I am writing to express my whole-hearted support for the upcoming levy in the Hockinson School District.
I wear many hats in our community — I’m a parent of three students (one recently graduated), a property owner, a volunteer, and a substitute teacher for the past 10 years. From each of these perspectives, I see firsthand how vital adequate school funding is to a community.
This levy is not just about funding — it’s about protecting the opportunities, safety, and care our kids deserve. It’s about saying, “We believe in you” to every student who walks through those school doors.” I’ve watched students light up when they discover a new skill, find their voice in the arts, or feel supported by a caring adult. I’ve seen teachers go above and beyond, often stretching limited resources to meet every child’s needs. These moments are possible because our community chooses to invest in them.
When I mention I live in Hockinson, I usually get two responses — “what a beautiful area” and “I’ve heard you have wonderful schools.” That’s because Hockinson schools are a source of community pride and are the heart of this little community. It is agonizing to have to appeal to our community every few years to renew school levies. In a perfect world, state funding would be adequate and reliable—but it is not. Until that changes, levies remain essential to maintaining the level of education our students deserve. While grown-ups are battling back and forth, our children – our future leaders – are caught in the middle.
I understand some people are reluctant to vote yes because they believe it will raise property taxes. Here’s the fact: renewing this levy will NOT raise property taxes. It simply continues funding at the current rate. I encourage everyone to educate themselves with factual sources — look at official ballot information and non-partisan analysis, not social media posts full of emotional rhetoric and inaccurate ‘facts’. Please take the time to understand what you are voting on and what’s at stake for our community.
This levy helps maintain the quality of education our students currently receive, supports teachers and staff, and preserves the programs and services that make Hockinson schools strong. A yes vote is a vote for stability, for our students, and for the future of our community—without raising taxes.
Please vote informed - our schools, our children, depend on it.
Julie Bridges
Brush Prairie
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