Behind the Scenes: Planning Begins for Our New Elementary School

Following the community’s support of the 2025 Referendum, exciting progress is already underway on the district’s new elementary school, starting with the important behind-the-scenes work that will shape the building from the ground up.

We’re pleased to share that DLR Group has been selected as the project architect. With extensive experience in designing innovative and student-centered learning environments, DLR Group will partner closely with the district to bring our vision to life.

A key step in the process has been the formation of a stakeholder design committee, made up of Southeast Polk staff, administrators, and community members from across the district. This group is playing an essential role in helping define what our new school should be – not just as a building, but as a space that supports teaching, learning, student services, and the daily experiences of students and staff.

The committee has already participated in several facilitated workshops, kicking off the process of developing a shared vision for the new elementary school. These sessions have focused on identifying priorities, exploring innovative ideas, and beginning to outline what an ideal learning environment should look like for our students.

To deepen their understanding, committee members have also engaged in student shadowing, observing a typical school day through students’ eyes. In addition, the group has toured several newly built elementary schools in the region. These visits provided valuable insights into how modern school design can enhance collaboration, flexibility, safety, and overall student success.

This work will continue through a series of workshops and site visits, all with the goal of developing a clear set of guiding principles that will inform the design of our new facility.

While much of this work happens behind the scenes, it is a critical foundation for creating a school that truly meets the needs of our students, staff, and community both now and in the future.

Photos included in this update highlight the committee’s first workshop and visits to other area elementary schools.