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Polk schools weigh 'Wonder Here' project‑based pilot at Philip O'Brien Elementary
Summary
Presenters from Wonder Here asked Polk County School Board to pilot a project‑based learning program at Philip O'Brien Elementary, proposing two K‑1 pilot classrooms and offering tiered support packages: $75,000 for licensing/training and $50,000 for a full‑time on‑site director. Board members asked about enrollment priority for zoned students, turnaround metrics, and long‑term costs.
Tiffany Thonoor and a colleague presented Wonder Here to the Polk County School Board on Nov. 18, proposing a pilot to bring their decade‑old project‑based learning model into Philip O'Brien Elementary.
The presenters described Wonder Here as a design that combines elements of Montessori, Reggio Emilia and Finnish approaches, centered on long work cycles, student choice and project time. They said their model uses individualized learning plans, benchmark checklists and portfolio showcases rather than letter grades. ‘‘When school is experienced through hands on curiosity driven education, real and lasting learning will finally occur,’’ Thonoor said during the presentation.
Wonder Here proposed to pilot two primary (K‑1) classroom units on Philip O'Brien’s campus, with a phased rollout and district staff remaining the employees of record. The group offered two investment tiers: $75,000 to cover curriculum licensing, staff training and ongoing support; and an optional $50,000 to fund a full‑time Wonder Here director to work on site and coordinate implementation. The presenters said their own case studies and Iowa assessment data show gains in retention, motivation and reduced anxiety among students.
Board members’ questions focused on three areas: whether students in the pilot would affect Philip O’Brien’s turnaround status and school performance metrics, how students would be selected, and how the program would be funded long term. Superintendent Hyde said students would remain part of the school’s population and the campus would be scored on its students as usual; he suggested the district could reserve seats for Philip O’Brien students and proposed a potential 50/50 split between zoned students and choice applicants to protect neighborhood access while ensuring enough families commit to the model.
Budget concerns were raised. Board member Keyes asked whether the $75,000 annual licensing and $50,000 director cost would add to district spending and whether site‑based budgeting or repurposing existing staff could cover ongoing costs. Hyde said the pilot is intentionally limited and that staff would return data to the board, noting the district may be able to offset some costs if the program attracts students back to the district and increases FTE funding.
Next steps: Hyde said he will return to the board with a revised proposal that incorporates selection options and requested data; a board vote was discussed for December but the superintendent indicated the timeline may shift to allow a refined proposal.
