MI School District approves EP&O levy for Feb. 2026 ballot
Published 7:30 am Saturday, October 25, 2025
An educational programs and operations (EP&O) levy for the Mercer Island School District will go before local voters in a special election Feb. 10, 2026.
The measure was approved for the ballot Oct. 23 by the Mercer Island School Board. If passed by voters, the replacement levy will start in 2027 and run for three years to help pay expenses that are not covered by the state.
The levy would increase property taxes annually by $150 per $1 million of assessed value. The levy renewal will represent a 15% increase in the portion of the tax bill designated for schools and about 3% increase on total tax bills. The proposal seeks a levy amount starting at $16 million in 2027, increasing by $1 million annually until 2030.
According to the school district, the levy funds 16% of the district budget, helping to pay for salaries and insurance for teachers and staff; programs like special education and the arts; operations including transportation and class size reductions; and materials like textbooks and technology.
The district seeks pro and con committee volunteers to prepare statements about the proposed levy for the voters’ pamphlet. The school board can select up to three people for each side. Committee members must reside on Mercer Island. Applications are due by Nov. 7, and committee appointments are scheduled to be made on Nov. 13. To learn more, visit mercerislandschools.org/proconcomm or email michelle.mueller@mercerislandschools.org.
