Local levy funds make up about 13% of Hockinson School District’s overall operating budget
On Oct. 27, 2025, the Hockinson School District Board of Directors placed a School Programs & Operations (SP&O) levy measure on the Feb. 10, 2026 special election ballot. This measure would replace the district’s current levy, which expires at the end of 2026. It is not a new tax, but a renewal of an existing levy.
“State funding alone does not cover all of the staffing and programs provided in our schools,” said Gordon Smith, Hockinson School District School Board Chair. “We worked hard to put forward a measure that continues excellent student programs and services in Hockinson at a total school tax rate that is lower than what our community is currently paying in 2025.”
Local levy supports staff and student programs the state doesn’t fully fund.
Local levy dollars in Hockinson School District support Advanced Placement & elective classes, school nurses, school security, communications, art, music, sports and activities, transportation, technology, textbooks & curriculum, and building maintenance.
About 1 in 7 staff positions in Hockinson School District are supported by local levy dollars. Local levy funds make up about 13% of Hockinson School District’s overall operating budget.
“We see strong participation in levy-supported programs in Hockinson School District,” said Tim Fox, principal at Hockinson High School. 1 in 4 Hockinson High School students are taking Advanced Placement classes, 1 in 6 of our students are enrolled in band, and 1 in 3 are participating in fall athletics this fall.”
Lower total school tax rate than in 2025
If approved by voters, the estimated SP&O levy rates are $1.89 per $1000 of assessed property value in 2027, $1.80 per $1000 in 2028, $1.72 per $1000 in 2029, and $1.63 per $1,000 in 2030.
If the proposed levy is approved by voters, the estimated total local school tax cost for the owner of a $800,000 home in Hockinson is about $35 less per month in 2027 compared to 2025. This is because the Hockinson Middle School bond payment steps down in 2026.
“This renewal levy would continue local funding that has supported strong academic and extracurricular opportunities for Hockinson students,” said Steve Marshall, Hockinson School District Superintendent.
Second lowest total school tax rate among K-12 school districts in Clark County
Hockinson School District’s total school tax rate is the second lowest out of all nine K-12 school districts in Clark County. The majority of school districts in Clark County have a Capital Levy in place to fund building maintenance, facility projects, and/or technology in addition to their SP&O levy. HSD has one SP&O levy that supports student programs, technology, and facility maintenance.
Additional state funds available only with levy in place
If voters approve the levy, HSD will receive $2.2 million in state Local Effort Assistance (LEA), available only when a levy is in place. This is funding paid by the state, not local taxpayers.
Election information
Deadline to vote by February 10, 2026. Ballots will be mailed to voters in January. For more information about the levy, visit hocksd.org/levy.
Information provided by the Hockinson School District.
Also read:
- Opinion: Not a Good choice
Lars Larson argues that personal choices led to a deadly confrontation with law enforcement during an ICE operation in Minneapolis. - County Charter Review Commission to hold first two meetings in January
The Clark County Charter Review Commission will meet twice in January to begin reviewing the county’s charter and consider whether to recommend amendments for voter approval. - Opinion: ‘The IBR team has been lying to us and thanks to a veteran Oregon journalist, we have the smoking gun’
Ken Vance argues newly obtained documents show Interstate Bridge Replacement staff withheld updated cost estimates from lawmakers and the public. - Former legislator and County Chair Eileen Quiring O’Brien announces candidacy for Clark County auditor
Former Clark County Chair Eileen Quiring O’Brien has announced her candidacy for county auditor following Greg Kimsey’s decision not to seek re-election. - Vancouver Police investigate traffic collision
Vancouver Police are investigating a motorcycle and vehicle collision that left the rider with life-threatening injuries. - WA Democrats push for mid-decade redraw of congressional maps
Washington Democrats have introduced a constitutional amendment that would allow congressional redistricting outside the normal post-census cycle, drawing sharp partisan debate. - Oregon Gov. Kotek calls for repeal of transportation funding package she championed
Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek is urging lawmakers to repeal a transportation funding package she previously supported after a referendum effort halted key tax increases.
