NKSD to put renewal EP&O levy on February ballot

Capital levy may also be on ballot if approved by school board

The North Kitsap School District Board of Directors voted at its Nov. 13 meeting to place a replacement Educational Programs and Operations (EP&O) levy on the Feb. 10, 2026, ballot.

The four-year replacement levy would continue local funding that supports classroom staff, student learning, safety, and daily operations that are not fully funded by the state, per a news release. Local levy dollars make up about 16% of the district’s annual operating budget, approximately $21 million each year, and are used to fund programs and services that go beyond the state’s definition of state-funded basic education.

If approved by voters, the levy would continue funding for:

  • Student learning: classroom teachers, paraeducators, curriculum, and instructional materials.
  • Student support: counselors, nurses, and mental health services.
  • Safety and supervision: security staff and other personnel.
  • Operations and maintenance: transportation, food service, custodial, and maintenance costs.
  • Extracurricular programs: athletics, clubs, and other activities.

The proposed four-year levy would collect:

  • 2027 – $21,010,031
  • 2028 – $21,834,134
  • 2029 – $22,549,886
  • 2030 – $23,966,542

The estimated tax rate is between $1.40 and $1.43 per $1,000 of assessed property value, which is similar to the district’s current levy rate. Actual rates will depend on final assessed values.

Learn more at nkschools.org/2026levy.

Capital levy discussions continue

The district’s Facilities Advisory Committee (FAC), a community-informed group that has studied school building conditions, safety needs, and long-term maintenance priorities for the past 18 months, will continue discussions regarding the details, timing and scope of a potential future replacement Capital levy ballot measure.

The FAC is considering several approaches and associated funding measures to address immediate facility needs while also planning for long-term school district facilities priorities, per the release.

A future Capital levy resolution may be presented to the school board for consideration at its Dec. 11 meeting. If the board approves the resolution, a capital levy, in addition to the EP&O levy, will be placed on the February 2026 ballot.