Candidates say district growth and a Nov. 4 bond referendum top priorities
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Summary
At a Southeast Polk candidate forum, multiple candidates said rising enrollment has strained classrooms and listed a bond referendum — described as funding for a new elementary — as a key item for voters to consider on Nov. 4.
Multiple candidates at a forum hosted by the Southeast Polk Education Association said rapid enrollment growth is creating capacity pressure across the Southeast Polk Community School District and urged voters to consider a bond referendum on Nov. 4 to add capacity.
"We are very fortunate in our community to be experiencing growth ... But with that growth, our schools are busting at the seams," said Tracy Dawson, identifying Altoona, Reynolds, Mitchellville and Pleasant Hill as areas contributing to rising enrollment. "That's why the referendum is, is we need a new elementary," she said.
Candidates said increased class sizes and unfilled positions, including special-education roles and bus drivers, are adding strain on teachers and support staff. Dawson said additional students bring "extra materials, extra behaviors, extra supports" and limited teacher time.
Bridget Ernst and other candidates described growth as complicated by the district's transition from its historical makeup. "We still have to learn to respect what we've been and learn from it ... but we do have to transition and work on our growth," Adam Krell said, adding that changes at the state and federal levels could affect funding and rules.
Candidates praised the community's financial and volunteer support while warning that effective use of bond proceeds and other funds is important. Several referenced the district's financial position after the opening of a new middle school and expressed confidence in district staff to manage solvency and planning.
The forum did not include a detailed bond amount or final project list; candidates and moderators referred voters to district materials for specifics. The forum did include one specific community donation noted by a candidate: "We just got, what, $60,000 for the band, high school band," Dawson said.
No formal referendum language was presented or voted on at the forum. Voters seeking details on the referendum were directed to district communications and ballot materials.