1 00:00:08,500 --> 00:00:12,542 Welcome. My name is Dr. Dwane Chappelle and I serve 2 00:00:12,542 --> 00:00:16,297 as the proud director of the City Department of 3 00:00:16,297 --> 00:00:18,800 Education and Early Learning. 4 00:00:18,800 --> 00:00:21,184 So I just want to thank you all for being here today. 5 00:00:21,184 --> 00:00:23,739 Can we just give some finger snaps just for being here? 6 00:00:24,920 --> 00:00:28,940 We're actually gathered here today because Seattle's 7 00:00:28,940 --> 00:00:32,697 families, educators, and communities showed up at 8 00:00:32,697 --> 00:00:34,619 the ballot last November. 9 00:00:34,619 --> 00:00:37,899 and at the community meetings and conversations 10 00:00:37,899 --> 00:00:41,987 throughout the city to say it clear that our 11 00:00:41,987 --> 00:00:44,859 children deserve more. 12 00:00:44,859 --> 00:00:49,500 And I'm loving looking around, seeing our young people 13 00:00:49,500 --> 00:00:52,823 either playing, pointing, and just being 14 00:00:52,823 --> 00:00:54,579 actively engaged today. 15 00:00:54,579 --> 00:00:57,340 So thank you, young folks, for being here. 16 00:00:57,340 --> 00:01:00,200 I want to thank Mercer, Aki. 17 00:01:00,200 --> 00:01:03,659 I'm not sure if Denny Middle School is here. 18 00:01:03,659 --> 00:01:05,599 Washington Middle School, thank you. 19 00:01:05,599 --> 00:01:08,760 Thank you, Mr. King, Mike Brown, and others 20 00:01:08,760 --> 00:01:11,959 for making sure our young scholars are gonna be here. 21 00:01:11,959 --> 00:01:16,260 But 80% of voters approved the $1.3 billion renewal 22 00:01:17,439 --> 00:01:21,099 of the Families Education Preschool and Promise Levy 23 00:01:21,099 --> 00:01:26,420 as part of the city's Every Child Ready initiative. 24 00:01:26,420 --> 00:01:28,653 80% is not just a number. 25 00:01:28,653 --> 00:01:33,457 It's a mandate, a community declaration that every 26 00:01:33,457 --> 00:01:38,596 child, yes I said it, every child in this wonderful city 27 00:01:38,596 --> 00:01:43,959 deserves the opportunity to thrive from birth to career. 28 00:01:43,959 --> 00:01:47,750 And I'm honored to serve as your emcee today to introduce 29 00:01:47,750 --> 00:01:51,057 our fabulous speakers that are gathered here and 30 00:01:51,057 --> 00:01:54,525 to welcome the community partners and young people 31 00:01:54,525 --> 00:01:56,459 that are here in attendance. 32 00:01:56,459 --> 00:02:00,022 But most importantly, to celebrate this next 33 00:02:00,022 --> 00:02:02,180 milestone of the FEPPPP levy. 34 00:02:02,180 --> 00:02:06,210 So what I'd like to do now is introduce our 35 00:02:06,210 --> 00:02:08,819 fantastic mayor, Wilson. 36 00:02:08,819 --> 00:02:10,109 come on up and share some remarks. 37 00:02:10,109 --> 00:02:11,259 Let's give her a round, y'all. 38 00:02:15,240 --> 00:02:17,340 Thank you, Dr. Chappelle. 39 00:02:18,460 --> 00:02:23,526 Well, I am very, very excited to be here today to announce the 40 00:02:23,526 --> 00:02:27,806 six-year plan that implements the levy that was proposed 41 00:02:27,806 --> 00:02:30,800 by Mayor Harrell and passed by voters last year. 42 00:02:30,800 --> 00:02:34,356 The plan that I'm announcing today will direct the resources 43 00:02:34,356 --> 00:02:37,412 secured by the levy to provide additional support and 44 00:02:37,412 --> 00:02:40,168 opportunities for children and make Seattle more 45 00:02:40,168 --> 00:02:42,457 affordable for parents and families. 46 00:02:42,457 --> 00:02:44,741 Together, these investments can 47 00:02:44,741 --> 00:02:47,919 begin to change what it is like to raise a family 48 00:02:47,919 --> 00:02:48,748 in this city. 49 00:02:48,748 --> 00:02:50,859 We are building on the principles 50 00:02:50,859 --> 00:02:54,099 that underlie our free and universally accessible 51 00:02:54,099 --> 00:02:58,586 public K-12 education system by offering more of what 52 00:02:58,586 --> 00:03:00,680 our kids need to succeed. 53 00:03:00,680 --> 00:03:03,197 And we are making major investments in our children 54 00:03:03,197 --> 00:03:06,436 that will help to make the city more affordable for all the 55 00:03:06,436 --> 00:03:08,520 families who call Seattle home. 56 00:03:08,520 --> 00:03:11,387 We're talking about major new investments in child 57 00:03:11,387 --> 00:03:14,319 care, preschool, after school and summer programs, 58 00:03:14,319 --> 00:03:17,677 mentoring, tutoring, health care, school meals, college 59 00:03:17,677 --> 00:03:19,460 and career pathways, and more. 60 00:03:19,460 --> 00:03:21,479 This is exciting stuff. 61 00:03:21,479 --> 00:03:24,883 These are investments that reduce costs, open doors, and 62 00:03:24,883 --> 00:03:28,500 make Seattle a better place to live, work, and raise a family. 63 00:03:28,500 --> 00:03:31,882 There is a lot in this plan and we will have all of those 64 00:03:31,882 --> 00:03:33,879 details available for you all. 65 00:03:33,879 --> 00:03:36,520 But I want to focus today on just a few of the key new 66 00:03:36,520 --> 00:03:38,259 investments that we're making. 67 00:03:39,259 --> 00:03:43,599 First, this plan expands the Seattle Preschool Program so 68 00:03:43,599 --> 00:03:47,929 that more classrooms can operate all day, all year long, 69 00:03:47,929 --> 00:03:50,460 including through the summer. 70 00:03:50,460 --> 00:03:52,580 The Seattle Preschool Program already serves 71 00:03:52,580 --> 00:03:54,919 thousands of children with high-quality learning 72 00:03:54,919 --> 00:03:57,466 environments, setting them up for success in 73 00:03:57,466 --> 00:03:58,939 kindergarten and beyond. 74 00:03:58,939 --> 00:04:01,893 All three and four-year-olds in Seattle are eligible, and 75 00:04:01,893 --> 00:04:04,183 tuition is free for most Seattle families. 76 00:04:04,183 --> 00:04:06,616 This program is an incredible success, 77 00:04:06,616 --> 00:04:08,018 but there's a problem. 78 00:04:08,018 --> 00:04:11,008 Many of these programs end at two or three in the 79 00:04:11,008 --> 00:04:14,147 afternoon. Most people's jobs do not end in the 80 00:04:14,147 --> 00:04:17,819 mid-afternoon, so working parents are forced to scramble 81 00:04:17,819 --> 00:04:20,550 for additional care to cover the full workday. 82 00:04:20,550 --> 00:04:22,985 Often programs also close during the summer, 83 00:04:22,985 --> 00:04:26,220 even though most parents still have to work and their schedules 84 00:04:26,220 --> 00:04:27,228 don't change. 85 00:04:27,228 --> 00:04:29,752 This creates the kind of logistical 86 00:04:29,752 --> 00:04:32,610 scramble that parents know all too well. 87 00:04:32,610 --> 00:04:34,504 And it's not just a hassle. 88 00:04:34,504 --> 00:04:36,329 It can mean fewer hours on 89 00:04:36,329 --> 00:04:39,720 the job for parents, less opportunity to learn 90 00:04:39,720 --> 00:04:42,067 during the summer for kids, and just a general 91 00:04:42,067 --> 00:04:44,600 feeling that raising a family is much harder than 92 00:04:44,600 --> 00:04:46,540 than it needs to be. 93 00:04:46,540 --> 00:04:49,800 Expanding the preschool program to serve kids all day 94 00:04:49,800 --> 00:04:53,310 and all year is an overdue step to recognize the realities 95 00:04:53,310 --> 00:04:54,660 faced by working parents. 96 00:04:54,660 --> 00:04:59,100 And I am so glad that we are finally making it happen. 97 00:04:59,100 --> 00:05:06,579 In addition to this, we are also increasing 98 00:05:06,579 --> 00:05:08,704 the support provided through the Child Care 99 00:05:08,704 --> 00:05:10,826 Assistance Program, which makes childcare 100 00:05:10,826 --> 00:05:13,141 more affordable affordable for thousands 101 00:05:13,141 --> 00:05:14,500 of Seattle families. 102 00:05:14,500 --> 00:05:17,326 And we are investing in the child care workforce 103 00:05:17,326 --> 00:05:19,939 by supporting the providers, the teachers, 104 00:05:19,939 --> 00:05:22,223 and the family child care workers who make 105 00:05:22,223 --> 00:05:23,660 early learning possible. 106 00:05:24,779 --> 00:05:28,552 Second, I'm very excited about this one, we are going to 107 00:05:28,552 --> 00:05:31,800 provide free school meals to to every student 108 00:05:31,800 --> 00:05:33,079 in every school. 109 00:05:38,540 --> 00:05:41,264 Beginning this fall, my plan will extend 110 00:05:41,264 --> 00:05:44,255 free breakfast and lunch so that every student at 111 00:05:44,255 --> 00:05:47,954 every Seattle public school gets nutritious meals and 112 00:05:47,954 --> 00:05:50,199 starts the day ready to learn. 113 00:05:50,199 --> 00:05:53,314 This means no stigma, no eligibility bubble that 114 00:05:53,314 --> 00:05:55,968 squeezes out struggling families just because they 115 00:05:55,968 --> 00:05:58,214 miss some threshold set by the federal 116 00:05:58,214 --> 00:06:02,065 government. K-12 education is free and universal 117 00:06:02,065 --> 00:06:05,202 and the basic nutrition that you need to be ready 118 00:06:05,202 --> 00:06:07,680 to learn is going to be free and universal too. 119 00:06:09,160 --> 00:06:12,413 That means a better start for kids, a better 120 00:06:12,413 --> 00:06:15,939 learning environment for teachers, and fewer 121 00:06:15,939 --> 00:06:19,608 groceries that families have to buy to keep their kids healthy. 122 00:06:19,608 --> 00:06:22,937 Hungry kids have a harder time focusing and a harder time 123 00:06:22,937 --> 00:06:24,242 succeeding in class. 124 00:06:24,242 --> 00:06:25,839 By making sure that food is 125 00:06:25,839 --> 00:06:28,149 available and accessible to all, we are making a 126 00:06:28,149 --> 00:06:30,603 serious investment in the long-term health of our 127 00:06:30,603 --> 00:06:33,500 communities. And if you're staying for the reception, you 128 00:06:33,500 --> 00:06:35,713 will get a taste of what a big deal this is because 129 00:06:35,713 --> 00:06:37,675 our partners at Seattle Public Schools have 130 00:06:37,675 --> 00:06:38,680 provided the catering. 131 00:06:43,560 --> 00:06:47,158 Third, we are going to provide free mental health care to 132 00:06:47,158 --> 00:06:50,802 all Seattle teens and young adults, open up new school-based 133 00:06:50,802 --> 00:06:53,959 health centers, and expand mentorship opportunities. 134 00:06:58,160 --> 00:07:01,334 We know that youth mental health is a growing concern, but 135 00:07:01,334 --> 00:07:04,759 accessing care can be difficult and expensive. 136 00:07:04,759 --> 00:07:06,600 Today, that change is for good. 137 00:07:06,600 --> 00:07:09,783 I am proud to announce my plan will provide access to free 138 00:07:09,783 --> 00:07:12,798 mental health supports for all Seattle teens and young 139 00:07:12,798 --> 00:07:15,079 adults for the six-year life of this lobby. 140 00:07:19,379 --> 00:07:21,810 We are also opening up additional school-based 141 00:07:21,810 --> 00:07:24,060 health centers which will provide students 142 00:07:24,060 --> 00:07:28,019 with free primary care, dental health services, and more. 143 00:07:28,019 --> 00:07:31,240 And we're addressing the whole child by also creating access 144 00:07:31,240 --> 00:07:34,230 to mentorship opportunities which connect students to 145 00:07:34,230 --> 00:07:37,052 mentors from organizations with established trust 146 00:07:37,052 --> 00:07:39,668 and cultural connection to the communities 147 00:07:39,668 --> 00:07:40,779 that they serve. 148 00:07:40,779 --> 00:07:44,175 Mentors will also collaborate with school staff to support 149 00:07:44,175 --> 00:07:47,160 youth reentry, reduce chronic absenteeism and more. 150 00:07:48,160 --> 00:07:51,151 By connecting young people with counselors, clinicians, 151 00:07:51,151 --> 00:07:54,399 and community-based services, we can make sure that every 152 00:07:54,399 --> 00:07:57,959 young person has a chance to be seen, heard, and receive the 153 00:07:57,959 --> 00:07:59,019 support they need. 154 00:08:00,120 --> 00:08:03,060 And fourth, we are opening new pathways to 155 00:08:03,060 --> 00:08:04,740 good jobs after school. 156 00:08:05,860 --> 00:08:10,298 This plan will expand and strengthen young people's 157 00:08:10,298 --> 00:08:14,271 access to good jobs whether or or not they choose 158 00:08:14,271 --> 00:08:15,819 to go on to college. 159 00:08:15,819 --> 00:08:18,019 This includes new apprenticeship programs 160 00:08:18,019 --> 00:08:20,620 that connect young people to high demand trades 161 00:08:20,620 --> 00:08:23,480 from cement masons to maritime training. 162 00:08:23,480 --> 00:08:26,540 And the Seattle Promise Program initiated by Mayor Durkan 163 00:08:26,540 --> 00:08:29,459 will continue to provide every Seattle Public School 164 00:08:29,459 --> 00:08:32,940 graduate with tuition free access to Seattle colleges, 165 00:08:32,940 --> 00:08:34,798 as well as wraparound support to make sure 166 00:08:34,798 --> 00:08:37,259 they can succeed and graduate. 167 00:08:37,259 --> 00:08:40,312 We are going to make sure that every young Seattleite has 168 00:08:40,312 --> 00:08:43,320 a clear, supported path to a living wage career. 169 00:08:47,860 --> 00:08:50,600 Seattle is a beautiful city with so much to offer. 170 00:08:50,600 --> 00:08:52,946 I might be biased, but I think that Seattle is the 171 00:08:52,946 --> 00:08:54,059 best city in the world. 172 00:08:55,159 --> 00:08:57,498 But we know that it can be way too difficult 173 00:08:57,498 --> 00:08:58,700 to raise a child here. 174 00:08:59,720 --> 00:09:03,460 The affordability crisis has hit families especially hard. 175 00:09:03,460 --> 00:09:05,702 Groceries are more expensive than ever. 176 00:09:05,702 --> 00:09:07,879 Childcare is more expensive than ever. 177 00:09:07,879 --> 00:09:10,418 It's tough to find housing in the city that offers 178 00:09:10,418 --> 00:09:13,234 enough space for a family and if you do it's a good 179 00:09:13,234 --> 00:09:16,980 bet that rent is going to be more expensive than ever too. 180 00:09:16,980 --> 00:09:20,326 There's a lot that we can do to make Seattle a great place to 181 00:09:20,326 --> 00:09:22,139 live, work, and raise a family. 182 00:09:22,139 --> 00:09:25,134 The investments that we're making today take a big 183 00:09:25,134 --> 00:09:26,559 step in that direction. 184 00:09:26,559 --> 00:09:29,383 And we're also sending a message to parents who are 185 00:09:29,383 --> 00:09:30,659 trying to make it here. 186 00:09:30,659 --> 00:09:32,379 This is your city. 187 00:09:32,379 --> 00:09:34,620 We want you raising your families here. 188 00:09:34,620 --> 00:09:37,880 And we're doing everything we can to make it easier for you 189 00:09:37,880 --> 00:09:39,580 to afford to build a life here. 190 00:09:39,580 --> 00:09:39,919 Thank you. 191 00:09:49,759 --> 00:09:55,379 Thank you, Mayor, for your announcement. 192 00:09:57,580 --> 00:10:01,461 So what I have the pleasure now of doing is, you know, before 193 00:10:01,461 --> 00:10:04,960 I introduce this next speaker, I just want to call someone 194 00:10:04,960 --> 00:10:06,663 out that's not speaking today. 195 00:10:06,663 --> 00:10:09,618 I thought I saw Councilmember Lin here somewhere. 196 00:10:09,618 --> 00:10:10,203 Oh, okay. 197 00:10:10,203 --> 00:10:12,254 I just want to give Councilmember 198 00:10:12,254 --> 00:10:13,279 Lin a shout out. 199 00:10:13,279 --> 00:10:15,378 I just want to say hello, welcome, 200 00:10:15,378 --> 00:10:17,043 thank you for everything. 201 00:10:17,043 --> 00:10:20,299 This is our, one of our phenomenal Councilmembers. 202 00:10:20,299 --> 00:10:24,554 But it's now my honor to introduce our next speaker, 203 00:10:24,554 --> 00:10:28,513 which is Council Member Rivera, who represents 204 00:10:28,513 --> 00:10:32,769 Council District 4 and is the chair of the Libraries 205 00:10:32,769 --> 00:10:36,826 Education Neighborhoods Committee, which will 206 00:10:36,826 --> 00:10:39,299 review this FEPP legislation. 207 00:10:39,299 --> 00:10:44,322 I've had the pleasure of working with Councilmember Rivera for 208 00:10:44,322 --> 00:10:48,679 quite some time, and I can tell you all single-handedly 209 00:10:48,679 --> 00:10:53,322 that Councilmember Rivera is deeply passionate about the 210 00:10:53,322 --> 00:10:58,059 FEPP investments for Seattle's kids, for our families, and 211 00:10:58,059 --> 00:11:02,893 she's even more particularly passionate about the new Trace 212 00:11:02,893 --> 00:11:07,820 to Path work, which carries on her father's legacy as a welder. 213 00:11:07,820 --> 00:11:10,096 So without further ado, Councilmember 214 00:11:10,096 --> 00:11:11,200 Rivera, come on up. 215 00:11:13,659 --> 00:11:15,620 All right, thanks. 216 00:11:15,620 --> 00:11:19,580 I'm a little shorter than Dwane and then Mayor Wilson, too. 217 00:11:19,580 --> 00:11:22,120 All right, can you hear me or did I turn this off? 218 00:11:22,120 --> 00:11:23,179 You turned it off. 219 00:11:23,179 --> 00:11:26,480 Did I turn it off? 220 00:11:26,480 --> 00:11:27,000 Say something. 221 00:11:38,919 --> 00:11:45,139 Thank you. 222 00:11:45,139 --> 00:11:48,340 Thank you, Director Chappelle and Mayor Wilson. 223 00:11:48,340 --> 00:11:50,840 And good afternoon and buenas tardes, everyone. 224 00:11:50,840 --> 00:11:54,618 I am so excited to be here and I'm so excited that the weather 225 00:11:54,618 --> 00:11:57,924 is held up for us so we can do this event outside. 226 00:11:57,924 --> 00:12:01,456 I am so happy to talk about the implementation 227 00:12:01,456 --> 00:12:05,725 of the Families Education Preschool and Promise Levy that 228 00:12:05,725 --> 00:12:09,519 former Mayor Harrell and I worked on to put on the ballot 229 00:12:09,519 --> 00:12:12,499 and that Mayor Wilson is presenting today, but 230 00:12:12,499 --> 00:12:15,860 more importantly that you all generously supported 231 00:12:15,860 --> 00:12:19,129 supported and voted in this past November. 232 00:12:19,129 --> 00:12:22,399 This renewal will continue or expand prior 233 00:12:22,399 --> 00:12:25,567 levy investments in child care, award winning 234 00:12:25,567 --> 00:12:28,980 preschool, not just preschool, but award winning 235 00:12:28,980 --> 00:12:33,293 preschool, K through 12 academic, physical and mental 236 00:12:33,293 --> 00:12:37,799 health supports so that students students have the help they 237 00:12:37,799 --> 00:12:41,561 need to learn and grow in the very successful Universal 238 00:12:41,561 --> 00:12:43,360 Seattle Promise Program. 239 00:12:43,360 --> 00:12:47,126 The Promise Program, as Dr. Chappelle mentioned, 240 00:12:47,126 --> 00:12:49,100 is really meaningful to me 241 00:12:50,580 --> 00:12:54,524 because I was here when Mayor Jenny Durkan proposed this 242 00:12:54,524 --> 00:12:57,910 as part of the last levy and I was so grateful to have 243 00:12:57,910 --> 00:13:01,960 the opportunity to work with Dr. and Director Dwane Chappelle 244 00:13:01,960 --> 00:13:03,943 on its implementation. 245 00:13:03,943 --> 00:13:06,820 Thank you also to Chancellor Rosie 246 00:13:06,820 --> 00:13:09,299 who had a hand in the 13th year. 247 00:13:09,299 --> 00:13:11,052 Where's Chancellor Rosie? 248 00:13:11,052 --> 00:13:14,024 She had a hand in the 13th year which is actually 249 00:13:14,024 --> 00:13:17,269 the precursor to the the Seattle Promise and then 250 00:13:17,269 --> 00:13:19,220 became the Seattle Promise. 251 00:13:19,220 --> 00:13:22,019 So as I always say, when we work together, 252 00:13:22,019 --> 00:13:23,539 we have better outcomes. 253 00:13:23,539 --> 00:13:25,519 And you see, we've named here people 254 00:13:25,519 --> 00:13:29,139 from prior administrations and current administrations 255 00:13:29,139 --> 00:13:32,700 working together on behalf of families and kids in Seattle. 256 00:13:33,899 --> 00:13:37,240 With each levy renewal and its investments, 257 00:13:37,240 --> 00:13:40,840 we identified additional areas where we can continue 258 00:13:40,840 --> 00:13:43,240 to take care of our kids in Seattle. 259 00:13:43,240 --> 00:13:46,428 In this case, the department working with Seattle 260 00:13:46,428 --> 00:13:49,375 Public Schools, and shout out to Superintendent 261 00:13:49,375 --> 00:13:51,860 Ben Schildener, where's Superintendent? 262 00:13:51,860 --> 00:13:57,860 There he is, will work together to re-engage disconnected youth. 263 00:13:57,860 --> 00:14:01,297 We know that kids are most successful when they 264 00:14:01,297 --> 00:14:03,500 consistently attend school. 265 00:14:03,500 --> 00:14:08,782 These investments in mentorship, in absenteeism interventions, 266 00:14:08,782 --> 00:14:12,659 and reentry support will help students stay engaged 267 00:14:12,659 --> 00:14:13,940 and stay in school. 268 00:14:15,000 --> 00:14:18,092 And along with supporting kids who are struggling 269 00:14:18,092 --> 00:14:21,039 to stay engaged in school, all kids need support 270 00:14:21,039 --> 00:14:24,772 and ensuring they're able to show up in school well 271 00:14:24,772 --> 00:14:26,460 fed and ready to learn. 272 00:14:26,460 --> 00:14:31,101 Mayor Wilson and the department with my support are proposing 273 00:14:31,101 --> 00:14:35,029 utilizing FEPP dollars as bridge funding to provide 274 00:14:35,029 --> 00:14:37,440 universal public school meals. 275 00:14:37,440 --> 00:14:41,572 This was Governor Ferguson's initial commitment to kids in 276 00:14:41,572 --> 00:14:45,539 this year's past state budget, but will not begin in 2029. 277 00:14:45,539 --> 00:14:49,216 And I really thank you, Mayor Wilson, for making this 278 00:14:49,216 --> 00:14:53,059 possible in Seattle sooner and not waiting until 2029. 279 00:14:57,100 --> 00:14:59,970 Lastly, but equally importantly, oh and I want to mention, 280 00:14:59,970 --> 00:15:02,679 thank you for mentioning the path to trades because 281 00:15:02,679 --> 00:15:05,639 it's something that is very near and dear to my heart. 282 00:15:05,639 --> 00:15:09,489 My dad was a welder in a factory and for me it made all 283 00:15:09,489 --> 00:15:11,779 the difference in our family. 284 00:15:11,779 --> 00:15:15,399 We grew up very low income in the Bronx, in New York. 285 00:15:15,399 --> 00:15:16,692 I'm Puerto Rican. 286 00:15:16,692 --> 00:15:19,624 And because my dad had a union job, we were 287 00:15:19,624 --> 00:15:23,416 able to have a roof over our head and food on the table. 288 00:15:23,416 --> 00:15:25,657 And because of that, the path to 289 00:15:25,657 --> 00:15:27,639 trades is so critical to me. 290 00:15:27,639 --> 00:15:31,889 It is another opportunity for kids that don't want to enter 291 00:15:31,889 --> 00:15:36,051 a four-year college degree or a two-year college degree, 292 00:15:36,051 --> 00:15:40,039 which, associate's degree, which Promise gives them. 293 00:15:40,039 --> 00:15:42,500 They can do a Path to Trades instead. 294 00:15:42,500 --> 00:15:45,434 And I am so grateful to the Seattle Colleges for 295 00:15:45,434 --> 00:15:48,519 their partnership in the Path to Trades program. 296 00:15:48,519 --> 00:15:52,350 Yes, we should really recognize all the great work that's 297 00:15:52,350 --> 00:15:56,179 being done at South Seattle College on the Path to Trades. 298 00:15:56,179 --> 00:16:00,660 And to our very many of our labor partners who are here, 299 00:16:00,660 --> 00:16:05,539 who really support this effort, it is an important effort. 300 00:16:05,539 --> 00:16:09,350 And so this is, because of this effort, kids will be 301 00:16:09,350 --> 00:16:13,434 able to do, it's an expanded path to trades, and also be 302 00:16:13,434 --> 00:16:17,519 able to enter, as Director Chappelle and Mayor Wilson 303 00:16:17,519 --> 00:16:20,059 said, apprenticeship programs. 304 00:16:20,059 --> 00:16:22,519 So I am really pleased about that. 305 00:16:22,519 --> 00:16:25,634 When I started in 2024, it was a thing that I talked to 306 00:16:25,634 --> 00:16:29,399 Director Chappelle about right away when we were envisioning 307 00:16:29,399 --> 00:16:30,919 the renewal of this levy. 308 00:16:30,919 --> 00:16:33,919 So I'm just so grateful for this program. 309 00:16:35,000 --> 00:16:38,836 And then lastly, but equally importantly, is the evaluation 310 00:16:38,836 --> 00:16:41,919 part of the implementation and evaluation plan, 311 00:16:41,919 --> 00:16:44,837 which will ensure these investments are actually 312 00:16:44,837 --> 00:16:45,879 helping our kids. 313 00:16:45,879 --> 00:16:49,782 This plan will provide metrics to continuously measure and 314 00:16:49,782 --> 00:16:53,840 track the outcomes and successes of the levy-funded programs 315 00:16:53,840 --> 00:16:56,663 programs or help us make changes if what we're 316 00:16:56,663 --> 00:16:58,000 doing is not working. 317 00:16:58,000 --> 00:17:00,980 And I was just talking to the superintendent earlier, 318 00:17:00,980 --> 00:17:03,721 when things are not working, we need to make 319 00:17:03,721 --> 00:17:07,201 changes in support of our kids to ensure that 320 00:17:07,201 --> 00:17:09,318 they are successful. 321 00:17:09,318 --> 00:17:13,259 And as you know, evaluation is the essential piece to that. 322 00:17:13,259 --> 00:17:16,108 The city and the taxpayers need to have confidence 323 00:17:16,108 --> 00:17:18,836 in our investments and and know that we are 324 00:17:18,836 --> 00:17:22,272 delivering on the promises that we're making to our 325 00:17:22,272 --> 00:17:23,578 families and our kids. 326 00:17:23,578 --> 00:17:28,380 A robust evaluation plan allows us to both show our work, 327 00:17:28,380 --> 00:17:32,070 show our positive outcomes, and it'll let us know quickly 328 00:17:32,070 --> 00:17:33,859 if changes need to be made. 329 00:17:33,859 --> 00:17:37,039 So I'm so excited to be here in support 330 00:17:37,039 --> 00:17:41,088 of the implementation plan and of this 36th 331 00:17:41,088 --> 00:17:43,799 year of this levy. 332 00:17:43,799 --> 00:17:44,380 Thank you. 333 00:17:46,220 --> 00:17:53,779 Thank you, Councilmember Rivera. 334 00:17:54,839 --> 00:17:56,900 I guess I better move this up a little bit. 335 00:17:58,700 --> 00:18:02,525 So now what I would like to invite is, I would 336 00:18:02,525 --> 00:18:07,200 like to invite three individuals to the microphone. 337 00:18:07,200 --> 00:18:11,769 Martha Diaz, who is the director at the El Centro 338 00:18:11,769 --> 00:18:16,339 Jose Marti Child Care Center in Columbia City. 339 00:18:16,339 --> 00:18:22,278 Also Brenda Figueroa and Oloth Insyziengmay, I think I got it 340 00:18:22,278 --> 00:18:28,619 right, Insyziengmay, who are parents of a two-year-old, Zavi. 341 00:18:28,619 --> 00:18:32,948 These individuals are here to speak to the importance 342 00:18:32,948 --> 00:18:37,564 of high-quality child care and the importance of helping 343 00:18:37,564 --> 00:18:39,680 parents afford that care. 344 00:18:39,680 --> 00:18:42,044 That's what Mira mentioned earlier. 345 00:18:42,044 --> 00:18:44,865 So, Deal, we are proud to implement the Child 346 00:18:44,865 --> 00:18:48,527 Care Assistance Program and grants to support child care 347 00:18:48,527 --> 00:18:51,272 workers. So first, we'll hear from Martha. 348 00:18:51,272 --> 00:18:51,959 Come on up. 349 00:18:58,559 --> 00:19:00,319 Is that good enough for you right here? 350 00:19:00,319 --> 00:19:01,599 Yes. 351 00:19:06,720 --> 00:19:08,000 Buenas tardes. 352 00:19:08,000 --> 00:19:09,480 Buenas tardes. 353 00:19:09,480 --> 00:19:10,920 My name is Martha Diaz. 354 00:19:10,920 --> 00:19:14,640 I have been working at El Centro de la Raza for 28 years. 355 00:19:14,640 --> 00:19:17,624 When I first started working at El Centro de la Raza, I 356 00:19:17,624 --> 00:19:21,244 was a young single parent with very little experience 357 00:19:21,244 --> 00:19:22,400 in education. 358 00:19:22,400 --> 00:19:25,425 With the support from my community and some funding from 359 00:19:25,425 --> 00:19:29,539 the city, I was able to continue pursuing higher education. 360 00:19:29,539 --> 00:19:32,410 Some years later, I also benefited from the 361 00:19:32,410 --> 00:19:35,359 City of Seattle Child Care subsidy so I would 362 00:19:35,359 --> 00:19:38,203 so I would be able to continue working while my 363 00:19:38,203 --> 00:19:40,000 children were at child care. 364 00:19:41,859 --> 00:19:44,134 I currently hold a master's degree in bilingual 365 00:19:44,134 --> 00:19:45,500 early childhood education, 366 00:19:47,440 --> 00:19:50,403 and I'm very proud to say that now I am the site director at 367 00:19:50,403 --> 00:19:53,180 Jose Marti Child Development Center at Four Amigos. 368 00:19:55,299 --> 00:19:58,246 I continue serving children, youth, and families 369 00:19:58,246 --> 00:20:01,419 from minority populations to ensure that healthy and 370 00:20:01,419 --> 00:20:04,680 high quality early childhood education while working 371 00:20:04,680 --> 00:20:07,471 with others to enhance childcare through that 372 00:20:07,471 --> 00:20:10,807 community. My commitment as a Childcare Director is for 373 00:20:10,807 --> 00:20:13,759 our children to learn about social, political and 374 00:20:13,759 --> 00:20:17,266 cultural contests within the children and families, 375 00:20:17,266 --> 00:20:20,388 their lives, how they grow and their developments. 376 00:20:20,388 --> 00:20:23,140 And model strategies for supporting children in 377 00:20:23,140 --> 00:20:27,220 in resisting bias, rejecting negative cultural messages, 378 00:20:27,220 --> 00:20:30,579 and developing their own selves of cultural self. 379 00:20:30,579 --> 00:20:33,740 I believe that it takes advocates, teachers, children, 380 00:20:33,740 --> 00:20:36,759 and parents working together to build a community 381 00:20:36,759 --> 00:20:39,099 and work towards justice and peace. 382 00:20:39,099 --> 00:20:42,220 Advocating constantly for parents to have access 383 00:20:42,220 --> 00:20:46,700 to high quality subsidies and to make change in our society. 384 00:20:46,700 --> 00:20:49,675 Thank you, City of Seattle, for providing child care 385 00:20:49,675 --> 00:20:52,240 assistance for working families. 386 00:20:52,240 --> 00:20:55,039 Your support reflects your commitment to the community 387 00:20:55,039 --> 00:20:56,819 and needs for the future. 388 00:20:56,819 --> 00:20:57,339 Gracias. 389 00:20:59,900 --> 00:21:12,099 - Hola, mi nombre es Brenda Figueroa Garcia. 390 00:21:12,099 --> 00:21:15,098 Hi this is Brenda Figueroa Garcia. 391 00:21:15,098 --> 00:21:18,201 Soy la mamá de Xavi Figueroa, un niño 392 00:21:18,201 --> 00:21:19,960 muy feliz y curioso. 393 00:21:19,960 --> 00:21:23,237 ¿Y quién es lo mejor que me ha pasado en la vida? 394 00:21:23,237 --> 00:21:24,875 I am the parent of Xavi. 395 00:21:24,875 --> 00:21:25,220 He is 396 00:21:26,279 --> 00:21:30,617 a very curious child and is the best thing that has 397 00:21:30,617 --> 00:21:32,839 happened to me in my life. 398 00:21:39,359 --> 00:21:42,420 We are CCAP participants for the city of Seattle. 399 00:21:49,940 --> 00:21:55,674 Which gives us child care, which is very hard 400 00:21:55,674 --> 00:21:58,619 for us in this economy. 401 00:22:01,700 --> 00:22:06,200 And in this costly city. 402 00:22:12,440 --> 00:22:14,819 We are very happy to be part of this program. 403 00:22:16,200 --> 00:22:22,940 Without it we would be struggling even more. 404 00:22:27,619 --> 00:22:31,519 I would like to propose to the leaders in this community 405 00:22:31,519 --> 00:22:36,559 To invest in more programs like these. 406 00:22:40,980 --> 00:22:44,326 Because more families like us need and deserve 407 00:22:44,326 --> 00:22:46,299 these programs and access. 408 00:22:48,579 --> 00:22:52,650 A este tipo de recursos para que sus hijos puedan vivir 409 00:22:52,650 --> 00:22:54,459 y prosperar en Seattle. 410 00:22:54,460 --> 00:23:01,059 So their children can be, so they can thrive in Seattle. 411 00:23:04,099 --> 00:23:06,700 De igual manera que otras familias que viven en 412 00:23:06,700 --> 00:23:07,900 esta hermosa ciudad. 413 00:23:08,920 --> 00:23:13,140 Equally as other families that live in the city. 414 00:23:13,140 --> 00:23:16,960 Gracias al Centro for Amigos y al programa CCAP. 415 00:23:18,380 --> 00:23:20,703 Thank you to El Centro de la Raza and for the 416 00:23:20,703 --> 00:23:21,898 City of Seattle CCAP. 417 00:23:24,119 --> 00:23:27,517 Que le ha dado a nuestro hijo y a nuestra familia la 418 00:23:27,517 --> 00:23:29,339 habilidad de vivir feliz. 419 00:23:29,339 --> 00:23:35,328 To be able to give our child the ability to 420 00:23:35,328 --> 00:23:38,499 be happy in this city. 421 00:23:40,160 --> 00:23:45,359 Please do more for the immigrant and refugee communities. 422 00:23:45,359 --> 00:23:48,518 We ask you to please consider and do more for 423 00:23:48,518 --> 00:23:51,307 our families and refugee families. 424 00:23:51,307 --> 00:23:53,099 Gracias. Thank you. 425 00:23:56,720 --> 00:24:00,184 Hi my name is Oloth Insyziengmay. 426 00:24:00,184 --> 00:24:05,095 Thank you for this opportunity to speak. 427 00:24:05,095 --> 00:24:06,580 I really appreciate the 428 00:24:06,580 --> 00:24:08,204 opportunity for my family. 429 00:24:08,204 --> 00:24:10,460 My son's over there, he's two years old 430 00:24:10,460 --> 00:24:12,680 he's uh got quite a lot 431 00:24:12,680 --> 00:24:13,079 of energy 432 00:24:15,359 --> 00:24:18,059 I think the most thing I got to say is that yes, 433 00:24:18,059 --> 00:24:21,696 this is a great step towards a big problem in 434 00:24:21,696 --> 00:24:23,819 our city affordability. 435 00:24:23,819 --> 00:24:27,359 But ditto to everything my partner said. 436 00:24:27,359 --> 00:24:31,818 And also like, yeah, there's so many challenges in the city and 437 00:24:31,819 --> 00:24:33,940 just a small investment in our refugee. 438 00:24:33,940 --> 00:24:36,740 We come from a refugee immigrant community. 439 00:24:36,740 --> 00:24:41,207 And we just would like to see more investments, not just in 440 00:24:41,207 --> 00:24:45,767 programs like these, but in just access to resources, more 441 00:24:45,767 --> 00:24:48,279 access to resources in the city. 442 00:24:49,279 --> 00:24:52,780 We're lucky we have the privilege to be in this 443 00:24:52,780 --> 00:24:57,019 situation because we have network, we have community. 444 00:24:57,019 --> 00:25:00,140 But there's a lot of folks out there that aren't seen, 445 00:25:00,140 --> 00:25:03,279 that don't have access to resources. 446 00:25:03,279 --> 00:25:07,058 And I think we have to do more to create resources and 447 00:25:07,059 --> 00:25:09,859 do more to provide access to resources. 448 00:25:10,980 --> 00:25:12,779 That's basically all I got to say. 449 00:25:12,779 --> 00:25:15,640 Again, I love this city. 450 00:25:15,640 --> 00:25:19,039 I wanna stay in this city and exist in this city. 451 00:25:19,039 --> 00:25:22,138 And I think a lot of families that come from our community 452 00:25:22,138 --> 00:25:23,259 want the same thing. 453 00:25:23,259 --> 00:25:25,992 And, you know, we just call on city leaders, 454 00:25:25,992 --> 00:25:27,739 officials and otherwise to 455 00:25:28,839 --> 00:25:31,460 make a bigger investment in our communities. 456 00:25:31,460 --> 00:25:32,240 And so thank you. 457 00:25:34,900 --> 00:25:35,259 Thank you. 458 00:25:38,079 --> 00:25:38,640 All right. 459 00:25:39,720 --> 00:25:42,799 So to try to speed us up a little bit, so 460 00:25:42,799 --> 00:25:48,279 So next we have Superintendent Ben and Sabi Yoon. 461 00:25:48,279 --> 00:25:51,240 Please join me to the podium. 462 00:25:51,240 --> 00:25:54,440 Superintendent Ben is, as you all know, new to the city. 463 00:25:54,440 --> 00:25:56,759 I think he's been here less than 90 days, 464 00:25:56,759 --> 00:25:58,759 but he's been doing a phenomenal job. 465 00:25:58,759 --> 00:26:01,140 I'm happy to know that he's already a big fan 466 00:26:01,140 --> 00:26:02,878 of the FEPP Levy. 467 00:26:02,880 --> 00:26:05,980 This is my first actually opportunity to do so publicly. 468 00:26:05,980 --> 00:26:09,200 But so thank you on behalf of the city of Seattle. 469 00:26:09,200 --> 00:26:13,423 looking forward to continuing to support you. 470 00:26:13,423 --> 00:26:16,239 Sabi, you all, is one of our next 471 00:26:16,239 --> 00:26:17,775 leaders. She's fantastic. 472 00:26:17,775 --> 00:26:20,980 She's on her way to California to college, coming up soon, 473 00:26:20,980 --> 00:26:25,016 but Sabi's also a SPS student board representative 474 00:26:25,016 --> 00:26:27,421 and as well on the Youth Commission. 475 00:26:27,421 --> 00:26:29,002 So Sabi, we'll let you go first and 476 00:26:29,002 --> 00:26:30,019 Sabi, we'll go to you. 477 00:26:31,878 --> 00:26:34,180 Thank you for the introduction, Director Chappelle. 478 00:26:34,180 --> 00:26:35,200 My name is Sabi Yoon. 479 00:26:35,200 --> 00:26:36,700 I am a youth leader in Seattle. 480 00:26:36,700 --> 00:26:39,809 I currently serve as one of three student representatives 481 00:26:39,809 --> 00:26:43,135 for the Seattle Public Schools and also a youth commissioner 482 00:26:43,135 --> 00:26:44,878 for Seattle Youth Commission. 483 00:26:44,878 --> 00:26:47,305 Last spring, I stood with many of our community 484 00:26:47,305 --> 00:26:49,406 members here today when we announced the 485 00:26:49,406 --> 00:26:50,699 renewal of the FEPP levy. 486 00:26:50,700 --> 00:26:53,172 Over the past year, I've been involved in helping 487 00:26:53,172 --> 00:26:56,666 plan how the levy investment investment will be allocated 488 00:26:56,666 --> 00:27:00,680 for our communities and schools in collaboration with DL. 489 00:27:00,680 --> 00:27:03,769 There are many programs this levy is funding, but 490 00:27:03,769 --> 00:27:06,859 I want to specifically highlight its investment 491 00:27:06,859 --> 00:27:09,898 towards school lunches and nutrition. 492 00:27:09,898 --> 00:27:13,064 As a member of the City of Seattle's School Meals and Food 493 00:27:13,064 --> 00:27:16,770 Education Working Group, we have been working hard to ensure 494 00:27:16,770 --> 00:27:20,799 that student voice, community input, and equity are centered 495 00:27:20,799 --> 00:27:22,747 in shaping our recommendations. 496 00:27:22,747 --> 00:27:25,459 Through youth listening sessions, community 497 00:27:25,460 --> 00:27:28,811 engagement, we heard clearly that food access, 498 00:27:28,811 --> 00:27:32,236 education, and quality are what matters deeply to 499 00:27:32,236 --> 00:27:35,779 students. Based on that, our working group focused on 500 00:27:35,779 --> 00:27:39,423 three key priorities, two of which are being funded 501 00:27:39,423 --> 00:27:40,018 by Levy. 502 00:27:40,018 --> 00:27:42,593 First, working towards universal free school 503 00:27:42,593 --> 00:27:44,858 meals so every student has consistent access to 504 00:27:44,859 --> 00:27:47,359 to food without stigma or barriers. 505 00:27:47,359 --> 00:27:49,799 Second, improving the quality of school meals 506 00:27:49,799 --> 00:27:54,220 by improving staff capacity and SPS culinary services 507 00:27:54,220 --> 00:27:57,079 so meals are fresher, more culturally relevant, 508 00:27:57,079 --> 00:27:59,440 and aligned with student preferences. 509 00:27:59,440 --> 00:28:01,359 We are very grateful that the FEPP levy 510 00:28:01,359 --> 00:28:04,800 will be funding these priorities and that the levy investments 511 00:28:04,800 --> 00:28:07,816 will also support SPS in implementing a universal 512 00:28:07,816 --> 00:28:10,424 school meals district-wide, lining with what we 513 00:28:10,424 --> 00:28:12,757 have been advocating for as a working group. 514 00:28:12,757 --> 00:28:14,364 These investments will not 515 00:28:14,364 --> 00:28:17,019 only serve meals but support student health, 516 00:28:17,019 --> 00:28:20,000 reduce food insecurity and waste, and help build 517 00:28:20,000 --> 00:28:22,980 a more equitable local food system that supports 518 00:28:22,980 --> 00:28:26,329 both students and the Seattle community as a whole. 519 00:28:26,329 --> 00:28:28,979 Lastly, I want to shed light on something 520 00:28:28,980 --> 00:28:32,682 I heard from many students during listening sessions. 521 00:28:32,682 --> 00:28:34,374 Food security is safety. 522 00:28:34,374 --> 00:28:36,628 When we talk about safety we often think 523 00:28:36,628 --> 00:28:39,778 about physical security but safety means different things 524 00:28:39,778 --> 00:28:42,480 to many different students and communities after 525 00:28:42,480 --> 00:28:45,180 speaking with students from diverse backgrounds 526 00:28:45,180 --> 00:28:47,747 we learned that being safe can simply just well 527 00:28:47,747 --> 00:28:50,380 not very simply but can mean knowing if they will 528 00:28:50,380 --> 00:28:53,630 have a food next thing on their table it can mean 529 00:28:53,630 --> 00:28:56,880 maybe the only meal they have is at school one of 530 00:28:56,880 --> 00:28:59,536 One of my greatest mentors told me that your budget is your 531 00:28:59,536 --> 00:29:02,618 value statement because what you fund shows what you value. 532 00:29:02,618 --> 00:29:05,903 And I think this work shows that we are choosing to prioritize 533 00:29:05,903 --> 00:29:07,319 students and their needs. 534 00:29:07,319 --> 00:29:09,989 So I just want to thank all of our community partners and 535 00:29:09,989 --> 00:29:12,414 leaders for standing with our students and staying 536 00:29:12,414 --> 00:29:13,499 committed to this work. 537 00:29:13,499 --> 00:29:13,898 Thank you. 538 00:29:19,480 --> 00:29:20,400 Good afternoon, everyone. 539 00:29:21,778 --> 00:29:23,640 Good afternoon, everyone. 540 00:29:23,640 --> 00:29:26,067 First of all, I'll give it up to Sabi. 541 00:29:26,067 --> 00:29:27,200 That's awesome. 542 00:29:28,579 --> 00:29:30,603 This is what SPS does, right? 543 00:29:30,603 --> 00:29:32,374 So I want to say thank you. 544 00:29:32,374 --> 00:29:33,976 Thank you to the mayor. 545 00:29:33,976 --> 00:29:35,642 Thank you to the council. 546 00:29:35,642 --> 00:29:36,763 Thank you to Deal. 547 00:29:36,763 --> 00:29:40,278 Thank you to everybody who is here to make this possible. 548 00:29:40,278 --> 00:29:42,383 And really also to the taxpayers. 549 00:29:42,383 --> 00:29:45,011 The fact that you voted overwhelmingly to 550 00:29:45,011 --> 00:29:46,739 support this is wonderful. 551 00:29:46,739 --> 00:29:50,480 As Dwane said, and as you all know, I am not from here. 552 00:29:50,480 --> 00:29:54,804 The idea that the city is giving more money to the schools, 553 00:29:54,804 --> 00:29:58,587 to the children, because they think that is what's 554 00:29:58,587 --> 00:30:01,019 important, that is incredible. 555 00:30:01,019 --> 00:30:03,160 This does not happen in other places. 556 00:30:03,160 --> 00:30:05,539 And I just want to say thank you to all of you. 557 00:30:05,539 --> 00:30:07,000 I see our board president. 558 00:30:07,000 --> 00:30:09,500 Thank you to the board for being so supportive 559 00:30:09,500 --> 00:30:10,618 of what we're doing. 560 00:30:10,618 --> 00:30:12,500 Thank you to the students that were here. 561 00:30:12,500 --> 00:30:14,519 Really, I just get to say thank you. 562 00:30:14,519 --> 00:30:19,219 But I want to say also, think about what we're talking about. 563 00:30:19,220 --> 00:30:20,119 Thank you to the chancellor. 564 00:30:20,119 --> 00:30:22,940 We're going to have the Seattle Promise. 565 00:30:22,940 --> 00:30:23,940 How amazing is that? 566 00:30:23,940 --> 00:30:25,500 We're going to have free lunch. 567 00:30:25,500 --> 00:30:27,778 We're going to have all these wonderful supports. 568 00:30:27,778 --> 00:30:28,808 I see laborers here. 569 00:30:28,808 --> 00:30:30,384 Thank you to the teachers union 570 00:30:30,384 --> 00:30:32,929 for being in our classrooms and in our schools, all 571 00:30:32,929 --> 00:30:34,079 of our labor partners. 572 00:30:34,079 --> 00:30:38,112 But what I'm hearing is all of these amazing things 573 00:30:38,112 --> 00:30:39,839 are happening in SPS. 574 00:30:39,839 --> 00:30:43,298 So it's time for everybody to come back to SPS. 575 00:30:43,299 --> 00:30:47,148 We've got almost 20,000 kids who live in the city who 576 00:30:47,148 --> 00:30:49,118 don't come to our schools. 577 00:30:49,118 --> 00:30:53,419 Now you have even more reason to come back to our schools. 578 00:30:53,419 --> 00:30:56,086 Our schools are doing an incredible job. 579 00:30:56,086 --> 00:30:57,892 We have some of the greatest 580 00:30:57,892 --> 00:30:59,539 programs in the country. 581 00:30:59,539 --> 00:31:02,840 And I've now visited, I think, 92 out of our 106 582 00:31:02,840 --> 00:31:04,839 schools in the last 90 days. 583 00:31:04,839 --> 00:31:07,794 And every place I go, I see incredible teachers, 584 00:31:07,794 --> 00:31:11,338 incredible educators, great children, great families. 585 00:31:11,339 --> 00:31:13,880 And I know that our schools are great. 586 00:31:13,880 --> 00:31:16,169 And I just want to say thank you for this extra 587 00:31:16,169 --> 00:31:19,140 investment that's going to make our schools even better. 588 00:31:19,140 --> 00:31:23,239 And I say to everybody in SPS, come on back. 589 00:31:23,239 --> 00:31:25,339 Everybody in Seattle, come on back. 590 00:31:25,339 --> 00:31:28,039 We're going to be the greatest public education 591 00:31:28,039 --> 00:31:29,119 system in America. 592 00:31:29,119 --> 00:31:29,878 Thank you very much. 593 00:31:33,919 --> 00:31:35,878 All right, thank you. 594 00:31:37,398 --> 00:31:41,327 So these are some powerful words, what he 595 00:31:41,327 --> 00:31:43,640 just said, aren't they? 596 00:31:43,640 --> 00:31:44,980 That was very powerful. 597 00:31:46,460 --> 00:31:51,298 The helicopter is also powerful too, but we have made it to 598 00:31:51,298 --> 00:31:55,092 the career speakers, the ready to launch speakers who will 599 00:31:55,092 --> 00:31:57,539 share a vision of College and Career Pathway and access to 600 00:31:57,539 --> 00:31:59,159 to our Seattle students. 601 00:31:59,159 --> 00:32:04,378 I had the pleasure earlier to speak with DeVaughn. 602 00:32:04,378 --> 00:32:09,739 So DeVaughn, Chancellor Rosie, please join me up here. 603 00:32:09,739 --> 00:32:15,200 And as you all are coming up, DeVaughn Woods is an SPS graduate. 604 00:32:15,200 --> 00:32:16,719 Any Cleveland Eagles in the house? 605 00:32:16,720 --> 00:32:17,839 Any Cleveland Eagles? 606 00:32:17,839 --> 00:32:21,220 All right, he's a Cleveland Eagle, amazing school. 607 00:32:22,359 --> 00:32:23,778 He's gonna share a little bit about, 608 00:32:23,778 --> 00:32:25,838 he's a Cement Mason here to share 609 00:32:25,839 --> 00:32:29,039 little bit of story with us and chancellor rosie 610 00:32:29,039 --> 00:32:32,079 is the chancellor of Seattle colleges i think 611 00:32:32,079 --> 00:32:36,012 council member revera mentioned earlier um the founder of the 612 00:32:36,012 --> 00:32:39,557 13th year scholarship when you were the president at 613 00:32:39,557 --> 00:32:43,326 south seattle so these are both fearless advocates 614 00:32:43,326 --> 00:32:46,559 but without further ado DeVaughn, I'm gonna pass it to you. 615 00:32:46,559 --> 00:32:47,759 - Appreciate it, appreciate it. 616 00:32:47,759 --> 00:32:54,618 - Sorry for the appearance, I came straight from work. 617 00:32:55,638 --> 00:32:58,078 But I understand how important this levy is 618 00:32:58,078 --> 00:33:04,099 for a lot of children, so good afternoon, excuse me. 619 00:33:04,099 --> 00:33:05,038 - May I get you closer to the mic? 620 00:33:05,038 --> 00:33:06,439 - Oh, can't hear me? 621 00:33:08,398 --> 00:33:10,138 Good afternoon and thank you for being here. 622 00:33:10,138 --> 00:33:11,255 My name is DeVaughn Woods. 623 00:33:11,255 --> 00:33:13,663 I'm a former student at Cleveland High School and 624 00:33:13,663 --> 00:33:16,249 I'm currently a member of the Cement Mason and 625 00:33:16,249 --> 00:33:17,564 Plasters Local 528. 626 00:33:17,564 --> 00:33:19,111 I'm the final stretch of 627 00:33:19,111 --> 00:33:21,777 my training to become a journey level cement mason 628 00:33:21,777 --> 00:33:24,067 through the Washington State Mason Apprenticeship 629 00:33:24,067 --> 00:33:25,853 Program at South Seattle Seattle Community 630 00:33:25,853 --> 00:33:26,719 College at Georgetown. 631 00:33:31,378 --> 00:33:32,799 I am honored to have this opportunity 632 00:33:32,799 --> 00:33:35,959 to be here with you today and talk about the Seattle, 633 00:33:35,959 --> 00:33:38,719 assuming the city of Seattle's FEPP Levies 634 00:33:38,719 --> 00:33:41,522 new path to trade opportunity, which connects Seattle 635 00:33:41,522 --> 00:33:43,734 high school graduates with the apprenticeship 636 00:33:43,734 --> 00:33:47,419 program at Seattle colleges like the Cement Masons. 637 00:33:47,419 --> 00:33:49,550 During my apprenticeship, I have learned many 638 00:33:49,550 --> 00:33:51,296 different skills from how to place 639 00:33:51,296 --> 00:33:54,183 and finish concrete, different types of equipment 640 00:33:54,183 --> 00:33:57,538 operation, workplace safety, math processes, along 641 00:33:57,538 --> 00:34:00,746 with critical skills like time management, 642 00:34:00,746 --> 00:34:04,530 reliability, and leadership, all while earning wages 643 00:34:04,530 --> 00:34:05,909 and being a provider. 644 00:34:05,909 --> 00:34:07,900 This trade has taught me skills 645 00:34:07,900 --> 00:34:09,724 that no one could take away from me. 646 00:34:09,724 --> 00:34:11,739 Beyond all these things, I feel though 647 00:34:11,739 --> 00:34:15,081 that many lessons I've gained access to a career. 648 00:34:15,081 --> 00:34:17,119 This career provided me with a 649 00:34:17,119 --> 00:34:20,000 living wage, I apologize, that's probably my wife. 650 00:34:22,579 --> 00:34:25,445 This career provided me with a living wage, 651 00:34:25,445 --> 00:34:28,286 retirement, and health insurance for my family. 652 00:34:28,286 --> 00:34:30,960 This kind of opportunity sets people up for a lifetime 653 00:34:30,960 --> 00:34:32,505 of stability and success. 654 00:34:32,505 --> 00:34:35,460 I really wish a program like Path to Trades has been 655 00:34:35,460 --> 00:34:37,605 been available when I graduated. 656 00:34:37,605 --> 00:34:39,978 With this kind of program I could have 657 00:34:39,978 --> 00:34:42,956 started sooner and got at the head start on building 658 00:34:42,956 --> 00:34:43,579 my future. 659 00:34:43,579 --> 00:34:46,195 These reasons are why I'm excited today about 660 00:34:46,195 --> 00:34:49,139 the City of Seattle's investment in these pathways 661 00:34:49,139 --> 00:34:51,552 which will help future young people in our community 662 00:34:51,552 --> 00:34:53,985 connect with strong union careers that will allow 663 00:34:53,985 --> 00:34:56,500 them to earn while they learn and build a real life 664 00:34:56,500 --> 00:34:58,637 for themselves and their families through good 665 00:34:58,637 --> 00:34:59,599 union trade careers. 666 00:35:02,420 --> 00:35:05,215 Seattle Public Schools and the Seaman Mason Apprenticeships 667 00:35:05,215 --> 00:35:07,619 have both been critical to my story and I hope that 668 00:35:07,619 --> 00:35:09,934 the path to the trades that they can play the 669 00:35:09,934 --> 00:35:12,403 same role for thousands of Seattle students 670 00:35:12,403 --> 00:35:13,518 in the years ahead. 671 00:35:13,518 --> 00:35:14,798 Thank you for this chance to be heard. 672 00:35:18,619 --> 00:35:22,998 Thank you, DeVaughn. 673 00:35:22,998 --> 00:35:25,139 My name is Dr. Rosie Rimando-Chareunsap. 674 00:35:25,139 --> 00:35:27,219 I serve as the Chancellor for the Seattle 675 00:35:27,219 --> 00:35:29,528 Colleges. As has been mentioned a 676 00:35:29,528 --> 00:35:31,579 couple of times, I've been around a little while. 677 00:35:31,579 --> 00:35:33,422 I was very proud to be a 678 00:35:33,422 --> 00:35:36,313 part of 2007-2008, the launch of what was 679 00:35:36,313 --> 00:35:38,679 once called the 13th year program at South Seattle 680 00:35:38,679 --> 00:35:41,943 College, which started this initial concept 681 00:35:41,943 --> 00:35:45,599 that maybe we can make some decent change if we 682 00:35:45,599 --> 00:35:49,826 guarantee high school to a class of students and it 683 00:35:49,826 --> 00:35:53,360 has been my life's honor my career's honor really 684 00:35:53,360 --> 00:35:56,398 to see how this has evolved into something that the 685 00:35:56,398 --> 00:35:59,617 entire city has embraced that the city along with 686 00:35:59,617 --> 00:36:04,188 the the public school system and families have really rallied 687 00:36:04,188 --> 00:36:08,798 around as a really fitting bookend for the FEPPPP-Levy work 688 00:36:08,798 --> 00:36:12,525 that really seeks to support young people from preschool 689 00:36:12,525 --> 00:36:13,998 all the way to college. 690 00:36:13,998 --> 00:36:16,918 College is really all about what comes after it, and 691 00:36:16,918 --> 00:36:19,701 whether it is heading off into a transfer degree, 692 00:36:19,701 --> 00:36:22,818 which our students do successfully on a regular basis. 693 00:36:22,818 --> 00:36:26,106 Our graduates that go through from the Seattle colleges that 694 00:36:26,106 --> 00:36:29,393 transfer over to the University of Washington, for example, 695 00:36:29,393 --> 00:36:32,681 perform higher, get higher GPAs than the students that start 696 00:36:32,681 --> 00:36:34,420 there on average, as an example. 697 00:36:34,420 --> 00:36:35,940 And, well, we're very proud of that. 698 00:36:35,940 --> 00:36:36,739 Yes, thank you. 699 00:36:38,719 --> 00:36:41,219 We have always had trades programs and workforce 700 00:36:41,219 --> 00:36:43,659 development programs in the Seattle colleges. 701 00:36:43,659 --> 00:36:46,233 In fact, we are the largest apprenticeship provider 702 00:36:46,233 --> 00:36:47,579 in the state of Washington. 703 00:36:47,579 --> 00:36:50,259 We produce about a third of the state's apprenticeships. 704 00:36:50,259 --> 00:36:53,012 So another shout out to our cement mason 705 00:36:53,012 --> 00:36:55,771 partners that are here, because they are an 706 00:36:55,771 --> 00:36:58,706 incredible example of what partnership looks like 707 00:36:58,706 --> 00:37:01,527 when we can come together and really seek to meet 708 00:37:01,527 --> 00:37:05,179 industry needs and really achieve some wonderful outcomes 709 00:37:05,179 --> 00:37:06,778 for our citizens and our neighbors. 710 00:37:06,778 --> 00:37:09,507 So thank you to DeVaughn and thank you to our partners 711 00:37:09,507 --> 00:37:12,188 that have been a part this with us every step 712 00:37:12,188 --> 00:37:12,922 of the way. 713 00:37:12,922 --> 00:37:15,858 We're really excited about what we've been 714 00:37:15,858 --> 00:37:18,565 able to accomplish in the first, in our first time 715 00:37:18,565 --> 00:37:20,244 being a part of the FEPP levy. 716 00:37:20,244 --> 00:37:23,476 We are reaching 70% of the city's high school, 717 00:37:23,476 --> 00:37:25,657 high school graduating classes. 718 00:37:25,657 --> 00:37:27,806 70% of students are applying to the Seattle 719 00:37:27,806 --> 00:37:29,512 Promise program across the city. 720 00:37:29,512 --> 00:37:30,646 That's incredible. 721 00:37:30,646 --> 00:37:33,978 That's more than 2,500 Seattle Public High School seniors. 722 00:37:33,978 --> 00:37:37,239 We are clearly meeting a need and a desire that's out there 723 00:37:37,239 --> 00:37:40,838 and really expanding the concept of access to higher education 724 00:37:41,958 --> 00:37:45,307 Beyond the other wonderful opportunities that we have 725 00:37:45,307 --> 00:37:48,219 in in in the city just up the road at UW for example 726 00:37:48,219 --> 00:37:50,980 But a community colleges stand in the like our stand 727 00:37:50,980 --> 00:37:52,199 in the place in between 728 00:37:54,119 --> 00:37:57,331 Transfer to the universities and and wonderful fields 729 00:37:57,331 --> 00:38:00,318 in workforce education and in the skilled trades. 730 00:38:00,318 --> 00:38:02,298 And I'm really thrilled to have the support 731 00:38:02,298 --> 00:38:05,034 of city council members, such as city council 732 00:38:05,034 --> 00:38:07,257 member Rivera, the mayor's office, 733 00:38:07,257 --> 00:38:09,085 DEEL, of course, and so many others 734 00:38:09,085 --> 00:38:11,418 who have supported the concept of Seattle Promise 735 00:38:11,418 --> 00:38:13,079 and what we can provide for students. 736 00:38:13,079 --> 00:38:15,059 We're really delivering on that promise. 737 00:38:15,059 --> 00:38:18,318 We're meeting real demand from students and from families. 738 00:38:18,318 --> 00:38:20,398 And we turn that into real outcomes, 739 00:38:20,398 --> 00:38:24,554 connecting students to education and careers that allow them to 740 00:38:24,554 --> 00:38:26,478 stay and work here in Seattle. 741 00:38:26,478 --> 00:38:29,139 We're really thrilled to be a part of it, to continue to 742 00:38:29,139 --> 00:38:29,847 be a part of it. 743 00:38:29,847 --> 00:38:31,922 We have well established partnerships 744 00:38:31,922 --> 00:38:34,565 as I mentioned with the city, the state, and trade 745 00:38:34,565 --> 00:38:37,050 unions, and we're driven by student success in 746 00:38:37,050 --> 00:38:39,251 the Seattle colleges and we define that by 747 00:38:39,251 --> 00:38:41,731 consistent advising, those those wraparound 748 00:38:41,731 --> 00:38:44,259 supports, financial support beyond tuition, 749 00:38:44,259 --> 00:38:46,798 and clear pathways from enrollment all the way through 750 00:38:46,798 --> 00:38:49,536 to employment or transfer, if that's what our 751 00:38:49,536 --> 00:38:50,778 students seek to do. 752 00:38:50,778 --> 00:38:52,958 But access alone does not drive outcomes. 753 00:38:52,958 --> 00:38:55,380 Structure and direction do as well. 754 00:38:55,380 --> 00:38:57,338 These programs lead to real careers, 755 00:38:57,338 --> 00:39:01,059 whether it's electricians, welders, cement masons, 756 00:39:01,059 --> 00:39:03,458 plumbers, aircraft mechanics, IT specialists, 757 00:39:03,458 --> 00:39:06,099 healthcare technicians, and many, many more. 758 00:39:06,099 --> 00:39:07,759 We know we have high quality programs. 759 00:39:07,759 --> 00:39:11,313 We know we're invested in skilled trades here in Seattle, 760 00:39:11,313 --> 00:39:14,184 and we know we have experienced faculty and strong 761 00:39:14,184 --> 00:39:16,898 industry partnerships that continue to support that. 762 00:39:17,998 --> 00:39:20,773 We want to keep these pathways clear for students because 763 00:39:20,773 --> 00:39:22,159 it hasn't always been clear. 764 00:39:22,159 --> 00:39:25,585 If students, so many highly educated people in the city of 765 00:39:25,585 --> 00:39:28,835 Seattle, it's not always clear to a student what opportunities 766 00:39:28,835 --> 00:39:31,159 they have in the skilled trades if they aren't exposed 767 00:39:31,159 --> 00:39:32,398 to it, for example. 768 00:39:32,398 --> 00:39:34,744 And so it's really important that path to trades 769 00:39:34,744 --> 00:39:37,233 is really going to help increase that exposure 770 00:39:37,233 --> 00:39:39,224 to skilled trades from a young age. 771 00:39:39,224 --> 00:39:41,079 Students as young as ninth grade 772 00:39:41,079 --> 00:39:43,784 being able to look and see what they can do in this city in 773 00:39:43,784 --> 00:39:46,898 addition to the many IT careers and healthcare careers that are 774 00:39:46,898 --> 00:39:48,632 out here for them. 775 00:39:48,632 --> 00:39:50,146 And take that all the way to 776 00:39:50,146 --> 00:39:52,539 by the time they reach 12th grade they will have 777 00:39:52,539 --> 00:39:55,699 what they need to make informed decisions about their future. 778 00:39:55,699 --> 00:39:58,077 So expanding horizons for opportunity early on so 779 00:39:58,077 --> 00:40:00,626 that students can feel ready to choose and engage when 780 00:40:00,626 --> 00:40:01,760 they enroll in Promise. 781 00:40:05,559 --> 00:40:08,510 We know that there are more trades jobs in Seattle than 782 00:40:08,510 --> 00:40:10,019 there are trained workers. 783 00:40:10,019 --> 00:40:12,331 So we are hoping and planning with Path to 784 00:40:12,331 --> 00:40:13,759 Trades to close that gap. 785 00:40:13,759 --> 00:40:16,458 We're connecting students to training and training 786 00:40:16,458 --> 00:40:17,380 directly to jobs. 787 00:40:17,380 --> 00:40:20,391 We're elevating programs that we know are in high demand within 788 00:40:20,391 --> 00:40:23,018 the state and are projected to continue to be high demand. 789 00:40:24,059 --> 00:40:26,679 We are achieving public good. 790 00:40:26,679 --> 00:40:29,039 Higher education is often thought as a private 791 00:40:29,039 --> 00:40:31,278 good, something that an individual does for 792 00:40:31,278 --> 00:40:32,983 themselves. I have known as a first 793 00:40:32,983 --> 00:40:35,179 generation college student that that was never the case. 794 00:40:35,179 --> 00:40:38,019 It was always for my family and for my community as well. 795 00:40:38,019 --> 00:40:40,025 A lot of nodding in the audience because that 796 00:40:40,025 --> 00:40:41,219 was your experiences too. 797 00:40:42,239 --> 00:40:44,945 We know that when we have come together across 798 00:40:44,945 --> 00:40:47,938 the city to seek to make college access, including 799 00:40:47,938 --> 00:40:50,632 access to skilled trades programs and workforce 800 00:40:50,632 --> 00:40:53,458 development programs available to all by lowering 801 00:40:53,458 --> 00:40:57,619 barriers, we are not just improving one student at a time. 802 00:40:57,619 --> 00:41:00,005 We are improving the whole community and 803 00:41:00,005 --> 00:41:01,338 the whole city with us. 804 00:41:01,338 --> 00:41:05,019 And so please, I'm pleased to be the bookend for this as we 805 00:41:05,019 --> 00:41:08,463 represent the tail end of the Promise Program along the 806 00:41:08,463 --> 00:41:09,958 pathway from preschool. 807 00:41:09,958 --> 00:41:13,655 But I just want to punctuate my remarks by saying we 808 00:41:13,655 --> 00:41:15,679 are achieving public good. 809 00:41:15,679 --> 00:41:18,978 We are changing our city's trajectory for the future. 810 00:41:18,978 --> 00:41:21,518 And I couldn't be more proud to serve alongside all of you. 811 00:41:21,518 --> 00:41:22,259 Thank you very much. 812 00:41:24,259 --> 00:41:28,219 Thank you, DeVaughn. 813 00:41:28,219 --> 00:41:30,476 Thank you, Chancellor. 814 00:41:30,476 --> 00:41:33,974 So I'm actually going to call Marissa 815 00:41:33,974 --> 00:41:36,119 up here to close us out. 816 00:41:36,119 --> 00:41:40,367 I know we're over time, but before I do, I just want to say 817 00:41:40,367 --> 00:41:42,860 this is exactly what it's about. 818 00:41:42,860 --> 00:41:48,016 We have elected officials here, we have appointed 819 00:41:48,016 --> 00:41:53,503 officials such as myself, board director Top, community 820 00:41:53,503 --> 00:41:57,679 member, former elected Dawn Mason, but it's all 821 00:41:57,679 --> 00:42:01,358 about us collectively coming together and making sure 822 00:42:01,358 --> 00:42:04,327 that we are doing what's best for our kids. 823 00:42:04,327 --> 00:42:06,882 So I want to thank you all for that. 824 00:42:06,882 --> 00:42:09,619 Mayor, before we ask Marissa to take 825 00:42:09,619 --> 00:42:11,467 some questions, I'm going to turn it over to you. 826 00:42:11,467 --> 00:42:13,179 Would you like to close us out with anything? 827 00:42:15,818 --> 00:42:17,284 Thank you, Dr. Chappelle. 828 00:42:17,284 --> 00:42:20,278 I'll just say thank you again everyone for being here. 829 00:42:20,278 --> 00:42:22,420 The implementation of this levy is going to be 830 00:42:22,420 --> 00:42:24,619 such a significant step forward for children, 831 00:42:24,619 --> 00:42:26,061 for families in Seattle. 832 00:42:26,061 --> 00:42:28,465 And also we know that it's not the only step 833 00:42:28,465 --> 00:42:29,358 we need to take. 834 00:42:29,358 --> 00:42:31,065 There is more work to be done. 835 00:42:31,065 --> 00:42:32,581 I as mayor am committed to 836 00:42:32,581 --> 00:42:35,539 making Seattle not just the best city in the world 837 00:42:35,539 --> 00:42:38,067 but the best city in the world to raise a family 838 00:42:38,067 --> 00:42:40,659 in. And we know that that's a tall order and it's 839 00:42:40,659 --> 00:42:41,869 going to take all of us. 840 00:42:41,869 --> 00:42:44,483 So just thank you all for your commitment and much 841 00:42:44,483 --> 00:42:46,346 work to come in the years ahead. 842 00:42:46,346 --> 00:42:49,570 Thanks. All right, thank you everyone. 843 00:42:49,570 --> 00:42:53,579 My name is Marissa Rousselle with the Department of 844 00:42:53,579 --> 00:42:55,126 Education and Early Learning. 845 00:42:55,126 --> 00:42:57,150 That concludes our program of speakers. 846 00:42:57,150 --> 00:42:59,398 So we have a couple minutes for questions. 847 00:42:59,398 --> 00:43:01,420 I'd like to invite our colleagues 848 00:43:01,420 --> 00:43:03,659 in the media if anyone has a question. 849 00:43:03,659 --> 00:43:05,942 Sure. There was a lot of talk about 850 00:43:05,942 --> 00:43:10,038 the trades and whatnot, but currently the Wood Technology 851 00:43:10,038 --> 00:43:14,134 Center off of 23rd may or may not be, has funding challenges 852 00:43:14,134 --> 00:43:18,230 associated with, is any of this levy going to go into making 853 00:43:18,230 --> 00:43:22,409 sure that the Wood Technology Center is open since there has 854 00:43:22,409 --> 00:43:24,500 been such a need for partners? 855 00:43:24,500 --> 00:43:26,463 Yeah, thank you for the question about the 856 00:43:26,463 --> 00:43:27,699 Woods Technology Center. 857 00:43:27,699 --> 00:43:30,195 That is not a planned investment as part of this levy at the 858 00:43:30,195 --> 00:43:32,719 moment, and I'd invite you to talk to other colleagues 859 00:43:32,719 --> 00:43:35,838 here, folks from the colleges that can share more information 860 00:43:35,838 --> 00:43:36,179 with you. 861 00:43:37,278 --> 00:43:38,018 Any other questions? 862 00:43:38,018 --> 00:43:42,773 Could you explain how the levy priorities were 863 00:43:42,773 --> 00:43:47,318 organized and how we can start the conference this year? 864 00:43:49,179 --> 00:43:52,757 So I believe the question is about how the levy investments 865 00:43:52,757 --> 00:43:53,706 are organized. 866 00:43:53,706 --> 00:43:55,679 So it's a six-year spending plan 867 00:43:55,679 --> 00:43:58,599 Many of the investments are starting this year in 868 00:43:58,599 --> 00:44:02,851 2026 calendar year as well as school year 26 27 and some 869 00:44:02,851 --> 00:44:05,452 will start in the second year Okay. 870 00:44:05,452 --> 00:44:06,119 And then... 871 00:44:06,119 --> 00:44:07,759 How much priority is it? 872 00:44:07,759 --> 00:44:09,699 Can you hear me? 873 00:44:09,699 --> 00:44:12,994 Priorities for spending were informed by community 874 00:44:12,994 --> 00:44:16,067 engagement as well as a continuation of existing 875 00:44:16,067 --> 00:44:17,938 investments in the 2018 levy. 876 00:44:19,398 --> 00:44:21,346 I can speak with you more after. 877 00:44:21,346 --> 00:44:23,965 I just want to hear from one more reporter. 878 00:44:23,965 --> 00:44:24,639 Thank you. 879 00:44:25,998 --> 00:44:30,878 I wanted to ask about the Seattle preschool program. 880 00:44:30,878 --> 00:44:34,159 The effort to offer classes during the summer and 881 00:44:34,159 --> 00:44:37,155 for a full working day, is that going to reduce 882 00:44:37,155 --> 00:44:40,260 the amount of additional slots that the program 883 00:44:40,260 --> 00:44:41,659 will be able to offer? 884 00:44:41,659 --> 00:44:43,858 I think the estimate last year was 600. 885 00:44:43,858 --> 00:44:46,278 So if so, by how many slots? 886 00:44:46,278 --> 00:44:48,835 Yeah, so Claire is asking a question about the 887 00:44:48,835 --> 00:44:51,793 Seattle preschool program expansion that the mayor 888 00:44:51,793 --> 00:44:54,938 spoke to so we are adding 600 seats over six years 889 00:44:54,938 --> 00:44:58,719 of the levy and we are now introducing a third model 890 00:44:58,719 --> 00:45:01,152 So the program will continue to offer the 891 00:45:01,152 --> 00:45:04,643 school year six-hour model That's primarily implemented 892 00:45:04,643 --> 00:45:08,259 by Seattle Public Schools will also continue our year-round 893 00:45:08,259 --> 00:45:12,074 six-hour model that provides services into the summer 894 00:45:12,074 --> 00:45:16,288 and what is new is a year-round 10-hour day model 895 00:45:16,288 --> 00:45:20,800 all of that is achievable as part of adding 600 896 00:45:20,800 --> 00:45:24,402 slots so there's no reduction in seats as part of that 897 00:45:24,402 --> 00:45:26,918 proposal so that's all the time we have for 898 00:45:26,918 --> 00:45:29,438 questions at this moment I'd like to invite all our 899 00:45:29,438 --> 00:45:32,391 speakers up to take a photograph together. 900 00:45:32,391 --> 00:45:35,920 Both myself as well as representatives and elected 901 00:45:35,920 --> 00:45:39,030 officials will be here if reporters want to do pull-asides 902 00:45:39,030 --> 00:45:40,617 or get any additional quotes. 903 00:45:40,619 --> 00:45:43,653 And everyone is invited to join us for a reception 904 00:45:43,653 --> 00:45:45,726 inside Yesler Community Center. 905 00:45:45,726 --> 00:45:48,585 We have refreshments provided by Seattle Public 906 00:45:48,585 --> 00:45:50,710 Schools and we'll be there until 6 p.m. 907 00:45:50,710 --> 00:45:51,840 Thank you very much. 908 00:45:51,840 --> 00:45:52,358 All right.