March 23, 2026
Hockinson Families,
I’m writing to give you an update on enrollment trends and boundary exceptions. I want to notify families early of the possibility that not all existing boundary exceptions will be renewed for the 2026-27 school year.
Hockinson School District is in a unique and difficult position when it comes to enrollment and capacity. While many school districts in our area are experiencing declining enrollment, enrollment in the HSD has steadily increased since 2021, which has intensified our school capacity challenges.
I, along with our building principals, understand this news will likely create anxiety for families with students on boundary exceptions. Our district will share updates as soon as we gain more clarity on enrollment levels and classroom capacity. Capacity will be evaluated on a grade-by-grade basis. If space is available in a grade level, boundary exceptions will be honored. If a grade level is at capacity, the boundary exception may not be renewed. While that is the normal process every year, we anticipate that there might be fewer openings in the 2026-27 school year.
Capacity is particularly squeezed by two factors:
Elementary: HHES has the highest enrollment of any elementary school in Clark County, with 24 portable classrooms in use to provide enough classroom space for 924 students - twice the county average.
Middle & High Schools: A higher number of students are returning from homeschooling to HMS and HHS contributing to higher-than-normal class sizes, which are capped at 30.
What should I do if my student is attending on a boundary exception this school year?
Families should submit boundary exception forms as usual. Once enrollment numbers are finalized, we will reach out to families individually about the status of their boundary exception for the 2026-27 school year.
We appreciate families’ understanding as we work to balance enrollment and maintain appropriate class and school sizes for students.
Sincerely,
Steve Marshall
Superintendent