Seattle public speakers address FEP levy transparency and police presence at schools

Concerns over transparency and community engagement dominated the recent Select Committee meeting on the Families, Education, Preschool & Promise (FEPP) Levy in Seattle. Educator Oliver Miska voiced strong criticism regarding the process surrounding the $1.3 billion levy, which aims to enhance funding for local schools. Miska highlighted that only one of the committee members reached out to collaborate with a coalition of over a dozen student, educator, and parent organizations, raising alarms about the lack of authentic public input.

Miska emphasized the need for genuine engagement, stating, “How do you expect students, educators, and parents to authentically engage in this process when at best there's a lack of transparency?” He called for a commitment to restorative justice practices and urged the council to support community-led solutions, particularly in light of recent violence against the LGBTQ community.

The meeting also featured contrasting views on police presence in schools. Jeremy Masner, a parent, argued against an amendment that would clarify spending principles, claiming it could hinder partnerships with police, which he believes are necessary for student safety. He pointed to the experiences of Garfield High School, where community members have expressed a desire for police presence amid rising violence.

In addition to these discussions, support for environmental education emerged as a key topic. Bill Farmer advocated for Councilmember Strauss's amendment to fully fund Seattle Parks and Recreation's environmental education program, emphasizing its importance for underserved communities and the mental health benefits it provides.

As the public comment period concluded, the committee faced pressing questions about how to balance community safety, educational funding, and transparency in decision-making. The outcomes of these discussions will likely shape the future of Seattle's educational landscape and community relations.