School Programs & Operations Levy

Not a New Tax

Hockinson School District has a School Programs and Operations (SP&O) levy measure on the ballot on February 10, 2026. This is not a new tax, but a proposal to renew an expiring levy.

Lower Total Local School Tax Rates Than in 2025

If the proposed levy is approved, the estimated 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.

The remaining bonds were refinanced at a lower rate this summer, saving taxpayers money.

Bar graph shows historical and projected levy and bond rates in the HSD

Levy supports staff and student programs the state doesn’t fully fund.

Local levy dollars in Hockinson School District support: 

  • Staffing to maintain small class sizes

  • Art & Music

  • Sports & Activities

  • School nurses

  • Transportation

  • Technology

  • AP & Elective Classes

  • Textbooks & Curriculum 

  • Building Maintenance

  • Security & Communications

About 1 in 7 staff positions in Hockinson School District are supported by levy funding. 

Local levy funds make up about 13% of Hockinson School District’s overall operating budget.

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 both student programs, resources, and facility maintenance.

Bar graph Average of all pther K-12 Clark County school districts vs Hockinson school tax rate

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. Hockinson School District is currently receiving LEA funding. This is funding paid by the state, not local taxpayers.

Frequently Asked Questions

SP&O Levy Spotlights

Students reading around a desk

Advanced Placement Classes

1 in 4 Hockinson High School students are enrolled in Advanced Placement (AP) classes in 2025-26. Advanced Placement classes prepare students for college and careers, and are supported by levy funding. Local SP&O dollars make the following course offerings possible at Hockinson High School:

  • AP Calculus: AB Differential and Integral Calculus

  • AP Computer Science Principles & Computer Science A

  • AP Biology

  • AP Human Geography

  • AP World History

  • AP US History

  • AP Comparative Government and Politics

  • AP Spanish Language and Culture

  • AP English Literature and Composition

Elementary, Middle & High School Art

Music teacher playing a drum with a student

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.

School Nurses

Nurse speaking with a student

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

  • 60-80 students visit the nurse's office per day

Transportation

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 SP&O levy.

Band: High School, Middle, & 5th Grade Band

High school students play instruments outdoors

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

  • 1 in 4 Hockinson High School students are enrolled in the band and/or theater programs in 2025-26.

  • 100% of students attend art and music classes

Middle & High School After School Clubs

Two boys posing with STEM learning tools

The state doesn’t fully fund K-12 after school clubs and activities, but the Hockinson community makes after school clubs programs possible through voter-approved local levy dollars.

Clubs like HMS STEM Ambassadors, HHS Mock Trial Club, Middle/High School Knowledge Bowl, Drama Club and more prepare students with real world skills.