A pie chart titled "2024-25 Expenditures" showing the breakdown of a school's budget. In the center, it reads: "Total Staff Portion: 87%." A large blue section labeled "Teaching Staff & Support – 61.5%" includes teachers, paraeducators, counselors, and health & safety staff. A lighter blue section labeled "Other Staff – 25.5%" includes technology, school administration & office staff, food service, and transportation staff. A dark blue section labeled "Supplies & Other – 13%" represents the non-staff portion of the budget.

HSD Responds to Statewide Funding Issues with Budget Reductions Furthest from the Classroom

Hockinson School District

May 30, 2025

School districts across the state are facing financial challenges due in part to lower-than-expected state and federal funding. K-12 funding is far below post-McCleary levels of nearly a decade ago. Inflation, fewer students and a state model that does not fully fund all staff nor extracurriculars, music, arts, athletics, and other programs create a challenging environment for Washington schools. The HSD aims to balance its 2026-27 Budget by:

  • Prioritizing cuts furthest from student programs.

  • Reducing rather than eliminating positions wherever possible. To retain valued team members, some staff may be reassigned to new positions in the district.

  • Deferring technology and curriculum replacement cycles.

  • Trimming building and department budgets. Wherever possible, the district will look to cover expenses using grant and levy funding.

  • Scaling back utilities, paper use, tech subscriptions, and non-essential maintenance.

View Superintendent Steve Marshall’s message to staff and families here, and view the new HSD Budget webpage here.