[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-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",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_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",6469149,"mediaKeyId","5781128-b7591bfd4af6cf1b41eafcadb9315a99","parentId",5781128,"title","Votes at a glance: Southeast Polk board adopts agenda, approves consent items and several administrative actions","audioSeconds",749,"startMs",30070,"endMs",779129,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5781128-b7591bfd4af6cf1b41eafcadb9315a99&start=30&end=779","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5781128-b7591bfd4af6cf1b41eafcadb9315a99/thumbnail_30070.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6469149/Iowa/Votes-at-a-glance-Southeast-Polk-board-adopts-agenda-approves-consent-items-and-several-administrative-actions","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6469149-cc2289ff23469c9b8dd8dc85587ce9bf/orig.mp4?Expires=1770629700&Signature=j1UfSUs-KVqs~SNzJM3xZFtviZGPHj-DZJILo97FUFjHtakx7ISqu88S1nL59AWq8F0PmqBZ9Zbqtcz6GpxdS6fZK3KC90tvpm250li1ZyHLCKeABGg8xF-EjMRMUOL69eYCj2S9c14RMSG9Bnx8lOkx~RV7jAlrgH~s0qEgVyLCpd8MKG5MlZtbnO1tF9sM4gGpLw-xsRfgSQXEcj4tiBr4s43DkjOlRtsBrNY-0LY2EHdP7nvUQ2HAZZvTElmQx6LSSMSyWU~csNDxp95lZW0tKnoJPajEqf8CGHsxRlGgEGTWYPiIeryJ82NpqOYumuG8XVhfYCkZ5aLXJY6M7w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Southeast Polk Comm School District ","date","2025-09-19T11:02:30Z","article","The Southeast Polk Community School District board carried a series of routine and administrative motions during its Sept. 18 meeting. All recorded votes at this meeting were affirmative among the board members present unless noted otherwise.

Summary of actions and roll-call outcomes (recorded in the meeting):

1) Adopt agenda — Motion passed. Roll-call: Bridal — yes; Chad — yes; Brett — yes; Laurie — yes.

2) Approve consent agenda — Motion passed. Roll-call: Bridal — yes; Chad — yes; Brett — yes; Laurie — yes.

3) Confirm next meeting dates (Oct. 2 and Oct. 16) — Motion passed. Roll-call: Bridal — yes; Chad — yes; Brett — yes; Laurie — yes.

4) Approve modified allowable growth for special education — Motion passed. Roll-call: Bridal — yes; Chad — yes; Brett — yes; Laurie — yes. (See separate coverage for discussion of cost drivers.)

5) Approve modified allowable growth for limited English proficiency (LEP) — Motion passed. Roll-call: Bridal — yes; Chad — yes; Brett — yes; Laurie — yes.

6) Accept final completion for new district office and support services building renovation (Hansen Company) — Motion passed. Roll-call: Bridal — yes; Chad — yes; Brett — yes; Laurie — yes. Staff noted the final acceptance excludes outstanding punch-list items.

7) Appoint Gary Fisher to fill open board seat (temporary appointment through election) — Motion passed. Roll-call: Bridal — yes; Chad — yes; Brett — yes; Laurie — yes.

Each motion as recorded in the meeting minutes passed by the board members present. Specific mover/second names were not consistently provided in the oral record for every motion; minutes reflect motions, seconds and roll-call votes as shown above.

Ending: Several items that had little or no debate were handled by unanimous roll-call votes; discussion items with substantive deliberation (for example, special education allowable growth) are covered separately in meeting reports.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","SEP Board Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","The board unanimously approved the meeting agenda, consent agenda, upcoming meeting dates, modified allowable growth for special education and LEP, final acceptance of the district office renovation, and the appointment of Gary Fisher.","taxTitle","Southeast Polk Comm School District, School Districts, Iowa","taxId",38786,"location","Iowa","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6469155,"Southeast Polk recognizes 15 National Math Stars; district schedules Sept. 29 professional learning day",597,780345,1378024,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5781128-b7591bfd4af6cf1b41eafcadb9315a99&start=780&end=1378","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5781128-b7591bfd4af6cf1b41eafcadb9315a99/thumbnail_780345.jpg","/articles/6469155/Iowa/Southeast-Polk-recognizes-15-National-Math-Stars-district-schedules-Sept-29-professional-learning-day","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6469155-22efd5cfbbe6cd1fa204a74009e4e077/orig.mp4?Expires=1770629700&Signature=GO7b-aA9EPHud2WcxsEic7JW3RSY9aGysPm4Va9zuUuLgmO1xUibnCflNxf4iq6tNVXqn9XhygPwLaAlWWLi8zVeL7O4uDEhnCBSey0CFqj9j9r0HSzp5mWFyzzTsjePm3e-AidORweBYrwbBkUh47EVJyKUl41iFsJEm6YTnknmqVtPHPNfGQT2Su-EZi8Z6cOlfLTZqxzMovmD~XLp-4u-lgulhiNALHX6yRg5GPm~jmvDdXwLWMVa6s62EsD2APu5vszgP4WFQH7Rf029rOlKsdwbwch~zpSuSTvYCGXAmOuTnCSCgzZrwhIoaEMIiMKP5ijDFeUnBaDOCkUHRA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Southeast Polk board recognized 15 students nominated as National Math Stars during its Sept. 18 meeting and heard a professional learning update for staff set for Sept. 29.

Superintendent Dr. Halepnick introduced the students and thanked teachers, parents and community members. He read the nominees’ names and said two students, Elliot Kennison (4 Mile Elementary) and Lillian Nelson (Delaware Elementary), were selected for the National Math Stars program and will receive sustained, no-cost tutoring, enrichment materials and competition invitations.

Dr. Latham outlined the district’s Sept. 29 professional learning day as a follow-up to the All Means All Institute the district hosted in June, which had about 240 local and national participants. The Sept. 29 agenda will split time: half the day will focus on a districtwide theme — described by Dr. Latham as “collaboration for all by all” so English learner, special education and talented-and-gifted staff can be included in collaborative teams — and the other half of the day will let buildings pursue their school-improvement goals. Elementary schools will be paired where appropriate; middle and junior-high staffs will work together; the high school will conduct its own sessions.

Board members praised the students and the professional-learning planning. The district noted students honored at the meeting will be excused from the upcoming district professional-learning day.

Ending: The district will hold a building visit to Delaware Elementary on Sept. 24 and host a district-office open house and ribbon-cutting on the coming Saturday.","The board honored 15 third-graders nominated to the National Math Stars program and heard a professional-learning plan for Sept. 29 that follows the district’s All Means All Institute. Two students were selected for ongoing National Math Stars support.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6469160,"Southeast Polk board appoints Gary Fisher to fill vacant seat until election",84,677315,761955,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5781128-b7591bfd4af6cf1b41eafcadb9315a99&start=677&end=761","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5781128-b7591bfd4af6cf1b41eafcadb9315a99/thumbnail_677315.jpg","/articles/6469160/Iowa/Southeast-Polk-board-appoints-Gary-Fisher-to-fill-vacant-seat-until-election","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6469160-70d0a8d8229205c6dbf826aef5a50f18/orig.mp4?Expires=1770629700&Signature=JVuxOshOWrxUagj~3YeuFoaSlDaW9uBcqSissa7ugXGfKEyaknvYQqS4M1SbkqVFbWPCA1FKAdakdvJe~JHcnC8BEHZIp5TlA2YT-bBHGI3Vgk6tZRsbPF96ug4B~fvCxwgL13IG9i1vMrzLgUf8sRK36aS58pegoFP7dQiym5bb3uwTZglxjI2Tn~KlCbUvjm-PuXq-wyFLAldHsuzCWBi~9DVGDRrcmIyNTgEpDx2tYpoALN~rDNP24w78i0XE02eRyDW9AQ2fgnvqfM8qL5d2LloC9C2cKji5ESBTcPBbflx0ZjbuU09RORZXZaupcdlHZIuRHtU4eSJToypemg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Southeast Polk Community School District board voted Sept. 18 to appoint Gary Fisher to fill a board vacancy created by the resignation of Whitney Smith McIntosh, who moved outside the district.

A board member moved to nominate Gary Fisher; the motion received a second and passed on a roll-call vote with the four members present recorded as voting yes (Bridal; Chad; Brett; Laurie). Board members said Fisher previously served on the Southeast Polk board and indicated he will serve temporarily and does not plan to run in the upcoming election.

Board comments said the temporary appointment avoids having an extra name on the ballot and provides continuity for board business until the election. The district will host a board-candidate orientation on Sept. 30 for people who filed to run; five people filed for three open seats, the superintendent said earlier in the meeting.

Ending: Fisher will serve until the board seat is filled by election according to the district’s timeline.","The board appointed former Southeast Polk board member Gary Fisher to fill the seat vacated by Whitney Smith McIntosh. Fisher will serve through the next scheduled election and does not plan to run for the seat, the board heard.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6469165,"Southeast Polk reports 208 fewer bus riders; cost per rider $925 as district cites proximity and driver shortages",89,1614320,1704080,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5781128-b7591bfd4af6cf1b41eafcadb9315a99&start=1614&end=1704","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5781128-b7591bfd4af6cf1b41eafcadb9315a99/thumbnail_1614320.jpg","/articles/6469165/Iowa/Southeast-Polk-reports-208-fewer-bus-riders-cost-per-rider-925-as-district-cites-proximity-and-driver-shortages","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6469165-1c62b814e45e5d1071daf72a223b67d0/orig.mp4?Expires=1770629700&Signature=czxjvnvoygqEXuw4OwomdHbuMnGwUHQ2dCMe5jH8tm6JUCRyIeg2Jmkjb6Hq9hgFh7JexK9xsaaZrg2WxgTMgUQQ0cxYvBsnDrRGL1fWWCzksviAj4Xw1oe6km8KITiMBtVePBpwrmd~oD8ageL5iQ6yB7bsb5SULmkTpiAZaFwdzw58WksP52mvNhRBCbkUGwZNFXaLTdwDutblCiXmX6kodq8vR6MAHN6e9H52MHPeJQ5lnUQp9mm7huL0DmnUoMNyNYWa1R5CU~P6wg7jZ80roCo1Y7kmmkDGnfcrqBXlfGxseIZCZyKDJ9Vove343uCZuQAxiqiN8kFtjvSyUg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Southeast Polk Community School District reported a drop of 208 student bus riders and a per-student transportation cost of about $925 in filings completed Sept. 15.

A district staff member said, “Our net operating costs were actually down about 4% this year, but our cost per student was actually up by about 1%. We had 208 fewer students riding in ’25 than we had in ’24.” The staff member also told the board the district charges $100 per semester for paid riders (noted in discussion as $200 per year).

Board members and staff discussed reasons for the ridership decline. The staff member suggested a boundary change and school location may have reduced distances for some students, noting that the middle school is now within Altoona city boundaries and “maybe less traveling on the bus now that they’re closer.”

Separately, the special education discussion referenced transportation pressures: district staff said specialized routes and a shortage of drivers have increased contracted transportation costs for specialized placements. Board members asked whether the district would consider contracting out regular driving; a board member said she hoped the district would continue recruiting its own drivers and expressed concern about losing control if the district contracted out driving.

District staff said they and colleagues (named in the meeting as Mr. Kretz and Mr. Spreghettis) are increasing marketing to recruit drivers but continue to face staffing challenges.

Ending: The district said it will provide a more detailed financial update at the Oct. 2 meeting and continue internal recruitment efforts for drivers.","The district filed its certified annual transportation report showing 208 fewer riders in 2025 vs. 2024, a net operating cost decline of about 4% but a per-student cost of roughly $925. Board members discussed driver shortages and whether to contract driving services.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6469169,"Southeast Polk board approves additional allowable growth for special education after district cites rising personnel and contracted-service costs",218,225490,443905,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5781128-b7591bfd4af6cf1b41eafcadb9315a99&start=225&end=443","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5781128-b7591bfd4af6cf1b41eafcadb9315a99/thumbnail_225490.jpg","/articles/6469169/Iowa/Southeast-Polk-board-approves-additional-allowable-growth-for-special-education-after-district-cites-rising-personnel-and-contracted-service-costs","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6469169-4edf865ef414e19e7427c17962b599fa/orig.mp4?Expires=1770629700&Signature=HVJKz2O3vzC7HoQzeJQsrOValsjhC~5-XlJk8D5-KnetSMZEWvAaFyjIydGBRT1gYi9buYmAFYsQyywFvSZogrGs~Xnbs6RaqZKy6f0pHXrxLObht5YBii7NcZpGouzk~WhublCruNnhjWaJ~TuWRnB2DuHYv9JY~pdmG1zhEKGIrAZgSiswqxPT3phAQvhTEmwNCQOTpmhn1HMFXLPBDLBwpjpbMkUszgQsCAK9H~YZsifPTVoj-4QWz1I8ycH2r59xJPGRTipgTLRZ-T3hUwox7J5HphuZ11ZnkNG~5rSC8EPuE4GVDkwygX-kfTCNboyjWirQhcv9IVExkJAdBw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Southeast Polk Community School District directors voted Sept. 18 to approve modified allowable growth for special education after district staff described a recent jump in costs.

A district staff member told the board, “We had an increase of about 2% in revenues, about $500,000, but expenditures went up by about 7%.” The staff member said personnel costs were the primary driver and that the district had added aides. “Contracted services went up about 70%. A big chunk of that is our services with KidZoom,” the staff member said.

The board asked several clarifying questions about the composition of the increase. The staff member said wages and benefits rose and that tuition-out costs also increased, though the district remains net positive on tuition-in versus tuition-out. The staff member also said Medicaid reimbursements were down approximately 14% relative to the prior year.

Board members pressed for additional detail on how many aides were added and how transportation contributed to the deficit. The staff member said some transportation costs rose because specialized routes require individual transports or smaller group runs when students are placed at unique locations.

After discussion, the board approved the resolution to modify allowable growth for special education. The motion and second were recorded in the meeting minutes; the roll-call recorded all voting members present as voting yes (Bridal; Chad; Brett; Laurie). No abstentions or no votes were recorded.

Board members said they would follow up for more specific counts and requested a breakdown of changes in staffing and contracted services at a later date. The action does not itself change staffing; it adjusts the district’s allowable growth calculation to recognize higher special education costs so the district can balance the special education program budget.

Ending: District staff said they will provide further details by email or at a future meeting to show year-over-year changes in staff counts and contracted-service usage.","The Southeast Polk board voted Sept. 18 to approve modified allowable growth for special education. District staff said revenues rose modestly but expenditures increased notably—driven by personnel, contracted services (including KidZoom transportation) and added aides—prompting the request.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Southeast Polk board adopts agenda, approves consent items and several administrative actions

Southeast Polk recognizes 15 National Math Stars; district schedules Sept. 29 professional learning day

Southeast Polk board appoints Gary Fisher to fill vacant seat until election

Southeast Polk reports 208 fewer bus riders; cost per rider $925 as district cites proximity and driver shortages

Southeast Polk board approves additional allowable growth for special education after district cites rising personnel and contracted-service costs