Hockinson School District puts replacement levy on February ballot

Posted

The Hockinson School District will seek to replace its educational programs and operation levy next year as its board of directors agreed to put a ballot measure up for a vote in February.

During its Nov. 29 meeting, the school board approved the move, which if passed by voters would replace the district’s current levy that will expire after next year.

The levy makes up about 10% of the district’s overall budget, according to a news release. Programs supported by the levy include extracurricular activities like clubs and athletics, as well as co-curricular activities like band and theater. The levy also funds school nurses, custodians, security staff, transportation and special education.

“After an extremely challenging few years dealing with the COVID pandemic, extracurricular activities are, in some cases, the main thing that keeps students engaged in school,” board president Patrick Carter said in the release. “A loss of local levy funding would limit our district’s ability to offer the breadth of educational opportunities and experiences our students and community expect and deserve.”



If approved, the levy rate is estimated to be $1.89 per $1,000 of assessed value, the release stated.

Acknowledging school funding at the state level has been a focus for lawmakers in recent years, the release stated that funding still falls short.

“There is a belief that the state fully funds public schools and that is simply not the case,” Hockinson School District Superintendent Steve Marshall said in the release. “Local levies are essential in providing things like athletics, theater, band, clubs, transportation, adequate nursing staff and special education. Without local levy support these opportunities and services would not be available to our students." 

More information on the levy will be available on the district website at hocksd.org. Community voters will receive an informational mailer in January.