If the North Mason levy fails again, will my child's sport or music program be cut?

The levy directly funds athletics and music programs at NMHS and North Mason Middle School. A third failure would likely trigger deeper cuts to these programs.

Does the levy affect elementary schools in North Mason?

The levy primarily funds programs at North Mason Middle School and NMHS. Elementary families benefit indirectly through overall district budget stability.

When is Future Cougar Night for incoming kindergartners in Belfair?

April 14, 2026 at Sand Hill Elementary, 791 NE Sand Hill Rd, Belfair.

When is the ballot deadline for the North Mason levy vote?

April 28, 2026. Voter registration deadline is April 20. Return by mail or drop box.

How many times has North Mason tried to pass this levy?

This is the third attempt. It failed in February 2025 (about 46% yes) and again in November 2025.

North Mason Parents: Here’s What the April 28 Levy Means for Your Kid’s Programs

If your child goes to school in the North Mason School District — Belfair Elementary, Sand Hill Elementary, North Mason Middle School, or North Mason High School — April 28 is a date that directly affects what their school day looks like next year. The district’s replacement levy is on the ballot again, and this time, the cuts aren’t hypothetical. They’ve already started.

What Programs Are on the Line

The EP&O (Educational Programs and Operations) levy funds a specific set of programs that state education money does not cover. For North Mason families, that means:

Music programs at North Mason Middle School and North Mason High School (NMHS)
Middle school and high school athletics — including your NMHS Bulldogs teams
School security officers at NMHS and North Mason Middle School
After-school activities and enrichment
Community gym roof — partial funding toward deferred replacement

If you have a student who plays in band, runs cross-country, plays soccer, participates in after-school activities, or relies on a security officer to feel safe at school — these programs run on levy dollars.

Where Things Stand Right Now

The levy failed in February 2025 (about 46% yes — short of the 50%+ required) and again in November 2025. Because it failed both times, the district has been operating without that revenue stream since January 2026. Lower-than-projected enrollment has added a separate $1 million-plus budget shortfall. Staff reductions have already happened.

Superintendent Dr. Kristine Michael has described the situation as “squeezing every dollar.” In April, she’s bringing specific program-staffing information to the North Mason School District board — meaning the school community will soon see exactly which positions and programs are being evaluated for further cuts.

Future Cougar Night — April 14

If you have a child entering kindergarten in fall 2026, Future Cougar Night is happening April 14 at Sand Hill Elementary, 791 NE Sand Hill Rd, Belfair. This is your chance to see the school community in action and ask questions about what programs your kindergartner will walk into. The levy vote three weeks later will shape the answer.

What Parents Can Do Right Now

Your ballot is arriving in the mail now. The voter registration deadline is April 20. Ballots are due April 28. If you’re registered in Mason County, you vote by mail — no polling location needed. Drop it in the mail or use a Mason County ballot drop box.

If you haven’t registered yet, go to VoteWA.gov before April 20.

Talk to other North Mason parents, teachers, and coaches. The levy passes or fails based on voter turnout, and spring elections in small districts often turn on a few hundred votes.

Frequently Asked Questions for North Mason Families

If the levy fails again, will my child’s sport or music program be cut?

The levy funds athletics and music programs directly. A third failure means the district will need to make deeper cuts to these programs. Superintendent Michael is expected to bring specific program-level details to a board meeting in April — attend or watch the livestream at northmasonschools.org/page/board-meetings.

Does the levy affect elementary schools or just middle/high school?

The levy funds are primarily targeted at programs at North Mason Middle School and North Mason High School, plus school security at those two campuses. Elementary families benefit indirectly through the overall budget stability the levy provides to the district.

My child is entering kindergarten — should I be concerned?

If the levy fails again and cuts continue, your child will enter a district with fewer programs than it had before 2025. Attending Future Cougar Night on April 14 at Sand Hill Elementary is a good way to connect with the school community and stay informed.

Are there levy advocate groups I can connect with?

The district formed a community levy committee ahead of the November 2025 vote. Check the NMSD website at northmasonschools.org or local Facebook groups for current advocacy efforts.

When will we know if the levy passed?

Mason County results typically post the evening of election day (April 28) with the first count. Watch masoncountywa.gov/departments/auditor for election night results.