Hockinson voters need more than the usual glossy-brochure generalities about this levy request: Because state school spending is at record levels. State funding has more than doubled in just over 10 years: $13.1B to $30.1B, far outstripping inflation. In 2023, 71 HSD administrators and teachers (53%) earned over $100K, while the median income in Hockinson was $88K for men, $63K for women. Because our taxes are high and getting higher. The legislature passed the biggest tax increases in history last year, and is proposing more for 2026, including significant property tax rate hikes (HB 1334, 1870). Levy proponents argue that the levy benefits property values. But higher property values … [Read more...]
The multi-million dollar cash grab in Washington schools
From an article published at ClarkCountyToday.com Yacolt resident Mark Rose says here in Clark County, the disconnect between the district office and the classroom has officially hit a breaking point Editor’s note: Opinions expressed in this letter to the editor are those of the author alone and may not reflect the editorial position of ClarkCountyToday.com You know that sinking feeling when you open your property tax bill? That specific mix of dread and frustration? Keep that feeling in mind the next time a local school district tells you they’re broke. Here in Clark County, the disconnect between the district office and the classroom has officially hit a breaking point. We’re … [Read more...]
Hockinson Feb 2026 Levy
Southwest Washington State School Board candidates Nov 2025
This post contains links to each of the school district races we covered in Southwest Washington State. Click the link for the race(s) you are interested in. Please reach out to the candidates and ask your own questions. Consider voting for candidates who share their views and opinions. Those who don't share raise a question...why don't they? You can email us with any updates you get at: swweducation at gmail dot com It's worth noting that two of the candidates running unopposed chose not to provide even the basic information: Elected Experience - No information submitted Other Professional Experience - No information submitted Education - No information … [Read more...]
Hockinson SD District 1 Stacie Prentice Mitchem vs Teresa VanNatta
Both candidates were sent a list of 12 questions and offered the opportunity to respond over a 30 day period. Neither of them felt it wasn’t important to respond. The only information available is their voter pamphlet statement. You see the list of questions we posed in case you want to reach out to the candidates yourself. If you get any information please share with us so we can add to the article. ______________________________________________________________________ Q1: Given the poor student test scores, what are your proposals to improve learning and outcomes? Q2: Given that an estimated 50% of the entire state budget goes to K-12 education, what are your thoughts about improving … [Read more...]
Hockinson SD District 2 Sherrie Jones
A list of 12 questions was sent to each candidate with the offer to publish their responses unedited. Ms. Jones chose not to participate. She’s running unopposed. Just in case you want to contact her and ask some questions her contact info is in the voters pamphlet reproduced below. If you learn anything please share with us. ______________________________________________________________ Q1: Given the poor student test scores, what are your proposals to improve learning and outcomes? Q2: Given that an estimated 50% of the entire state budget goes to K-12 education, what are your thoughts about improving efficiencies in local spending? Q3: What’s your position on Parental Rights? Q4: … [Read more...]
Opinion: The people behind the numbers in the Hockinson School Bond
This article was published in ClarkCountyToday.com on Jan 21, 2025 Area resident Carolyn Schultz-Rathbun offers her insight and perspective on the Hockinson School Bond Carolyn Schultz-Rathbun for Clark County Today At first glance, the Hockinson school bond measure looks like every school bond conversation everywhere. Parents and administrators enthuse over things the new bond would provide: a second elementary school, safety improvements at existing schools, a high school career and technical building, a covered outdoor area at the middle school, improved traffic flow at the current elementary school, a new high school track, and artificial turf on the high school … [Read more...]
Hockinson School District February 2025 Bond–No Position
A Closer Look at the Hockinson School Bond: February 11, 2025 Hockinson School District has called a special election for an $87.75 million bond measure to fund a long list of objectives: a second elementary school, safety improvements at existing schools, a career and technical education building at HHS, a covered outdoor area at HMS, improved traffic flow at the current elementary school, a new high school track, and artificial turf on the high school football/soccer field. Many of us simply can’t afford all of this. Property owners currently pay $2.98/thousand of assessed value for outstanding bonds and levies. This would raise that to $3.69/thousand. We also pay approximately … [Read more...]
Hockinson Levy – Part Deux Updated Feb 1st
Here is a copy of the OSPI Enrichment Pre-Levy for the Hockinson SD: OSPI Enrichment Levy PreBallot Approval Jan 2022 Added Feb 1st on request. Our article about the Hockinson levy appears to have hit some nerves. We've been contact by multiple people sharing their thoughts as well as asking questions. The following letter (from a Hockinson district resident) seems to spell out the issues and concerns from parents and taxpayers viewpoints. Give it a read and consider the authors input: Though I share the sentiment that Hockinson is a great community and that a small local school district is a fine thing, after 30 years of voting in favor of school levies I cannot vote in … [Read more...]
Hockinson School District Levy – February 2022
Today we bring you the information from the voters pamphlet on the Hockinson School District Levy. Lets begin with the information from your voters pamphlet: Measure Text School Programs and Operations Replacement Levy The Board of Directors of Hockinson School District No. 98 adopted Resolution No. 21-22-02, concerning a proposition to continue funding current school programs and operations. This proposition would authorize the District to levy the following excess taxes, replacing an expiring levy, on all taxable property within the District, for school programs and operations expenses not funded by the State (including extracurricular activities, athletics, technology, advanced … [Read more...]