The Hockinson School District’s second attempt to secure funding for school safety and infrastructure improvements has failed, leaving the district to explore alternative funding strategies.
For the second time this year, voters in the Hockinson School District have turned down a facilities funding measure. Proposition No. 10, a $13.2 million capital levy proposal, failed in the April 22 election. As of the latest count on Tuesday, April 29, the measure had received 1,454 votes in favor (45.42%) and 1,747 opposed (54.58%).
The six-year levy would have funded safety and infrastructure upgrades across the district, such as secure entryways, improved emergency communication systems and other critical facility improvements. It followed the failure of an $87.75 million bond measure in February, which aimed to build a new elementary school and renovate existing facilities.
In a statement following the results, Superintendent Steve Marshall acknowledged the community’s decision and pointed to the broader economic climate.
“When you put a measure before voters you must be prepared to accept the results,” Marshall said. “The school board and I respect the voice of our voters and understand that this is an uncertain time for residents financially. Still, the outcome of the capital levy election was disappointing.”
Marshall stressed that the proposed safety upgrades were not cosmetic or optional, but essential.
“The security updates that we proposed would have made a difference for student and staff safety at our elementary school and district-wide, which is why we carried over these projects from February’s bond to the April 22 capital levy proposal,” he said.
He also pointed out that many Washington districts rely on similar levies for basic facility upkeep and technology needs — resources that Hockinson currently lacks.
“Levies fill the gap between what it costs to operate schools and what the state funds. Many districts have a capital levy in place to fund facility maintenance projects or a technology levy to support digital tools and infrastructure, but Hockinson School District does not,” he stated.
Marshall added that Hockinson has one of the lowest per-student spending rates in Clark County, limiting the district’s flexibility when voters decline supplemental funding.
Despite the defeat, Marshall said the district remains committed to students and will continue to look for outside support.
“Although this is a setback in terms of funding, we remain committed to giving our best to Hockinson students every day,” he said. “We will continue to be creative and efficient with grants, donations, and partnerships to provide our students with as much as we possibly can.”
