Letter: ‘I’m proud to call this (Hockinson) community home’

Brush Prairie resident Brian Hebert pens an open letter to the Hockinson community on why supporting the bond initiative matters

Editor’s note: Opinions expressed in this letter to the editor are those of the author alone and do not reflect the editorial position of ClarkCountyToday.com

Hello, Hockinson Neighbors,

My name is Brian Hebert, and like many of you, I’m proud to call this community home. My wife and I moved here 15 years ago with our two boys, drawn by the promise of great schools, a close-knit community, and a peaceful lifestyle. Over the years, we’ve grown to love Hockinson even more deeply and have embraced the responsibility of contributing to its success.

From the start, it became clear that great schools don’t happen by chance. They don’t thrive because we wish them to — they require the ongoing commitment of the entire community. Hockinson stands out with high graduation rates, strong academic performance, and vibrant extracurricular programs. These achievements reflect the hard work of educators, students, and the support of families and community members like you.

A few years ago, I joined the Citizens for Hockinson Schools coalition to support the 2023 operational levy. Through that effort, I learned just how complex school funding is—and how much our schools depend on local support. Many of you have heard me talk about the McCleary decision, a state ruling aimed at improving education funding. While it addressed some challenges, it also created new ones, leaving communities like Hockinson responsible for covering gaps to ensure our schools reflect our values and priorities.

The current bond initiative is the result of a thoughtful, collaborative effort by many stakeholders, including the Facilities Planning Committee, students, the school board, community members, and state financial planners. Together, these groups worked to assess the needs of our schools and develop a plan that reflects our shared priorities. Their work, informed by surveys, open houses, and school board meetings, ensures this bond is a responsible, community-driven solution that addresses critical needs. This initiative isn’t about unnecessary spending — it’s about ensuring Hockinson schools continue to thrive for years to come.

Great schools require investment, and as long as the state funding system remains inadequate, bonds and levies will be necessary. While this reality may be difficult to accept, it’s the only way to ensure our tax dollars return to Hockinson to support our kids, protect property values, and strengthen our community.

If you have questions or concerns about the bond initiative, I encourage you to do your research. Here are two great resources to get started:

1. Yes Hockinson: yeshockinson.com – Comprehensive details on the bond initiative, FAQs, and how to get involved.

2. Hockinson School District Bond: hocksd.org/bond2025 – Official information from the district about funding needs and priorities.

I urge you to learn about this initiative, attend meetings, ask questions, and get involved. Don’t sit on the sidelines — our students and their future depend on your active participation and support.
Personally, I will be voting YES on the bond initiative, and I hope you will too. Supporting this bond is the best way to invest in our children, our schools, and the vibrant community we’ve built here in Hockinson.

Thank you for your time, consideration, and commitment to strengthening Hockinson.

Brian Hebert
Brush Prairie