What is the current levy amount/what is the new levy amount that we’re asking for?
CURRENT LEVY AMOUNT
The 2022 Educational Programs & Operations (EP&O) Levy Rate was $1.89 per $1,000 of assessed property value — the second-lowest among Clark County school districts.
Although Hockinson School District could have collected more under voter authorization, it chose to honor the $1.89 rate. As assessed values increased, the actual rate decreased to approximately $1.68 per $1,000.
In recent years, the District has made budget reductions to stay within available revenues. However, these cuts have led to unsustainable operating levels that make it difficult to fully meet the needs and expectations of Hockinson students and the broader community.
Local levies are a critical funding source, accounting for about 11% of Hockinson’s total budget. Levy dollars help bridge the gap between what the State of Washington provides and the actual cost of running schools, supporting essential staff, programs, and services not fully funded by the state.
PROPOSED REPLACEMENT LEVY
The proposed four-year EP&O Levy would have a regression rate starting at of $1.89 per $1,000 of assessed property value and decreasing to $1.63 in 2030.
If approved by voters, this levy would collect:
$6,100,000 in 2027
$6,400,000 in 2028
$6,700,000 in 2029
$7,000,000 in 2030
As in the prior Levey a four-year EP&O levy is designed to maintain a steady rate, not a fixed total collection amount.Collection amounts rise in line with assessed value growth to keep pace with inflation and educational costs. If property values increase faster than expected, the rate may decrease. If property values grow slower than projected, the rate may adjust upward to meet but not exceed the voter approved collection.
When will this levy expire/what is the length of the term?
The current levy expires Dec. 31, 2026. The length of the replacement levy is a four-year term that would begin in 2027 and run through 2031. By not pursuing a longer term, it allows the district to re-evaluate its needs and operate as efficiently as possible.
Why can’t the district operate within its current budget and make the necessary adjustments to remain at the same rate as the previous levy?
The replacement levy has been calculated at $1.89 per $1,000 of assessed property value. The rate was determined by the following process:
A district calculated amount needed to operate based on district wide assessed value.
That amount is calculated over the levy length in years with adjustment added and does not change until the next Levy vote.
The Clark County Assessor gave the Excess Value of all property within HSD’s boundaries. (Excess Value = Total value of all property less exemptions)
Once that information was received the rate was calculated based on needs.
From that...the district arrived at its levy rate per $1000 of home valuation.
If the Assessor’s excess value increases, the rate per $1000 gets smaller. Therefore the adverse is true, if the Assessor’s excess value decreases then the then the rate per $1000 will increase but can not exceed the levy approved amount.
DID YOU KNOW? Under current Washington law, school districts may levy up to $2.50 per $1,000 of assessed property value (or an equivalent per-student cap) when voters approve an enrichment levy. Washington State Legislature Despite this maximum, the Hockinson School District has elected to remain significantly below the cap levying just $1.89 per $1,000. This decision reflects a conscious commitment to fiscal responsibility and needs-based funding, prioritizing only what is necessary to support students and core programs rather than maximizing revenue. Even as ESHB 2049 expands districts’ levy authority allowing larger per-pupil levy limits and gradually increasing levy caps to accommodate inflation and future needs Hockinson continues to demonstrate restraint.
In general, the amount requested by school districts increases from levy to levy because the cost of operating schools continues to rise. Labor, utilities, insurance, and materials have all become significantly more expensive in recent years — with insurance and materials costs increasing sharply over the past three years.
Despite these pressures, the Hockinson School District has worked to control spending and limit levy increases, making reductions in programs and staff for three consecutive years in order to balance the budget.
If voters do not approve this replacement levy, the district’s annual budget would decrease by more than 13%, resulting in further reductions to programs and staffing that directly impact students.
How much does HSD need to ‘bridge the gap’ between state funds and what we need to meet current operating costs? Will this levy bridge those gaps entirely?
The gap between Hockinson School District’s needs and state funding can be measured in several ways — including the annual reductions the district has made to balance its budget, as well as the deferred costs of programs and services that remain unfunded.
Understanding that the Hockinson community values both quality and fiscal responsibility, this replacement levy reflects a thoughtful balance between the two.
The proposed levy amount is designed to bridge the gap between what the state provides and what it actually costs to operate our schools — and nothing more.
Where can I find information regarding the district budget and finances?
The information below regarding the Hockinson School District budget and financial information can be found on the HSD website via the Departments tab, using the drop down menu and click on "Business Services.' Click here to view.