19,586,000 for capacity and maintenance projects, with $500,000 dedicated for repairs at Eckstein Middle School.

Eight thousand new students have enrolled in the district in the past decade, according to the district, which has outpaced the district's ability to increase classroom space.

Voters approved a $700 million levy in 2013 to build eight new schools or additions, but the district says it hasn't been enough.

"We are deeply appreciative to our legislative delegation and the exceptional leadership of Senator David Frockt, who all understood the needs of our students and staff in overcrowded schools," said Stephen Nielsen, Seattle's schools' deputy superintendent in a statement.

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