This message was sent to HSD families on May 27, 2026:

Dear Families:

I’m reaching out today with a budget update as our schools and district plan for the 2026-27 school year. 

First, I want to recap how recent state reductions have impacted the HSD. During the 2026 legislative session, the state significantly reduced Local Effort Assistance (LEA) and Transitional Kindergarten (TK) funding for schools across Washington. Hockinson School District’s LEA funding, which helps to support student programs and district operations, was reduced by about 38%, while TK funding, which provides kindergarten readiness classes for 4-year-olds, was reduced by about 60%.

These unexpected reductions loom large as we prepare for next school year. As a result, the HSD is taking a very cautious approach to budgeting as student enrollment for 2026-27 continues to take shape. To adjust to our lowered funding levels, our district has made difficult reductions affecting some certificated and classified employees. All staff members impacted by funding changes have been notified. 

Our people are our district’s greatest resource and these reductions have been especially difficult in a tight-knit school community like ours.

The HSD School Board will hold an initial 2026-27 budget hearing at its June 8 regular meeting, with formal budget adoption expected July 27. Among its planned budget adjustments for the 2026-27 school year are the following updates:

• Transitional Kindergarten will be scaled back and move to a tuition-based model beginning this fall. Instead of four sections, HHES will offer two full-day TK sections and one half-day section.

• School leaders, classified employees, and district office staff will have furlough days again next year. District office staffing has also been reduced.

• Certificated staff positions will unfortunately be reduced due to TK reductions and 2026-27 enrollment projections.

• The HSD and Hockinson Education Association (HEA) also agreed to a one-year staffing contract, rather than the typical multi-year agreement, to provide additional flexibility as we continue to adjust to state funding changes and enrollment impacts.

While we work through these challenges, we are also grateful for the support of our families and community. Thank you for the trust you place in Hockinson schools and for the many ways you support our students and staff throughout the year. Voter support of the replacement EP&O levy this past February continues to help sustain important student programs and services as we, like most districts across Washington, respond to the daunting combination of inflation and decreased state funding. 

I am well aware that conversations about school funding can create concern for families, staff, and students. However, amidst all of this uncertainty around school funding, I assure you that we remain focused on maintaining high levels of student learning and enrichment opportunities at all three of our schools. I appreciate the partnership of the HSD's certificated and classified unions, our staff teams, and families in making that possible.

Thank you, too, for taking the time to stay current with HSD and I will continue to keep you posted as we move forward in our budgeting and staffing process -

Sincerely,

Steve Marshall, Superintendent

P.S. I have a closing request for all HSD families: If you are planning on registering a Kindergartener next year, please register now as registrations are lagging. We would also appreciate your early notification if your family is moving or planning to withdraw your student. Our 2026-27 staffing levels depend on student enrollment and this information helps us plan and staff appropriately.