What programs will this levy fund in our HSD schools in the upcoming year(s)?
Special Education
Student transportation
Building maintenance and cleaning
School safety, security and health services
Instructional technology
Athletics
Extracurricular programs such as band, theater, clubs and activities
What programs do the Levy support?
HEALTH, SAFETY & SECURITY
Security staff to maintain safe school environments
Recess aides to supervise and support students during breaks
Nursing support for student health needs
Facilities and field management, including custodians and grounds staff, ensuring cleanliness and maintenance
TEACHING & LEARNING
Staffing to maintain smaller class sizes
Specialists such as art, music, and language experts
Support staff for technology, school offices, and classroom assistance
General education programs that supplement state funding
Special Education services beyond state requirements
Transportation services for students
Instructional technology updates and maintenance to support modern learning
BUILDING MAINTENANCE
Routine cleaning, maintenance, and upkeep of school buildings and grounds
EXTRACURRICULARS
Funding for music, theater, and academic clubs that foster skill development and community
Athletics programs supporting student participation across all seasons
ADDITIONAL AREAS FUNDED BY THE LEVY
Counseling and Mental Health Services: Support for student well-being and social-emotional learning
Professional Development: Training and resources for teachers to improve instruction
Library and Media Services: Access to books, digital resources, and media specialists
Technology Infrastructure: Network support, software licenses, and hardware upgrades beyond basic state funding
Student Activities and Enrichment: Field trips, guest speakers, and special programs that enhance learning experiences
Is there a chance that HSD will be absorbed into a neighboring school district if we continue to fail to meet budget requirements?
This is a complicated question, and the answer depends on timing.
In the short term, the district would not be dissolved. Hockinson School District is in a stronger financial position than it was coming out of COVID, and the district has done a very good job avoiding debt and managing its budget responsibly.
However, looking longer-term, the risk does exist. If the bond has failed and the replacement levy also fails, the district would be required to take immediate steps simply to remain solvent. That could include short-term state loans, reductions in staffing and programs, and other corrective actions — similar to steps some neighboring districts have had to take recently.
If those conditions were to persist over multiple years, and the district could not demonstrate a sustainable financial path forward, state intervention becomes necessary. In that scenario, one of the outcomes the state can consider is reorganization or absorption into a neighboring school district and is much more likely than not in a three school district.
To be clear, this is not an immediate or automatic outcome, but it is a real long-term risk if local funding measures continue to fail. Passing the levy is the most direct way for the community to retain local control, financial stability, and the long-term independence of Hockinson schools.