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Tag: School Levy

  • Mukilteo School District in South Everett: A 2026 Family Guide to the District That Serves Half of Casino Road

    Mukilteo School District in South Everett: A 2026 Family Guide to the District That Serves Half of Casino Road

    Last updated: April 30, 2026 | South Everett families have two school district options depending on which side of Mukilteo Speedway and Casino Road they call home. Here’s what to know about the one most outsiders forget exists.

    The short answer: Mukilteo School District serves more than 15,200 students across 24 schools — including a sizable chunk of south Everett residents who live south of Casino Road, along Picnic Point Road, around Lake Stickney, and west toward the Mukilteo waterfront. After voters narrowly rejected a $400 million capital bond in February 2026, district staff recommended bringing the measure back to the ballot in November. South Everett families will pay attention.

    Two Districts, One Everett

    Most coverage of Everett schools focuses on Everett Public Schools — the 19,000-student district that runs Cascade, Everett, Jackson, and Sequoia high schools and serves the bulk of the city. But a real piece of south Everett — the streets where Casino Road, Evergreen Way, and Mukilteo Speedway funnel commuters toward Boeing and Paine Field — actually lives inside the boundaries of Mukilteo School District No. 6, headquartered at 9401 Sharon Drive in Everett 98204.

    If you live in Boulevard Bluffs, the western half of Pinehurst-Beverly Park, the Picnic Point corridor, or the streets around Lake Stickney, your kids likely catch a Mukilteo SD bus, not an EPS bus. The two districts share a city, but operate as completely separate institutions with separate boards, levies, and bond cycles.

    The District at a Glance

    Mukilteo School District was organized in 1878 — the same decade Everett itself was being plotted by James J. Hill’s railroad interests on Port Gardner Bay. Today the district enrolls more than 15,200 students across:

    • 12 elementary schools: Challenger, Columbia, Discovery, Endeavour, Fairmount, Horizon, Lake Stickney, Mukilteo, Odyssey, Olivia Park, Picnic Point, and Serene Lake
    • Four middle schools: Explorer, Harbour Pointe, Olympic View, and Voyager
    • Three high schools: Mariner (opened September 8, 1970), Kamiak (opened September 8, 1993), and ACES/Big Picture (alternative)
    • One kindergarten center

    The district’s service area covers all of Mukilteo, a portion of south Everett, Picnic Point, the majority of Lake Stickney, and a portion of Martha Lake. To the north and east, the boundary hands off to Everett Public Schools. To the south, it hands off to Edmonds School District. The Emander district — a one-room schoolhouse founded in 1919 near what is now Mariner High School — was consolidated into Mukilteo SD in 1945, which is how the district’s service area first stretched into south Everett.

    A District Built by South Everett Families

    Mukilteo SD’s student population is a different mix than the district’s name suggests. Per the most recent federal data, the district’s minority enrollment runs about 70 percent, and roughly 39.5 percent of students are economically disadvantaged. Those numbers reflect the families packed into the apartment corridors along Casino Road, around Mariner High School, and through the south Everett neighborhoods that have absorbed decades of immigration from Latin America, Southeast Asia, the Pacific, and East Africa.

    If you’ve read the desk’s coverage of Stations Unidos and the Casino Road anti-displacement work, the same demographic picture is showing up at the schoolhouse door. The students riding Mukilteo SD buses out of south Everett are part of the same community story — just a different institution telling it.

    February 2026: The Bond That Almost Passed

    On February 11, 2026, Mukilteo SD voters considered a $400 million capital bond — the district’s biggest ask in years. The measure landed at 57.2 percent yes. In any normal democratic context, that’s a comfortable margin. But school bonds in Washington require a 60 percent supermajority to pass, so the measure failed by 2.8 percentage points.

    That outcome triggered exactly the conversation any district has after a near-miss: redo it, or rework it. On March 25, 2026, the Mukilteo school board received a staff recommendation to put the bond measure back on the ballot in November 2026. The proposal would impact several sites across the district, including Mariner High School — the campus that anchors south Everett’s Mukilteo SD experience.

    The financial impact, as presented by district staff: passage of the 2026 bond plus renewal of the existing Educational Programs & Operations (EP&O) levy would add about 38 cents per $1,000 of assessed home value. For a home assessed at $659,200 — roughly the median in the district — that pencils out to about $5 a week.

    Why South Everett Should Pay Attention

    For families in Twin Creeks and the south Everett apartment corridors who fall inside Mukilteo SD lines, the November vote is a property-tax decision and a school-quality decision in the same breath. Aging buildings on the bond list include classroom additions, seismic upgrades, HVAC replacements, and program-space modernizations — the kind of work that determines whether a 1970s-era Mariner classroom feels like 2026 or like the year it was built.

    It’s also a useful contrast point. Everett Public Schools’ record 96.3 percent graduation rate and Cascade High’s IB Program sit at the top of the district’s page. Mukilteo SD has its own headline numbers — Mariner’s comeback story over the past decade, Kamiak’s consistent placement on state academic recognition lists, and the district’s capacity to absorb the demographic complexity of south Everett. Different districts, different dashboards, but same kids in the same city.

    How to Find Out Which District You’re In

    The simplest way: pull up your address on the Mukilteo SD “Which School Should Your Child Attend?” tool at mukilteoschools.org. The tool returns the assigned elementary, middle, and high school in seconds. If your address comes back blank, you’re probably inside Everett Public Schools’ boundaries instead — and the EPS lookup at everettsd.org will confirm.

    For new south Everett residents arriving from outside Snohomish County, the most common moment of confusion: assuming “Everett address” means “Everett Public Schools.” It often doesn’t. The Casino Road and Evergreen Way corridors, in particular, have addresses that read as Everett 98204 but feed into Mukilteo SD elementaries and Mariner High School. Knowing the difference before September is worth the ten minutes it takes to look up.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Does Mukilteo School District serve Everett?

    Yes. Mukilteo SD’s service area includes a portion of south Everett — most prominently the apartment corridors along Casino Road, the Lake Stickney area, the Picnic Point Road corridor, and parts of the western edge of south Everett near Mukilteo Speedway. The district shares Everett with Everett Public Schools, which serves the rest of the city.

    How big is Mukilteo School District?

    The district enrolls more than 15,200 students across 24 schools: 12 elementary schools, four middle schools, three high schools (Mariner, Kamiak, and ACES/Big Picture), and one kindergarten center. Mariner High School, opened September 8, 1970, is the district’s south Everett anchor.

    Did Mukilteo’s bond pass in February 2026?

    No. The $400 million capital bond received 57.2 percent yes votes — strong support, but short of the 60 percent supermajority Washington requires to approve a school bond. On March 25, 2026, district staff recommended putting the measure back on the November 2026 ballot.

    What would the 2026 bond cost a typical homeowner?

    According to district staff figures presented in March 2026, passage of the bond plus renewal of the EP&O levy would add about 38 cents per $1,000 of assessed home value — roughly $5 a week on a home assessed at $659,200.

    How do I find out which Everett school district my address is in?

    Use the Mukilteo SD school lookup at mukilteoschools.org/37434_3, or the Everett Public Schools attendance area tool at everettsd.org. Both tools return your assigned schools by address. If you’re between districts, your assigned school will determine which lookup shows results.

  • North Mason School Levy Trailing in Initial Count — Third Failure Could Trigger Program Cuts

    North Mason School Levy Trailing in Initial Count — Third Failure Could Trigger Program Cuts

    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.

  • Mason County Government: North Mason School Levy Heads to April 28 Vote as Property Tax Deadline Looms — April 2026

    Mason County Government: North Mason School Levy Heads to April 28 Vote as Property Tax Deadline Looms — April 2026

    Two civic deadlines are bearing down on Mason County residents this month. Voters in the North Mason School District head back to the polls on April 28, 2026, for a third attempt at passing an Educational Programs & Operations replacement levy, and county-wide property owners have until April 30, 2026, to pay the first half of their 2026 property taxes. Here is what Mason County residents need to know.

    North Mason School Levy — April 28 Special Election

    The North Mason School District — which serves Belfair, Allyn, and Tahuya — is asking voters to approve a replacement Educational Programs & Operations (EP&O) levy on April 28, 2026. This is the district’s third attempt after prior levy measures failed to reach the required threshold.

    This time the ask is lower. The proposed rate is approximately $1.01 per $1,000 of assessed property value, down from the $1.28 per $1,000 rate in the previous attempt. District leaders have framed the smaller request as a direct response to voter feedback from the earlier elections.

    The stakes are specific. The district has already absorbed roughly $3 million in cuts tied to prior levy failures. If the April 28 measure also fails, district communications have indicated that further reductions would reach deeper into programs that parents and students directly experience — music, athletics, Advanced Placement course offerings, and campus security staffing are all on the table for additional cuts.

    EP&O levies fund the gap between state basic-education funding and the full cost of running local schools. That includes staffing, extracurriculars, security, and a wide range of services the state does not fully cover.

    Mason County voters with questions about ballots, replacement ballots, or drop-box locations can reach the Mason County Auditor’s Office at 360-427-9670, extension 469. More information on the levy itself is available at nmsd.wednet.edu.

    Mason County Property Tax — First Half Due April 30

    The first-half 2026 property tax payment is due Thursday, April 30, 2026, for every property owner in Mason County. That includes residents across Shelton, Belfair, Allyn, Union, Hoodsport, Matlock, Grapeview, Tahuya, and Dewatto.

    The Mason County Treasurer’s Office offers three ways to pay:

    • By mail — payments postmarked on or before April 30 are considered on time.
    • In person — the Treasurer’s Office is located at 411 N. 5th Street, Shelton, WA.
    • Online — through the Treasurer portal at masoncountywa.gov.

    The second-half payment is due October 31, 2026. Property owners who fall behind on the first-half deadline face interest and penalties under state law, so the Treasurer’s Office is urging early payment for anyone who can make it.

    Questions on amounts owed, payment plans, or senior and disabled exemptions can be directed to the Mason County Treasurer’s Office at 360-427-9670, extension 484.

    Why It Matters

    Both deadlines sit at the core of how local government works in Mason County. The North Mason levy decides whether schools in the Belfair–Allyn–Tahuya corridor keep programs intact or move into another round of reductions. The property-tax deadline funds the county services — roads, sheriff, courts, public health — that every community from Shelton to Dewatto depends on. Missing either one has consequences that show up quickly in Mason County residents’ daily lives.

    Sources

    This is a Mason County Minute Government/Civic beat report for April 20, 2026, covering the April 28 North Mason School levy special election and the April 30 first-half property tax deadline.

    Related Coverage — Mason County Property Tax

  • North Mason’s Third Levy Vote Is April 28 — Here’s Everything Belfair Needs to Know

    North Mason’s Third Levy Vote Is April 28 — Here’s Everything Belfair Needs to Know

    North Mason’s Third Levy Vote Is April 28 — Here’s Everything Belfair Needs to Know

    North Mason voters are heading back to the ballot box on April 28, and this time, the stakes couldn’t be clearer. The North Mason School District is asking voters to approve a replacement levy for the third time — after narrowly failing in February 2025 and again in November 2025. Ballots are mailing now. The due date is April 28. The voter registration deadline is April 20.

    This isn’t a new tax. It’s a replacement for an EP&O (Educational Programs and Operations) levy that voters approved in 2022 and expired at the end of 2025. But because the replacement failed twice, the district has been operating without that revenue since January — and it’s showing.

    What the Levy Pays For

    The proposed levy would authorize up to $5.5 million per year for four years to fund programs and services that state funding does not cover. Specifically:

    • Music programs at North Mason High School and middle school
    • Middle school and high school athletics
    • School security officers at NMHS and North Mason Middle School
    • After-school activities and enrichment programs
    • Partial funding toward replacement of the aging North Mason community gymnasium roof

    These aren’t extras. In North Mason, like most Washington school districts, state funding pays for basic classroom instruction — and essentially nothing else. The levy is what keeps music in the building, sports on the schedule, and safety staff in the hallways.

    The Crisis Behind the Vote

    After two levy failures, Superintendent Dr. Kristine Michael — who took over from Dr. Dana Rosenbach on July 1, 2025 — has been managing an increasingly difficult financial picture. Lower-than-projected enrollment has already created an estimated $1 million-plus budget shortfall, forcing staff reductions even before accounting for the full impact of the missing levy revenue. In late March 2026, the district submitted an emergency cash request, with Michael describing the situation to the Mason County Journal as “squeezing every dollar.”

    The district will bring specific information about program staffing impacts to a board meeting in April — but the direction of travel is clear. Without levy revenue, cuts compound.

    Why the Previous Votes Failed — and What’s Different This Time

    The February 2025 levy received approximately 46.2% support — close, but short of the simple majority required under Washington state law. The November 2025 attempt also fell short. The district formed a levy committee ahead of the November run; community advocates are making another push ahead of April 28.

    What’s different this time: the consequences are no longer theoretical. Staff have already been reduced. Programs are already being evaluated for cuts. North Mason voters have seen what “no” looks like in practice.

    The Timeline That Matters

    • Now: Ballots are mailing to registered Mason County voters
    • April 14: Future Cougar Night at Sand Hill Elementary (791 NE Sand Hill Rd, Belfair) for families with kids entering kindergarten fall 2026 — a chance to see what the school community looks like
    • April 20: Last day to register to vote in Mason County for this election
    • April 28: Ballot due date — return by mail or drop it at the Mason County Auditor’s office

    For Newcomers: What North Mason Schools Actually Are

    North Mason School District (NMSD) serves Belfair, Allyn, Tahuya, and the broader North Mason area. The district runs Sand Hill Elementary, Belfair Elementary, North Mason Middle School, and North Mason High School (home of the Bulldogs). NMHS sits at 100 E Campus Dr in Belfair. The district is relatively small — lower-than-projected enrollment is precisely why a flat-rate levy creates such an outsized impact on the budget.

    What a Yes Vote Means for Your Neighbor

    The kid in North Mason who plays trombone or runs varsity track or needs a security officer to feel safe in the hallway — these programs exist because of levy funding. When levies fail, it’s not administrators who feel it first. It’s students. Belfair’s school community has already absorbed cuts. The April 28 vote determines whether that continues.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Is this a new tax or a renewal?

    It’s a replacement levy — replacing one that was previously approved by North Mason voters and expired at the end of 2025. State law requires voter approval to continue it.

    How much would this cost a typical North Mason homeowner?

    EP&O levy rates are set per $1,000 of assessed property value. The district authorizes up to $5.5 million per year; the actual per-home cost depends on your assessed value. For a typical North Mason home assessed around $450,000, the annual levy cost would be roughly $200–$250/year — but verify with the Mason County Assessor for your specific parcel.

    When do I need to register to vote?

    The voter registration deadline for the April 28 election is April 20, 2026. Register online at VoteWA.gov or at the Mason County Auditor’s office.

    Where do I drop off my ballot in Belfair?

    The Mason County Auditor’s office ballot drop box is in Shelton. There is also a drop box in Belfair — check the Mason County Auditor’s website (masoncountywa.gov/departments/auditor) for the current drop box locations nearest to you.

    What programs have already been cut because of the levy failures?

    The district has reduced staff due to lower enrollment and revenue shortfalls. Superintendent Michael indicated in April 2026 that she would bring specific program-level staffing details to the board — follow NMSD board meetings for the latest updates.

    What happens if the levy fails again?

    Deeper cuts to the programs listed above: music, athletics, security officers, after-school activities. The district would also face mounting pressure on the gym roof and other deferred capital needs that the levy was intended to partially address.

    Where can I find official levy information?

    Visit northmasonschools.org/page/levy-info or attend a North Mason School District board meeting. The Mason County Journal (masoncounty.com) has covered each levy attempt in detail.

    Related from Belfair Bugle: Original levy coverage: Schools & Youth April 8, 2026 | For parents: What the levy means for your child’s programs at NMHS | For homeowners: What the levy costs and why it’s on the ballot again

  • North Mason Parents: What the April 28 Levy Means for Your Child’s Programs at NMHS and Middle School

    North Mason Parents: What the April 28 Levy Means for Your Child’s Programs at NMHS and Middle School

    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.

    Related from Belfair Bugle: Full levy guide: Everything Belfair needs to know about the April 28 vote | Original schools & youth coverage: April 8, 2026

  • North Mason Homeowner’s Guide to the April 28 Levy: Cost, Programs, and Why It’s on the Ballot Again

    North Mason Homeowner’s Guide to the April 28 Levy: Cost, Programs, and Why It’s on the Ballot Again

    North Mason Homeowner’s Guide to the April 28 Levy: What It Costs, What It Funds, and Why It’s on the Ballot Again

    If you own property in the North Mason School District — anywhere from Belfair to Allyn, Tahuya to Union — you have a direct financial stake in the April 28 levy vote. Here’s a plain-language breakdown of what you’re being asked to approve, what it will cost you, and why this is the third time you’ve seen it on the ballot.

    What You’re Actually Voting On

    This is an EP&O (Educational Programs and Operations) replacement levy — not a new tax, but a renewal of a levy that North Mason voters previously approved and that expired at the end of 2025. Under Washington state law, the district cannot simply continue collecting it. Voters have to reauthorize it each cycle.

    The proposed levy authorizes up to $5.5 million per year for four years. The actual amount collected per year — and what it costs each property owner — is calculated against total assessed property values in the district.

    What Does This Cost a North Mason Property Owner?

    EP&O levy rates are expressed in dollars per $1,000 of assessed value. If your home is assessed at $450,000 (near the median for North Mason area), and the levy rate works out to roughly $0.50–$0.55 per $1,000, your annual levy cost would be approximately $225–$250 per year — or about $20/month.

    Your exact cost depends on your parcel’s current assessed value. Check your Mason County property tax statement or look up your parcel at masoncountywa.gov for the accurate number. The Mason County Assessor’s office can also help you calculate the levy’s impact on your specific property.

    Where the Money Goes

    State funding covers basic classroom instruction in Washington schools. The levy fills the gap for everything else the community expects from a functioning school system: music programs at North Mason Middle School and NMHS, athletics for middle and high school students, school security officers, after-school activities, and partial funding toward the community gymnasium roof replacement — a capital need that has been deferred for years.

    None of these programs have a state funding source. Without the levy, they are cut or significantly reduced.

    Why It’s on the Ballot for the Third Time

    Voters rejected the levy in February 2025 (roughly 46% yes, needing 50%+) and again in November 2025. Both times, it fell short by a margin that suggests the outcome turns on voter turnout more than deep opposition. Spring special elections typically draw fewer voters than fall elections — which means registered North Mason property owners who don’t return their ballots have an outsized effect on the result.

    Since the November failure, the district has been absorbing the financial impact. Enrollment came in lower than projected, adding a separate $1 million-plus shortfall. Superintendent Dr. Kristine Michael submitted an emergency cash request in March 2026 and has been, in her words, “squeezing every dollar.” Staff reductions have already been made.

    What a Third Failure Would Mean for the District — and Your Property

    Beyond the direct program cuts, a third consecutive levy failure has broader implications for North Mason. School quality is a significant driver of residential property values. Districts that cut music, sports, and safety staffing over multiple years typically see enrollment decline further — which reduces state funding further, creating a compounding cycle. For property owners in Belfair, Allyn, and the surrounding area, the school district’s financial health is directly tied to the area’s long-term appeal and property values.

    Key Dates for Property Owners

    • April 20: Voter registration deadline (register at VoteWA.gov)
    • April 28: Ballot due — mail or drop box
    • Drop boxes: Check masoncountywa.gov/departments/auditor for Belfair-area locations

    Frequently Asked Questions for North Mason Property Owners

    How do I find out what the levy will cost me specifically?

    Look up your parcel assessed value at masoncountywa.gov, then apply the levy rate per $1,000. The Mason County Assessor (360-427-9670 ext 491) can walk you through the calculation for your property.

    Is this the same levy that was on the ballot in 2025?

    Yes — the same fundamental proposal. It replaces the EP&O levy that voters approved in 2022 and that expired at the end of 2025. The levy amount (up to $5.5M/year) and duration (4 years) have remained consistent across all three attempts.

    If I voted no before, has anything changed?

    The core levy is the same. What has changed is the consequences: staff have been cut, a budget shortfall has been confirmed, and the emergency cash request signals the district is past contingency planning and into crisis management. Voters who were on the fence in November are now seeing the real-world outcome of a “no” vote.

    Can the district raise the levy rate above the authorized amount?

    No. The levy rate is capped by both the voter-approved maximum and state law limits on EP&O levies. The district cannot collect more than voters authorized.

    Where can I read the full levy resolution?

    Visit northmasonschools.org/page/levy-info or attend a North Mason School District board meeting. Agenda materials are posted in advance at northmasonschools.org/page/board-meetings.

    Related from Belfair Bugle: Full levy guide: Everything Belfair needs to know about the April 28 vote | Original schools & youth coverage: April 8, 2026

  • New to North Mason? What the April 28 School Levy Vote Is About and Why Your Vote Matters in Belfair

    New to North Mason? What the April 28 School Levy Vote Is About and Why Your Vote Matters in Belfair

    New to North Mason? Here’s What the April 28 School Levy Vote Is About — and Why It Matters

    If you’ve recently moved to Belfair, Allyn, Tahuya, or anywhere else in the North Mason area, April 28 brings your first local school ballot — and it’s one that the whole community has been watching closely for over a year. Here’s the context you need to vote confidently.

    The North Mason School District: A Quick Orientation

    North Mason School District (NMSD) serves the North Mason area — including Belfair proper, Allyn, Tahuya, Union, and surrounding rural communities along Hood Canal and the SR-3 corridor. The district runs:

    • Sand Hill Elementary — 791 NE Sand Hill Rd, Belfair
    • Belfair Elementary — adjacent to Belfair Town Center area, off SR 3
    • North Mason Middle School
    • North Mason High School — 100 E Campus Dr, Belfair — home of the Bulldogs

    It’s a relatively small district, which means budget swings — up or down — land hard. Lower enrollment than projected this year has already created a $1 million-plus shortfall on top of the levy gap.

    What Is an EP&O Levy?

    Washington state funds basic classroom instruction for K-12 schools. It does not fund music, sports, extracurriculars, or school security officers. Those come from Educational Programs and Operations (EP&O) levies — additional property taxes that local voters approve to fill the gap between state funding and a full school experience.

    The North Mason EP&O levy voters are being asked to approve would authorize up to $5.5 million per year for four years, funding music programs, athletics, school security officers at the middle and high schools, after-school activities, and partial funding for the community gymnasium roof.

    Why Is This the Third Attempt?

    North Mason voters approved a version of this levy in 2022. It expired at the end of 2025. The replacement levy went to voters in February 2025 — and failed, receiving about 46% yes when 50%+ was required. It went back to voters in November 2025 — and failed again. Both losses were close. Both turned, in part, on spring/fall special election turnout.

    Since January 2026, the district has been operating without that levy revenue. Superintendent Dr. Kristine Michael — who started July 1, 2025 — has been managing the shortfall, submitting an emergency cash request in March and describing the situation as “squeezing every dollar.” Staff reductions have already occurred.

    What This Means for Your New Community

    When you moved to North Mason, part of what you chose was this community — the Bulldogs games at Phil Pugh Stadium, the Salmon in the Classroom programs at the PNW Salmon Center, the people who’ve been building something here over generations. The school district is the backbone of that community in ways that go well beyond the kids who currently attend.

    North Mason parents, business owners, and long-time residents are all watching April 28 closely. As a new registered voter in Mason County, your ballot carries the same weight as everyone else’s — and in a small special election, it genuinely matters.

    How to Vote in North Mason

    Washington is an all-mail state. Your ballot should arrive in your mailbox before April 28. If you haven’t registered yet, the deadline is April 20 at VoteWA.gov. Return your ballot by mail (postmarked by April 28) or drop it at a Mason County drop box — check masoncountywa.gov/departments/auditor for the location nearest Belfair.

    If you have questions about the levy specifics, visit northmasonschools.org or attend a North Mason School District board meeting — they’re open to the public and posted at northmasonschools.org/page/board-meetings.

    Frequently Asked Questions for North Mason Newcomers

    Do I need to have children in the school district to vote on the levy?

    No. Any registered Mason County voter can vote in this election. The levy is a property tax, so it affects all property owners in the district — not just families with school-age children.

    I moved here recently — am I registered in Mason County?

    If you updated your voter registration to your North Mason address, yes. If you haven’t, go to VoteWA.gov before April 20 to register or update your address. You must be registered at your current Mason County address to receive the North Mason ballot.

    Where is North Mason High School?

    North Mason High School (NMHS) is located at 100 E Campus Dr, Belfair, WA 98528. It’s the home of the Bulldogs — the local team who just went 4-2 to start the spring baseball season.

    What other community events are coming up around this vote?

    Future Cougar Night — for families with kids entering kindergarten in fall 2026 — is April 14 at Sand Hill Elementary (791 NE Sand Hill Rd). It’s a great way to meet the school community and see what you’re voting on in action.

    How do I learn more about North Mason School District before voting?

    The district’s levy information page is at northmasonschools.org/page/levy-info. The Mason County Journal (masoncounty.com) has covered all three levy attempts in detail — search “North Mason levy” for the full history.

    Related from Belfair Bugle: Full levy guide: Everything Belfair needs to know about the April 28 vote | What’s happening at the Belfair library and Theler Wetlands this spring

  • What Mason County Parents Need to Know About the North Mason School District Levy: April 28 Ballot

    What Mason County Parents Need to Know About the North Mason School District Levy: April 28 Ballot

    For Mason County Parents: The North Mason School District replacement levy on the April 28 ballot determines whether athletics, arts, music, counseling, and after-school programs survive for the 2026–2027 school year. This is the district’s third attempt after failures in February and November 2025.

    The April 28 Levy Vote: What It Means for Your Child’s School Year

    If your child attends school in the North Mason School District, the April 28 special election matters directly to their upcoming school year. The replacement levy on the ballot funds the programs that go beyond what the state pays for — and after two levy failures, several of those programs have already been cut back.

    Which Programs Are on the Line

    The North Mason School District replacement levy would authorize up to $5,577,446 per year through 2029 to fund programs Washington’s basic education formula doesn’t cover:

    • Athletics: Middle school and high school sports programs
    • Arts and music: Elective programs across grade levels
    • Counseling services: School counselors providing academic and social support
    • Security staff: Campus safety personnel
    • After-school programs: Enrichment and extended day activities
    • Facilities: Community gymnasium roof replacement

    What Has Already Been Cut

    The February 2025 levy failure triggered approximately $4.5 million in budget cuts at the district. North Mason families have already seen reductions in athletics, arts, counseling staff, and after-school programming. A third failure in April 2026 would force further cuts for the 2026–2027 school year — district leadership has stated these would be more severe than the 2025 reductions.

    This Is the Third Vote on This Levy

    The North Mason School District has brought this replacement levy to voters in February 2025, November 2025, and now April 28, 2026. The levy is not a new tax — it replaces an expiring measure that previously funded these same programs. Each prior failure has led to cuts that students are currently experiencing.

    How to Cast Your Vote

    Your ballot was mailed April 7. Drop it at any official Mason County drop box (open 24/7 — find locations at masoncountywa.gov) or mail it postmarked by April 28. Track your ballot at VoteWA.gov.

    Last day to register: April 20. Questions? Contact the Mason County Auditor at 360-427-9670 ext. 468.

    For full ballot and election details, see our main coverage: North Mason School District Levy: Full Voter Guide. For Mason County civic news, see Mason County Government Update.

    Related: Full Mason County April 28 Election Voter Guide

    Frequently Asked Questions: North Mason Levy and Mason County School Programs

    What school programs does the North Mason levy fund?

    The levy funds middle and high school athletics, arts and music programs, counseling services, security staff, after-school programs, and facilities like the community gymnasium roof — programs the state’s basic education formula does not cover.

    What happened to North Mason school programs after the levy failed?

    The February 2025 failure led to approximately $4.5 million in budget cuts across the district, reducing athletics, arts, counseling, and support staffing. A third failure would trigger deeper cuts for the 2026–2027 school year.

    How much does the levy cost per household?

    The estimated rate is $1.28 per $1,000 of assessed property value. On a $300,000 assessed home, that is approximately $384 per year, or roughly $32 per month.

    When do April 28 election results come out?

    Results are released after 8 PM on April 28, 2026, after ballot processing begins for the evening.

    Who can vote on the North Mason School District levy?

    Registered voters within the North Mason School District boundaries — which span parts of both Mason County and Kitsap County — received ballots for this measure.


  • Mason County Property Owners: What the North Mason School District Levy Means for Your Tax Bill

    Mason County Property Owners: What the North Mason School District Levy Means for Your Tax Bill

    For Mason County Property Owners: The North Mason School District replacement levy on the April 28, 2026 ballot would collect an estimated $1.28 per $1,000 of assessed property value annually through 2029. This is a replacement levy, not a new tax. Total annual collection: up to $5,577,446 across the district.

    The North Mason Levy and Your Property Tax: What the April 28 Vote Means

    For Mason County property owners, the April 28 special election brings a concrete question: what does the North Mason School District replacement levy mean for your tax bill, and what has already changed in the district since the levy funding lapsed after the February 2025 failure?

    The Numbers: What You Would Pay

    The replacement levy would authorize up to $5,577,446 per year collected from property owners within the district from 2026 through 2029. The estimated collection rate is $1.28 per $1,000 of assessed property value.

    Estimated annual cost at common Mason County assessed values:

    • $200,000: approximately $256/year ($21/month)
    • $300,000: approximately $384/year ($32/month)
    • $400,000: approximately $512/year ($43/month)
    • $500,000: approximately $640/year ($53/month)

    This is a replacement levy — it renews an expiring measure, not a new tax layer. Property owners who were paying under the previous levy would see their rate continue at roughly the same level.

    School Quality and Property Values

    After the February 2025 levy failure and the resulting $4.5 million in cuts, the North Mason School District reduced athletics, arts, music, counseling, and after-school programs. A third consecutive failure in April 2026 would force further reductions for the 2026–2027 school year.

    School district quality is consistently among the top factors prospective homebuyers evaluate when assessing a community. The relationship between school funding and residential property values is well-documented in Washington state real estate markets.

    This Is the Third Attempt

    The levy failed in February 2025 and November 2025. April 28, 2026 is the third vote on this replacement measure. The district has operated under reduced funding since the first failure, absorbing cuts to programs that levy revenue previously supported. A third failure would deepen those cuts further.

    How to Vote

    Ballots were mailed April 7 and processing began April 13. Drop your ballot at any official Mason County drop box (locations at masoncountywa.gov) or mail it postmarked by April 28. Track your ballot at VoteWA.gov. Last day to register: April 20.

    For the full voter guide, see Mason County April 28 Special Election Coverage. For Mason County economic news, see Mason County Business Update.

    Related: Full Mason County April 28 Election Voter Guide

    Frequently Asked Questions: North Mason Levy and Property Taxes

    What is the North Mason School District levy rate in 2026?

    The estimated rate is $1.28 per $1,000 of assessed property value. The levy would collect up to $5,577,446 per year from 2026 through 2029 from properties within the district boundaries.

    Is this a new tax or a replacement?

    This is a replacement levy — it renews an expiring measure rather than creating a new obligation. Property owners within the North Mason School District were already paying under the previous levy at a comparable rate.

    Does the levy apply if my property is in Kitsap County but within the school district?

    Yes. The North Mason School District covers portions of both Mason County and Kitsap County. Property owners within the district boundaries in either county are subject to the levy if it passes.

    What happens to school programs if the levy fails again?

    A third failure would force the district to implement additional cuts beyond the $4.5 million already absorbed after February 2025, affecting athletics, arts, counseling, security staffing, and after-school programming for the 2026–2027 school year.

    Where can I find Mason County drop box locations?

    Official drop box locations are listed at masoncountywa.gov. Boxes are open 24/7. You can also mail your ballot postmarked by April 28 or register and vote in person at the Mason County Auditor’s office on Election Day.


  • Third Time at the Ballot: Why North Mason’s School Levy Has Failed Twice and What a Third Failure Would Mean

    Third Time at the Ballot: Why North Mason’s School Levy Has Failed Twice and What a Third Failure Would Mean

    Civic Context: The North Mason School District replacement levy on the April 28, 2026 ballot has failed twice in 14 months — in February and November 2025. Each failure deepened cuts. The April vote is the district’s third attempt to restore this funding stream.

    North Mason’s Levy Has Failed Twice. April 28 Is the Third Attempt.

    For Mason County civic watchers, the April 28 special election is more than a routine levy vote — it’s the third chapter in a policy story that has reshaped the North Mason School District over the past 14 months.

    The replacement levy failed in February 2025. It failed again in November 2025. The district cut approximately $4.5 million following the first failure. Now, heading into a third election, the question is whether Mason County voters are prepared to restore the funding stream — and what a third failure would mean for public education in the North Mason region.

    How Washington’s Levy System Works

    Washington state’s school funding model pays for a defined “basic education” baseline. Programs and services outside that definition — athletics, arts, music, counseling, security staff, after-school programs, certain facility needs — must be funded locally through voter-approved levies.

    Replacement levies renew expiring authorization; they are not new taxes. When voters decline to renew, the district cannot substitute other funds. The programs either operate at reduced capacity or are eliminated.

    A Chronology of the North Mason Levy Battle

    • February 2025: First vote — levy fails. District responds with $4.5 million in cuts across athletics, arts, counseling, security, and after-school programs.
    • November 2025: Second vote — levy fails again. District continues operating under reduced budget heading into the 2025–2026 school year.
    • April 28, 2026: Third attempt. The levy would authorize up to $5,577,446 annually at $1.28 per $1,000 of assessed value through 2029. District leadership has stated that a third failure would require additional cuts beyond the current level for the 2026–2027 school year.

    What Makes This Pattern Unusual

    School levy failures of this duration are uncommon in Washington state. Most districts that bring replacement levies to voters see them pass on the first or second attempt. North Mason’s situation reflects a pattern of voter resistance that has emerged in several rural and semi-rural Washington communities since 2024, where skepticism about school spending levels has grown alongside property tax increases from other sources.

    The North Mason School District serves communities in both Mason County and portions of Kitsap County, meaning the vote outcome is shaped by two different county electorates.

    What Civic Watchers Should Watch For

    April 28 results will be released after 8 PM. Initial returns typically reflect mail-in ballots received before Election Day. If the levy fails a third time, watch for district budget discussions in the weeks following — the 2026–2027 school year budget process will need to begin with the assumption of no levy funding.

    Track results at masoncountywa.gov and via the Mason County Auditor at 360-427-9670 ext. 468.

    Full voter guide: Mason County April 28 Special Election Coverage. For broader Mason County government news, see SR-3 Belfair Bypass Funding and Commissioner Meetings.

    Related: Full Mason County April 28 Election Voter Guide

    Frequently Asked Questions: North Mason Levy History and April 28

    How many times has the North Mason levy failed?

    Twice — in February 2025 and November 2025. The April 28, 2026 vote is the third attempt. Each prior failure has led to budget cuts and program reductions across the district.

    What did the first levy failure cost the district?

    The February 2025 failure triggered approximately $4.5 million in budget cuts and staff reductions, affecting athletics, arts, music, counseling services, security staffing, and after-school programs.

    Why can’t the district use other funding to replace the levy?

    Washington state school funding has categorical restrictions. Levy revenue covers programs outside the state’s basic education formula — the district cannot legally redirect state education funds to replace voter levy revenue.

    What would a third levy failure mean for the 2026–2027 school year?

    District leadership has stated that a third failure would require additional cuts beyond the current $4.5 million level — likely more severe reductions affecting programs for the upcoming school year.

    Does the district serve only Mason County voters?

    No. The North Mason School District covers portions of both Mason County and Kitsap County. The April 28 levy vote involves registered voters within district boundaries in both counties.

    Where do official Mason County election results get posted?

    The Mason County Auditor releases results after 8 PM on Election Day at masoncountywa.gov. The Auditor’s office is at 360-427-9670 ext. 468.