Board approves $861,466 for at‑risk dropout prevention; adopts retirement and resignation incentives and calendar hearing

At its regular session the North Polk Community School District board approved several fiscal and personnel measures that shape district programming and staffing plans for the coming year.

The board approved a Modified Supplemental Amount request to the School Budget Review Committee (SBRC) totaling $861,466 for at‑risk dropout prevention. Administration said the funds will support counselors, the high school academic support center and elementary interventionists. Ashley Delaney moved to approve the request and the motion carried by a 5‑0 vote.

The board approved the second and final reading of a voluntary early retirement incentive for certified and administrative staff for fiscal year 2025–26. The incentive applies to employees age 55 by June 30, 2026, with at least 10 years’ service and pays 20% of last year’s base wage. The board also approved an early resignation incentive for 2025–26 that offers an additional $1,000 to employees who submit a resignation by the January deadline (eligible employees must have a minimum of three years’ service). Both measures passed on motions recorded as unanimous.

Separately, the board set a public hearing on the proposed three‑year district calendars (2026–2029) for the regular board meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 20 at 6:05 PM in the North Polk High School collaboration center.

On athletics governance, the board adopted a resolution to expand the Raccoon River Conference to 10 member schools by inviting Pella Community School District and Van Meter for the 2027–28 alignment; the resolution passed by voice vote.

All motions reported during this portion of new business were approved without recorded opposition. Where specific implementation steps were noted, administration will carry them out and return to the board with routine follow up as required.