The basic education state funding formula does not fully fund Advanced Placement classes, special education, art, music, sports, after-school activities, and more. The Hockinson community makes these programs possible thanks to voter-approved local levy dollars.

• Art & Music

• Sports & Activities

• Special Education

• School nurses

• Transportation

• Technology

• AP & Elective Classes

• Textbooks & Curriculum 

• Building Maintenance

• Security & Communications

In 2025-26, Hockinson School District addressed a budget shortfall by making adjustments furthest from the classroom. EP&O levy funding helped to preserve student programs amid state funding challenges. Learn more about the Hockinson School District budget here.

The state doesn’t fully fund art programs in Hockinson School District, but the Hockinson community makes art programs possible through voter-approved local levy dollars.

State dollars don't fully fund nurse positions in Hockinson School District. Local levy dollars bridge this funding gap.

The state doesn’t fully fund costs associated with student transportation. School bus transportation to and from extracurricular competitions and activities is supported by the local EP&O levy.

The Hockinson community supports band programs through voter-approved local levy dollars.

Special education costs far exceed the amount of money the state and federal governments provide to fund the need. Because these costs are not fully covered by the state, levy funding supports special education programs in Hockinson School District.

Explaining school funding measures: “Levies are for learning. Bonds are for building.”

A levy is a tax assessed on property owners to pay for the programs, staff, and operations of schools beyond the funding provided by the state. Because the state only pays for a portion of a school district’s budget, local levies are necessary to bridge the gap between what the state funds and the actual cost of educating students. Generally, a levy election takes place every two to three years to replace the previous expiring levy. It is not considered a new tax but a renewal of the previous levy (as long as what it is paying for or the total cost does not significantly change). Levies require a simple majority vote to be approved (50% +1 vote).

Hockinson School District has an EP&O levy that was approved by voters in 2022 and supports student programs through 2026.

A bond funds capital projects (building construction and remodeling). Bonds are generally financed over many years (example 10-30 years) and are sold in increments as the funds are needed. Bonds allow major, costly infrastructure projects to be funded over time. When a bond is approved, the district may sell the approved amount of bonds to investors. Bond funds can only be used to pay for capital projects and cannot be used for daily learning, such as funding teachers or supplies. Bonds require a supermajority vote in order to pass (60%).

Hockinson School District is in the final 10 years of paying off the Hockinson Middle School bond, which was recently refinanced at a lower rate, saving taxpayers nearly $1.4 million over the next 10 years.

A capital levy is a tax assessed on property owners to fund capital projects for school facilities. Generally, capital levies are used for smaller projects, such as basic building maintenance or security upgrades. Because these taxes are collected year-by-year, it is very difficult for school districts to use a capital levy to fund major construction projects.

Unlike many area school districts, Hockinson School District does not have a Capital Levy in place to support school maintenance and facility updates. Similar to EP&O levies, capital levies require a simple majority vote to be approved (50% +1 vote).