The April 28 special election delivered difficult news for our school community Tuesday evening, with the North Mason School District’s replacement educational levy trailing in initial ballot counts from the Mason County Auditor’s Office.
If the numbers hold through certification, it would mark the third consecutive levy defeat for the district — following rejections in February 2025 and November 2025.
District leadership has been explicit about what another failure means. Levy-funded programs that could face cuts in the 2026–27 school year include middle and high school athletics, music, elective and Advanced Placement courses, security officers, and after-school programs — the activities that define daily life at North Mason schools.
The district entered 2026 already operating without levy funding, following last year’s double defeat. This spring, the district announced $1.3 million in budget reductions, including the elimination of two administrative positions — moves intended to signal fiscal responsibility ahead of the April vote.
The April measure sought $18.9 million over four years (2027–2030), with an estimated property tax rate of $1.01 per $1,000 of assessed value. That was $3.4 million less than the failed November 2025 proposal — trimmed directly in response to community feedback that the prior ask was too high.
Results will continue to update as remaining ballots are processed. Certification is expected within weeks of election night. For updates, visit northmasonschools.org or follow the district on Facebook at North Mason School District.
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