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Moving 5th grade to the middle school in 2027-28

Reconfiguring grade levels to balance enrollment at Hockinson schools

At the school board meeting on July 27, 2026, the Hockinson School Board voted to move fifth grade to Hockinson Middle School beginning in the 2027-28 school year.

Group of elementary students sitting in a gymnasium

"We recognize that moving fifth grade to Hockinson Middle School beginning in 2027-28 is not an ideal solution, and it does not permanently solve the overcrowding challenges at Hockinson Heights Elementary. We believe it is the best available option to help relieve capacity pressures and achieve high levels of student learning."

~ Kat Stupka, Director District 4

HHES is the largest TK-5 elementary school in the state

Large elementary enrollment impacts personalized student support, campus safety, lunch schedules, portable classroom use, traffic and more.

  • Our district’s enrollment has grown by about 11% since 2020. The school has experienced capacity issues for many years, resulting in portable classroom additions, long lunch schedules, and other operational challenges.

  • HHES enrollment in 2025-26 was 924, making it significantly larger than the average elementary school in the state.

  • Other elementary schools of similar size (over 850 students) in Washington have additional school office staff. These other school districts spend about $375,000 for these additional positions.

  • On the last day of school in 2025-26, 140 vehicles and 25 buses caused traffic congestion at afternoon pick-up at HHES.

Reducing pressure on the elementary school while bringing middle school enrollment in line with the Clark County average.

Bar graph shows enrollment at elementary school reducing from 924 students and HMS enrollment increasing from 482 students to the county average, 630 students.

Frequently Asked Questions

Community-Guided

The Citizens Advisory Committee, made up of parents, staff, and community members, formed this recommendation by studying enrollment, visiting schools, and engaging the community through surveys to form this recommendation. We will continue to engage the community in this process through a Transition Committee.

Learn more and help identify student supports for a successful transition:

  • Family Information Night: Monday, October 19 at 6:30 to 8 pm; Hockinson Middle School

  • School Tour: Wednesday, October 21 at 8 to 11 am; begin at Hockinson Community Center

The HSD Citizens Advisory Committee will coordinate additional family engagement events in the 2026-27 school year.

Community Survey Results

The Citizens Advisory Committee conducted two community surveys, which helped to guide the recommendation. In the April 2026 community survey results, 73.4% of respondents are open to moving 5th grade to the middle school with the right student supports.

  • 74%: Open to moving 5th grade to the middle school

    • 41%: This seems like a reasonable option for facilities and enrollment balance

    • 32.4%: I have concerns but am open to it with the right student supports

  • 22.5%: I don't think this is a reasonable option.

  • 4.1%: I need more information.

Pie chart shows 41% say this seems like a reasonable option and 32.4% have concerns but are open to it with the right supports.

Transition Committee

The district will establish a transition committee to identify and help guide ways to support students and families through this transition. The transition committee will be made up of parents and school staff members. The committee will keep parents informed of progress throughout the 2026-27 school year.