Polk school board approves draft referendum language, funding formula and resolution language to take to public hearing

The Polk County School Board on Tuesday, Aug. 12, voted to approve draft referendum ballot language, a proposed formula for how proceeds would be distributed, and draft resolution language that the board will take to a public hearing in September.

The proposed ballot text and related documents call for 80 percent of proceeds to be used for salaries and benefits and 20 percent for programs and operations; the board also included language creating an independent oversight committee and notes that proceeds will be shared with charter schools “as required by law.” Board members said the measures are intended to preserve experienced teachers and stabilize staffing.

Why it matters: the board and district officials said the millage would fund teacher and staff pay and program investments the district says are necessary to maintain educational quality as Polk County grows. Board members and speakers framed the measure as a local funding response to what they described as state underfunding of public education.

Board discussion and public comment Board member Fields, who said she has followed the drafting closely, told colleagues the 80/20 split “is something that I will support,” and that district leadership and the Polk Education Association will coordinate outreach. Board member Keyes praised the inclusion of an independent oversight committee, calling it “absolutely fantastic” and a transparency safeguard.

In public comment, Stephanie Yocom, speaking for the Polk Education Association, urged the board to move forward and told the board the association and a “supermajority” of teachers support the millage as a necessary step to keep experienced educators in classrooms. “We know that our communities stand up and support us time and time again and we know that they will stand and support us when we go out for this millage because it’s going to keep quality experienced educators in our classrooms every day,” Yocom said.

Legal and next steps General counsel Green said the next formal public hearing and final vote will be scheduled at the Sept. 9 board meeting; he requested authority to advertise that public hearing and the board voted to authorize advertisement. Board members and staff also discussed outreach and the timeline for the district’s legislative platform.

Votes at a glance - Approve draft referendum ballot language — motion made by Keyes, seconded by Fields; outcome: approved. - Approve formula for distribution of funds (80% salaries / 20% programs) — motion made by Fields, seconded by Miller; outcome: approved. - Approve draft resolution language to proceed to public hearing — motion made by Keyes, seconded by Fields; outcome: approved. - Authorize advertisement of public hearing on draft resolution (Resolution No. 2025-26-06 as presented) — motion made and seconded during attorney’s report; outcome: approved.

Board members said the district will present the final materials at the September public meeting for community comment and that outreach will include polling/surveys tied to the community meetings and longer availability for public responses.

Ending note Board members and the superintendent framed the measure as a local tool to sustain teacher pay and programs while promising oversight and public involvement ahead of any final ballot placement.