[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6606953,"mediaKeyId","2956763-154508539144bd44e7e1891314339cd8","parentId",2956763,"title","District outlines student-engagement strategy and expands career pathways with skilled trades center and apprenticeships","audioSeconds",279,"startMs",2441000,"endMs",2720000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2956763-154508539144bd44e7e1891314339cd8&start=2441&end=2720","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2956763-154508539144bd44e7e1891314339cd8/thumbnail_2441000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6606953/Iowa/District-outlines-student-engagement-strategy-and-expands-career-pathways-with-skilled-trades-center-and-apprenticeships","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6606953-e22b049eadc453605e9949f5a5534831/orig.mp4?Expires=1770861269&Signature=iuGVmosGrDdfPDoX-mBIv44KwvQXSHPOLpmz9G0yThq92chU-hitb7dnYB2NZ6YSitrIjYUr-3Wh4mnd9XkpGpcyzVgHfWQ8VlXp36okEB6iVnTY7ceI2oiVjEfojB34MjgBuQWjNBQKQQ55Sh2GDiOGt2w3Aqsbf70usI2ZDH5LxTAFobj-xSt0-gupX2Nu4DxfFdPPlIJxyPW8B-gI3ZNUzer0fy-g6UwRIBqnnA7fhk-K9liN-3cGmhH9cekJFaB1-EoOAU-f70Vzcx4q7XbTtAnTJIQGUocfQINHRofjgeNZHNZYqD6980689DN4ZQ2YSUbTeyFAqWkuWT3IZg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Southeast Polk Comm School District ","date","2025-04-11T00:15:39.33Z","article","District leaders briefed the Southeast Polk board on student-engagement efforts, progress on chronic absenteeism and expansion of career and technical pathways through registered pre-apprenticeship programs and the new skilled trades extension center.

Attendance and engagement: administrators reported increased attendance metrics in March, with 86% of students meeting attendance goals — a 9 percentage-point improvement from the same month last year — and said 658 fewer students are now chronically absent compared with the prior year. The superintendent framed engagement as behavioral, emotional and cognitive, and staff highlighted strategies to improve relational ties (for example, a teacher strategy described as \"10 by 2,\" two minutes a day for ten days to connect with students) and the district's strengthened cell-phone policy as improving classroom engagement.

Career pathways and work-based learning: the district said work-based learning has been added to its District College and Career Academic Plan (DCAP) and explained Iowa's updated state guidance, which emphasizes ongoing industry engagement, pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeships and industry-recognized credentials. Southeast Polk now offers five \"quality pre-apprenticeship\" programs (including introductory apprenticeship, construction and technology tied to Carpenters Local 106, electronics/residential wiring tied to the Des Moines Electrical Apprenticeship Program, advanced metals/welding tied to Sheet Metal Workers LU 45, and plumbing/HVAC pending approval). Several registered apprenticeships and employer partnerships were described (diesel tech, automotive, CNC, welding, and a newly added Vermeer partnership). Administrators said these pathways provide students with advanced standing when they enter union or industry programs after high school.

Skilled trades center update: the district reported temporary occupancy of the skilled trades extension center (occupancy granted Jan. 30) and said an open house is planned; four of the five pre-apprenticeship programs will operate out of the center. The district is finishing phase-two work (module build-outs for electricians, construction, plumbing and HVAC) and expects full use as grass and site work are completed.

Board direction and next steps: administrators will produce a DCAP summary and continue to develop career-pathway maps for students (outlining which high-school courses lead to which careers). The board will be updated on task-force findings and the district expects to begin implementation of recommended engagement practices next year and evaluate impact in subsequent years.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Southeast Polk Community School District Board Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Administrators discussed improved student-engagement measures, chronic absenteeism gains and a push to expand work-based learning and registered pre‑apprenticeship programs; the district also gave an update on its skilled trades center, which has temporary occupancy and will host four of five pre-apprenticeship programs.","taxTitle","Southeast Polk Comm School District, School Districts, Iowa","taxId",38786,"location","Iowa","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":42,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6606958,"Southeast Polk adds nutrition specialist position to expand food-service program; paid from enterprise fund",957000,1236000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2956763-154508539144bd44e7e1891314339cd8&start=957&end=1236","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2956763-154508539144bd44e7e1891314339cd8/thumbnail_957000.jpg","/articles/6606958/Iowa/Southeast-Polk-adds-nutrition-specialist-position-to-expand-food-service-program-paid-from-enterprise-fund","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6606958-0001430cdda5f12020ca575fbdd4ea5f/orig.mp4?Expires=1770861269&Signature=f2pkQRhz3M0AiDcElnJ6mZlXt~dRGz4VvZS-MRiUbNz0LP~GtLWipT7lzGExkm-SwZNyL-UiBc9cLUlf30fmv6ISnC8dEQSsdhv~EKaNH~C4ifd70xBPcFJx7UWG5gEVOCw0jbz6NIVD~IlN1R6JYdBOvSU~Aa7IN3hRfpcrsmLjiLbs3I~UFuN9Gn00HM2uJoPZtX55~F1Mm485XSfKjFeundd3G09uOQA4xqinMEDMjz6VWu0KdX1XUClS4XRQEQlMc-iAPCBmubT~1ph1rK0YERszqsh3tNag2bs0DzQ3jP2IbsaP2aQ~poHIHldyXSfpQNinMP7Cvt67adsMEA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Southeast Polk board approved a classified staffing-plan update that creates a new nutrition specialist position in the district's food-service department. District staff said the new position will validate recipes, ensure meals meet nutritional guidelines and improve proactive compliance and program innovation.

Why it matters: the food-service program is an enterprise fund separate from the general fund; staff emphasized the position will be paid from food-service fund balances and that state rules limit how much cash the enterprise fund can retain (the program must maintain no more than approximately three months of cash on hand). The district described a plan to spend down fund balances on equipment, facility refurbishment and positions such as the nutrition specialist.

Discussion highlights: the board asked whether one position would cover the entire district and whether the role could grow in future years into a more expansive chef-style or multi-person team. Administrators responded the position is intended initially to provide districtwide oversight and compliance, but the program could expand in later years if workload and funding allow. Staff noted the food-service program is generally self-sustaining and the position fits within the administration's plan to periodically draw down fund balances for program improvement.

Board action: The motion to approve the classified staffing-plan update creating the nutrition specialist position passed by roll call. Board members recorded unanimous yes votes in the roll call portion of the meeting.","The board approved a classified staffing update that creates a new district nutrition specialist position to expand menu options, improve compliance and manage food-service operations; the position will be paid from the district's food-service enterprise fund, not the general fund.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6606963,"Southeast Polk staff unveil plan to replace aging transportation building and add service bays",667,2293000,2960000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2956763-154508539144bd44e7e1891314339cd8&start=2293&end=2960","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2956763-154508539144bd44e7e1891314339cd8/thumbnail_2293000.jpg","/articles/6606963/Iowa/Southeast-Polk-staff-unveil-plan-to-replace-aging-transportation-building-and-add-service-bays","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6606963-2746a00a534685174c71314c550bb080/orig.mp4?Expires=1770861269&Signature=HBeO~-N5~8I0hxuY-MfEkTjtdlT9r5qjFGwajOxhiT6arYs7idvzEfOh0KEX3mur-Rfp4TSlU72q8IftK55k3LPDGYkkVdPdlZVGirdaBWKA66IqYFNHpRtAXjmcRmAkleIEOV6UNu637cNh~pwopuxo3GDNLutu9kOMZnfY2jwjMJVVuJDp0Wnj4NcuUky3sNzLOq21Cfto-NIs4QNktD7k3QusQjTK0mvvDXNmPCsozhdZelD1yQWlExtC~i79E~CAt2MjW~AgVG8ZaWafH2unD3U4hgeuiN7N4vLC9Hm5lDN-Dp8ZBBVnb9sx-hYAK7UtuTsQ8~zHbnX3It4biQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","District facilities and transportation staff presented design plans for a replacement and expansion of the district's transportation facility, reporting the current building (constructed in 1991) has structural degradation and limited capacity.

The concept presented calls for constructing a new mechanics bay on the east side of the existing Buildings and Grounds warehouse and adding office suites and driver spaces adjoining the warehouse. The design would increase maintenance capacity from four service bays to a planned six (with the option to expand to eight in the future), include a separate wash bay, parts storage, a mezzanine for auto-parts storage and improved restrooms and break rooms. Staff said the proposal would allow drive-through service for up to six buses at a time and leave room to expand if the district needs additional bays later.

Funding and timeline: staff said the project is planned to be paid from the SAVE capital fund and that formal cost estimates were being finalized. Earlier design work had produced widely varying estimates; staff told the board a formal cost estimate would be available in the coming weeks. The district has already begun schematic design and plans to present specifications and design materials to the board at a subsequent meeting.

Why it matters: the presentation addressed immediate operational needs (mechanics office closure and temporary relocation of transportation offices into the Buildings and Grounds warehouse), capacity constraints and long-term planning for bus maintenance, parking and staff workspace. Board members asked about future expandability, lift heights for bus maintenance, wash-bay mold issues and parking reconfiguration; staff said door heights will increase (from 12 feet to 16 feet), lifts will be added as budget permits and the old building will be demolished when the new facility is operational.

Next steps: staff will provide a formal cost estimate, confirm final schematic drawings, and bring the project to the board for public-scope review and potential approval. The district also plans summer site work and parking reconfiguration as part of the project scope.","District staff presented schematic plans for a new transportation facility attached to the Buildings and Grounds warehouse, increasing bus service capacity and addressing structural problems in the 1991 building; design is in progress and funding is expected from the SAVE capital fund.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6606967,"Southeast Polk board approves calendar change: three consecutive full‑day Wednesdays to meet state instructional hour requirement",550,1249000,1799000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2956763-154508539144bd44e7e1891314339cd8&start=1249&end=1799","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2956763-154508539144bd44e7e1891314339cd8/thumbnail_1249000.jpg","/articles/6606967/Iowa/Southeast-Polk-board-approves-calendar-change-three-consecutive-fullday-Wednesdays-to-meet-state-instructional-hour-requirement","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6606967-1f90d7efc525efb7408f42ef724272fb/orig.mp4?Expires=1770861269&Signature=BwBYoOOgq7PB2KcIC4NyFsTKFU1vywYSKyeyI6ukJNlCDPvlcssIHCSOsqCPC9y3F1Qe3PxnBizh50Ar82Gz0XGYe8NYTb9oJn5xJEUUMfTWkk9usZ5xFnm7YA9HM9PNjn8XSVlyrEhbLZ4Aj71OPwot39D9dmEzVMXLgR8lUAtvHekc-Yvw84EAj-9fkcmC3oDz42KpxI9EQsOrWeAg3bFWBoz7wb17--69XTnFjAzsZnyocchWp1fpRIyP6LJ2f07GCnAddtQr~YicMiViDmp4imbueK8r~xL~Gl1pCu72S6COvCxh~DY6cWNktxpfi1GYst-JMR3N796qbW7AFA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Southeast Polk Community School District Board of Directors approved a change to the 2024-25 calendar to make up six required instructional hours by converting three consecutive Wednesdays into full student days: April 30, May 7 and May 14. The motion passed by roll call after discussion about teacher-associate coverage, building-level planning and the effect on end-of-year activities.

Why it matters: Iowa requires districts to meet a minimum number of instructional hours; the board chose consecutive Wednesdays to provide consistent scheduling and the largest classroom impact while preserving staff contract end dates. Board members emphasized prioritizing student learning opportunities when weighing scheduling options.

Discussion notes: Board member Rick (first name recorded in transcript) said he selected those dates to keep the make-up days consecutive and to free up May 21 in case of important district events. Administrators and principals told the board they would work with teacher associates and building staff to manage coverage and resolve schedule conflicts; the district noted teacher-associate pay would apply for the additional time worked on those full days because the food-service and other scheduling needs differ.

Board action: The motion to adopt option C — converting April 30, May 7 and May 14 to full student days and retaining staff contract last day as May 30 — passed by roll call with all board members recorded as \"yes.\" Administrators said communication to staff and families would be sent the following day.

Implementation details and follow-up: If adopted, the students' last day is scheduled as Wednesday, May 28; Thursday, May 29 will be a professional learning day and May 30 will be a teacher work day and checkout. Principals will finalize building-level plans for coverage, and district staff will share updated calendar communications with families and employees.","The Southeast Polk board approved a calendar change to convert three consecutive Wednesdays (April 30, May 7 and May 14) to full student days to meet the Iowa Department of Education's instructional-hour requirement; students' last day will be May 28 and staff contract days remain unchanged.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6606970,"Southeast Polk board adopts FY2026 certified budget, sets composite tax rate cap at 15.44253",225,535000,760000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2956763-154508539144bd44e7e1891314339cd8&start=535&end=760","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2956763-154508539144bd44e7e1891314339cd8/thumbnail_535000.jpg","/articles/6606970/Iowa/Southeast-Polk-board-adopts-FY2026-certified-budget-sets-composite-tax-rate-cap-at-1544253","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6606970-6c384127ad77b51787a1d7c12b9f530b/orig.mp4?Expires=1770861269&Signature=jWPFt2jp8SfOF9pSM4UT-A~RfoCCZFQYyNqr7dvzRWuRfOMIVokL7hT8jEHlsk7x707VLmTI~UkVFigVVWFBDwWatZ7hM~MCJstsF88EHVZ5Hhyga-A8W15sZ5xbVJCVt8N~4WIkFKprNsdOo2wJqWZIEanlz8vz2mcixJqrTOQq5Mym3VjCKD6Q9OiVzDlXrBeSNDokPTbRYNSgTwp5~IX~jLgSRr5lyN1r60~wi6e5ryw3-mW1CM4z30cSJhDa3bqSACXDGMcHKJiLUYbZ4Bby-dEQ-1CHzgM4vNd0KKEmaI-RmXlne1BWSqDy1O72~aY9e5bg6Uxh6GWvXoKCAQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Southeast Polk Community School District Board of Directors adopted the district's certified budget for fiscal year 2025-26 and set the district's composite tax rate at no higher than $15.44253 per $1,000 of assessed valuation following a public hearing at which no members of the public spoke.

The board opened a required public hearing for the FY2026 certified budget, noting the notice to residents lists the maximum total property taxes the district may adopt and that state law requires adoption of the certified budget by April 30. The hearing record was left open for any written comments; none were recorded and the board closed the hearing before taking action. Kevin Bacom, district chief financial officer, told the board the budget was prepared with an expectation of 3% supplemental state aid but the certified levy was set assuming 2% and staff would adjust fund-level allocations if the final state aid figure differs.

Why it matters: the certified budget and tax-rate cap set the district's legal maximum property-tax revenues for next year and drive local revenue planning for operations, staffing and capital. The board's action fixes the district's composite tax-rate ceiling so administrators can finalize spending plans and, if state aid changes, reallocate within funds rather than exceed the adopted levy.

During the hearing and approval, CFO Kevin Bacom summarized the staffing of the estimate and the draft levy, saying, “the budget was prepared with a 3% supplemental state aid. The budget in this acknowledgement is prepared to set our maximum tax rate for next year with the 2% rather than 3%... We will adjust the dollars within certain funds to stay no higher than the amount proposed at $15.44253 per thousand.” Board members then moved, seconded and approved the budget by roll-call.

Board action (motion and vote): the motion to approve the FY2026 certified budget as proposed, setting the composite tax rate at no higher than $15.44253 per $1,000, passed by roll call with all voting members recorded as \"yes.\" No abstentions or no votes were recorded in the meeting transcript.

Background and context: board materials noted that the certified levy must be set as part of the district's certified budget process and that the board secretary was directed to enter written public comments into the hearing record. The CFO noted the proposed levy represents a long-term downward change compared with prior years, and district documents referenced a reduction of the tax rate since 2012 (described in board remarks as a roughly 30% reduction since 2012). The district will finalize the budget document and file it consistent with state requirements.

Looking ahead: staff said they would adjust fund-level dollars if final supplemental state aid differs from the working assumption; the board can revisit allocations under the existing statutory budget-amendment process if needed.","The Southeast Polk Community School District board adopted its FY2026 certified budget after a brief public hearing with no speakers and a roll-call approval setting the district's composite tax rate no higher than $15.44253 per $1,000 of assessed value.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

District outlines student-engagement strategy and expands career pathways with skilled trades center and apprenticeships

Southeast Polk adds nutrition specialist position to expand food-service program; paid from enterprise fund

Southeast Polk staff unveil plan to replace aging transportation building and add service bays

Southeast Polk board approves calendar change: three consecutive full‑day Wednesdays to meet state instructional hour requirement

Southeast Polk board adopts FY2026 certified budget, sets composite tax rate cap at 15.44253