It takes triangulation between the City, Seattle Public Schools and the Alliance for Education to provide wraparound supports so that every one of our scholars is safe, healthy, ready to learn and thriving.
Dr. Dwane Chappelle has dedicated his career to helping our youth thrive. As a former principal of Rainier Beach High School—where graduation rates rose by 25%—he saw firsthand what is possible when communities work together with students’ best interest front of mind. Today, Dr. Dwane Chappelle serves as the City of Seattle Department of Education and Early Learning Director leading the city’s efforts to provide equitable access to high-quality education for students of every age.
Dr. Dwane Chapelle’s connection to the Alliance for Education began at Rainier, where he saw “the power of the partnership Alliance for Education was offering collaborating with schools and the school district.”
As the Alliance celebrates its 30 year anniversary and Dr. Chappelle is a leader at the City, that collaboration has deepened.
“Our partnership is like a triangle,” Chappelle explains. “We have the City of Seattle, Seattle Public Schools (SPS), and the Alliance for Education. In the center of that triangle are brilliant young people. Together, we are triangulating to provide wraparound supports so that every one of our scholars is safe, healthy, ready to learn and thriving.”
With the resounding approval renewing the 2025 Families, Education, Preschool and Promise (FEPP) Levy, Seattle is on track to continue making life-long investments and providing impactful supports for Seattle students. Highlights of the new Families, Education, Preschool, and Promise Levy include:
$658.2 million for high-quality early learning and childcare opportunities for Seattle’s youngest learners and families, including:
- Childcare Expansion: More than doubling access to affordable childcare slots to 1,400 a year and providing direct payments to support the retention of 5,000 childcare workers citywide.
- Nationally Acclaimed Preschool Program: Expanding the award-winning Seattle Preschool Program to 3,100 seats, improving access for families across the city and ensuring Seattle’s youngest learners are ready to enter kindergarten.
$510.7 million for K-12 academic and enrichment supports with a focus on student wellness and safety, including:
- Youth Mental Health Services: Bolstering youth mental health services for Seattle students by establishing 5 new school-based health centers, expanded staffing, and telehealth support.
- School Safety: Expanding school safety investments in and around schools in partnership with Seattle Public Schools (SPS) and community-based organizations.
$82.4 million for post-secondary education and skill-building opportunities to prepare recent graduates for successful careers, including:
- Seattle Promise: Free tuition and expenses for up to two years at Seattle Colleges, available to all Seattle public school graduates. The program is estimated to serve 1,475 scholars annually.
- Apprenticeships and Workforce Development: Expanding Promise’s Path to Trades program to help SPS graduates enter careers in skilled trades.
Dr. Chappelle sees our city’s commitment to our students further exemplified in residents’ investment in education.
“Our city voters have been so generous with the Families, Education, Preschool and Promise (FEPP) Levy. It shows their commitment to the best teaching, best education, and the belief that our students’ economic mobility starts right here.”
Looking ahead, Dr. Chappelle calls every one of us to action.
“I just really want to call in each and every individual to really come make a commitment to ensuring that all of our young people here in Seattle have what they need to thrive. It is not just the job of Seattle Public Schools to make sure our young children are thriving. It is community based organizations. It is our amazing parents. It is our amazing educators in the classroom. It’s the city. It’s philanthropy. It’s the collective us working together in partnership to ensure that when young people walk across that stage at graduation, there’s plenty of opportunities for them to step into.”