North Polk board adds teacher at Central Elementary to relieve overcrowding

The North Polk Comm School District board unanimously approved adding a 1.0 full‑time teacher to Central Elementary to address growing enrollment and large class sizes.

District staff reported Central as the fastest‑growing building; several grades this year reached about 28 students per class, and staff said current transportation arrangements do not permit moving students to other buildings. Michael explained that adding the position — hired as a third grade posting to serve fourth grade — will allow classes to be reorganized to approximately 18, 19 and 19 students, creating more manageable classroom sizes and room for move‑ins.

Board member Matt moved the staffing increase, which was seconded by Kyle; the motion passed 5-0. The board directed staff to post the position and proceed with hiring processes.

No additional funding source was attached to the vote in the meeting discussion; implementation tasks were assigned to district HR and building administration.