HSD News Round-Up
Sept. 10, 2025 HSD Round Up
Preparing all Students for Lifelong Success: HHS Fall College & Career Fair Connects Students with 51-nderful Opportunities
HHS students had plenty of paths to explore at the Nov. 7 Fall College & Career Fair. Representatives included 27 four-year colleges and universities, 2 community colleges, 6 career training and apprenticeship programs, 6 military branches and service academies, and 10 employers and community organizations - in total, providing students with a broad array of 51 post-graduation options!
Students left the fair with new contacts and clearer plans. We encourage families to follow up with students about their takeaways and next steps. We also encourage any organization or employer interested in participating in future fairs to contact angelina.sarkinen@hocksd.org.
Levy Spotlight: HMS Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM) Ambassadors
STEM Ambassadors at Hockinson Middle School meet after school to create engineering projects and blueprints that are presented in the community each year. The STEM Ambassadors program is supported by local levy dollars.
Without levy funding, Hockinson School District is projected to face a $7 million shortfall for the 2026-27 school year and would reduce or eliminate after school programs like STEM Ambassadors, staffing that maintains small class sizes, art and music, athletics, school nurses, extracurricular transportation, learning technology, building maintenance, security staff, and communications. Learn more at hocksd.org/levy.
Budget Bite: Proposed Levy would Result in 2027 Total Tax Rate that's Lower than 2025 Rate
If the proposed renewal levy is approved by voters in February 2026, the estimated local school tax cost for the owner of a $800,000 home in Hockinson will be about $35 less per month in 2027 compared to 2025. Why? Two reasons: 1. The 2015 Bond had a higher payment schedule for its first ten years, with payments on the Hockinson Middle School bonds will step down in 2026 and 2. The HSD refinanced the remaining bonds this past June, which will save approximately $1.38 million in interest over the next decade.
(Assessed home value) ÷ 1000 x 1.89 ÷ 12 = Monthly Cost to Homeowners in 2027
Meet Sherrie Jones, New School Board Member
HSD Family Resource Page
Are you struggling to meet the needs of your family? Do you know of a neighbor in need? The HSD has compiled some local resources that might be able to provide support during the holidays and throughout the year. You can find more by visiting our Family Resources webpage here.
It's in the Mail: HSD Fall 2025 Newsletter
Hockinson residents should expect to receive the HSD's Fall 2025 Newsletter in the mail this week. If it hasn't yet arrived, we wanted to pass it along an electronic version. It includes articles on the HSD's upcoming SP&O replacement levy, our "Explore-Prepare-Launch!" approach to preparing HSD students for post-HS success, highlights from our three schools and a message from the Superintendent.
Contact Us
Email: justine.hanrahan@esd112.org
Website: https://www.hocksd.org/
Location: 17912 NE 159th St, Brush Prairie, WA 98606, USA
Phone: (360) 448-6400