success begins with a foundation most organizations overlook. “Our mission statement is Learning for All by Learning from All,” Kline explains. “We really try to focus on not just student learning, but how we provide ongoing professional development for our staff and our families in the community so that they have a wealth of understanding on what we’re focusing on as a district.” North Polk has established five core values, each beginning with the letter R: relationships, respect, responsibility, resourcefulness, and resilience. Among Iowa’s 346 school districts, where 45% reported enrollment increases in recent years, North Polk stands out not just for its growth but for its systematic approach to maintaining community connection. “Relationships are at the foundation of everything that we do as a school district,” Kline says.The district measures this through a biannual survey asking every student from kindergarten through 12th grade a single question: “Do you have a trusted adult at school that you can turn to if you need something?” Their goal is 95% affirmative responses. “We are approaching hitting that goal,” Kline notes, crediting targeted strategies for the improvement. EARLY FOUNDATIONS AND COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS North Polk’s educational pipeline begins before kindergarten, with preschool programs operating in both elementary buildings that serve the youngest learners. The district offers morning and afternoon sessions, each providing 12 hours of weekly instruction. “We have preschools that’s offered in both of our elementaries that serve kindergarten and below. We have morning and afternoon. We do have midday transportation for those students,” Kline explains. The board recently approved a $150 per semester fee to maintain this transportation service, recognizing its value to working families across the district’s sprawling geography. For families seeking additional support, North Polk provides a solution. “We have transitional kindergarten for five-year-olds that are maybe on the young side that parents don’t feel like are quite ready for kindergarten,” Kline says. The program follows state gold testing guidelines while offering parents flexibility in their child’s educational timeline. Beyond district offerings, community partners provide additional preschool options and wraparound childcare services. The district’s unique geography creates both challenges and opportunities. Established in 1956 through the consolidation of five towns—Alleman, 387 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 09 NORTH POLK COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
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