What’s on the ballot: North Mason School District voters are deciding on a four-year replacement levy in the April 28, 2026 Special Election. Ballots were mailed April 7. This is the district’s third attempt after levy failures in February and November 2025.
North Mason School District Is Asking Voters to Try Again — Here’s What’s at Stake on April 28
If you live in the North Mason School District — which includes Belfair and surrounding areas — there’s a ballot on its way to your mailbox right now. The April 28, 2026 Special Election includes a replacement levy for the North Mason School District, and it’s the third time in about a year that the community has been asked to vote on it.
Ballots were mailed out April 7. Mason County’s ballot processing begins April 13, with results expected after 8 PM on April 28.
What the Levy Does
This is a replacement levy — not a new tax. It renews a levy that voters originally approved in 2022 and that expired at the end of 2025. The district is asking to collect up to $5,577,446 per year from 2026 through 2029 to fund programs and operations that state funding doesn’t cover.
The estimated tax rate is $1.28 per $1,000 of assessed property value in 2026, declining slightly in subsequent years. For a home assessed at $400,000, that works out to roughly $512 per year.
Levy dollars pay for things the state’s basic education formula doesn’t fund: extracurricular activities, athletics, arts and music programs, counseling, security staff, transportation support, and classroom materials beyond the minimum required by the state.
What Happened After the Levy Failed
The February 2025 failure triggered immediate consequences. North Mason cut roughly $4.5 million from its budget and began staff reductions. The district passed resolutions authorizing layoffs and reductions in hours. Superintendent Kristine Michael described the district as “squeezing every dollar” to maintain essential services.
A November 2025 renewal attempt also fell short — finishing at approximately 48.5% support, just under the 50% plus one vote required for passage. Without levy funding restored, further reductions remain on the table for the 2026-2027 school year.
Schools in the North Mason District
The North Mason School District serves students across Belfair and the surrounding North Mason area. District schools include North Mason High School, Hawkins Middle School, Belfair Elementary, and Sand Hill Elementary — all located on or near the district campus in Belfair.
How to Return Your Ballot
Ballots must be received or postmarked by April 28, 2026. Drop boxes are available across Mason County. For drop box locations and ballot tracking, visit the Mason County Auditor’s website at masoncountywa.gov or call 360-427-9670.
Frequently Asked Questions: North Mason Levy April 2026
What is the North Mason School District levy vote date?
April 28, 2026. It’s part of Mason County’s Special Election. Ballots were mailed April 7.
Is this a new tax or a replacement of an existing levy?
It’s a replacement levy — a renewal of the levy voters approved in 2022 that expired at the end of 2025. It is not a new tax.
What happens if the levy fails again?
The district would continue operating without levy funding, which covers roughly 10% of its budget. Further budget cuts and program reductions beyond those already made would likely follow for the 2026-2027 school year.
How much does the levy cost property owners?
The estimated rate is $1.28 per $1,000 of assessed property value in 2026. For a home assessed at $400,000, that’s approximately $512 per year.
Where can I drop off my ballot?
Drop box locations are available on the Mason County Auditor’s website at masoncountywa.gov. Ballots must be received or postmarked by April 28.
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