Jump to content

Waukee Community School District

Add links
Coordinates: 41°36′00″N 93°51′43″W / 41.599956°N 93.861927°W / 41.599956; -93.861927
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
(Redirected from Waukee Community Schools)

Waukee Community School District
Location
Waukee, Iowa[1]
Dallas County[1]
United States
Coordinates41.599956, -93.861927
District information
TypeLocal school district
GradesK-12
Established1916
SuperintendentDr. Bradley Buck[2]
Schools18[1]
Budget$207,017,000 (2021-22)[1]
NCES District ID1930510[1]
Students and staff
Students13,600 (2023-24)[1][3]
Teachers848.92 FTE[1]
Staff1,788.24 FTE[1]
Student–teacher ratio16.02[1]
Athletic conferenceCentral Iowa Metro League
District mascotWarriors (Waukee)
Wolves (Northwest)
ColorsPurple, Gold, and White (Waukee)
     
Royal Blue, Silver, and Black (Northwest)
     
Other information
Websitewaukeeschools.org

Waukee Community School District (WCSD) is a public school district headquartered in Waukee, Iowa.[4] Entirely in Dallas County, it serves Waukee and portions of Clive, Urbandale and West Des Moines.[5]

The district has about 13,600 students from preschool through twelfth grade and more than 2,000 staff members.[3]

Enrollment

[edit]

From 2004 to 2015, enrollment increased by 470 students annually.[6] In the fall of 2016 the district made a plan to modify its attendance boundaries across the board.[7]

Waukee is one of the fastest growing districts in the state of Iowa, and has seen dramatic growth since 2000.[8]

Students in this district hail from Clive, Urbandale, Waukee, and West Des Moines. There is also an open enrollment options for students that are within 56 square miles of the Waukee District.[9]

History

[edit]

In 1916, a petition was made to form the Waukee Consolidated School District merging Walnut Center, Pleasant View, Floral Valley, and Waukee Independent School Districts and portions of Boone and Van Meter.[9] In 1953, the district was renamed as Waukee Community School District.[9]

Mascot

[edit]

The district previously had a Native American logo but discontinued use of it in 1998. It did not have a logo since then and instead used a "W". When the University of Wisconsin-Madison told the district that its logo was too similar to its own, the district modified the design of the "W". In 2016 it adopted a Spartan-style warrior as its mascot.[10]

List of Superintendents[9]

[edit]
  • H. P. Simpson – 1916
  • J. W. Radebaugh – 1917
  • Chas. F. Core – 1918
  • A. A. Sefert – 1919
  • George W. Guthrie – 1920-1923
  • W. S. Smiley – 1923-1927
  • Chester J. Hartman – 1927- 1943
  • S. J. Wassom – 1943-1945
  • Roger K. Langer – 1945-1952
  • William N. Morris – 1952-1957
  • Kenneth E. Bryant – 1957-1964
  • Vince Meyer – Feb. 1964-June 1964
  • Clair Eason – 1964-1994
  • Veronica Stalker – 1994-2004
  • Dr. David J. Wilkerson – 2004-2017
  • Cindi McDonald – 2017-2019
  • Dr. Brad Buck – 2019 to present

Schools

[edit]
Waukee High School

Elementary schools (K-5)

[edit]
  • Eason was built from 1993 to 1994, opening for the 1994-95 school year.[11][12][13] It cost $2.6 million to build, which came from a $5.2 million bond that was issued in December 1992.[12] It was named for then-Superintendent Clair Eason to honor his service of 30 years as superintendent from 1964 to 1994.[14] It has been remodeled in 2002, 2016, and 2021.[13]
  • Brookview was built from 2000 to 2001, opening for the 2001-02 school year.[15] It was remodeled in 2002, 2004, and 2021.[13]
  • Walnut Hills was built from 2004 to 2005, opening in July 2005 for the 2005-06 school year.[16] The 95,000 square foot building cost $11.5 million to build, which partially came from a $9.2 million bond that was issued on April 13, 2004.[17][18]
  • Maple Grove was built from 2006 to 2007, opening for the 2007-08 school year. It cost $14.2 million to build,[19] which came from a $15 million bond issued on February 1, 2006.[20]
  • Waukee was built from 2009 to 2010, opening for the 2010-11 school year. It cost $12 million to build. It was financed by a $70 million bond that was issued in March 2008.[21]
  • Shuler was built from 2009 to 2010, opening for the 2010-11 school year. It cost $12 million to build, financed by the 2008 bond.[22]
  • Woodland Hills was built from 2012 to 2013, opening for the 2013-14 school year.[23][24] The 98,515 square foot building cost $12 million to build.[25]
  • Grant Ragan was built from 2015 to 2016, opening for the 2016-17 school year.[26] It was named for General Lewis A. Grant and Major William Ragan.[27] These men had bought the original land that would later become Waukee.[27] It cost $18.5 million to build.[28]
  • Radiant was built from 2018 to 2019, opening for the 2019-20 school year.[29] It was named in honor of the coal mining history of the city, specifically the Radiant Coal Company.[30] It cost $21.4 million to build.[28]
  • Sugar Creek was built from May 2020 to 2022, opening for the 2022-23 school year.[31] It cost $19 million to build[32]
  • Waterford was built from 2023 to 2024, opening for the 2024-25 school year.[3][33] It cost $29 million to build, with the high cost being attributed to "disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic, worker shortages, the fallout of the Russian invasion of Ukraine..."[34]

Middle schools (Grade 6th and 7th)

[edit]
  • Waukee Middle was built from 1973 to 1974, opening for the 1974-75 school year.[13][35][36] It was originally built as the new high school.[13][35][36] It then changed over to a middle school in 1997, with the building of the newer high school.[35][36] It was remodeled in 1977, 1987, 1994, 1999 and 2008.[13]
  • South Middle was built from 2009 to 2010, opening for the 2010-11 school year.[37][38] It was estimated to cost between $20 million and $27.4 million to build,[39][40] but ended up costing $22 million that was financed by a $70 million bond that was issued in March 2008.[41] It was remodeled in 2021.[13]
  • North Middle has been under construction since April 12, 2023, making it ready for opening for the 2025-26 school year.[3][42][43][44] It will be about 130,000 square feet when it's complete and cost $50 million.[45] There will also be a 500 seat stadium, soccer, football, baseball and soccer fields and a running track.[45]

Grade 8th and 9th schools

[edit]
  • Prairieview was built from 2003 to 2004, opening for the 2004-05 school year.[46] It cost $16.5 million and was paid for by a $21 million bond issued early in 2002.[46][47][48] It was remodeled in 2009 and 2021.[13]
  • Timberline was built from 2014 to 2015, opening for the 2015-16 school year.[49][50] It cost $16.69 million to build, paid for by a district bond in April 2014.[13]
  • Trailridge School was built from 2022 to 2023, opening for the 2023-24 school year.[3][13][44] It cost $50 million to build.[44]

High schools (10th through 12th)

[edit]
  • Waukee High School was built in 1997 and a dedication ceremony was held on October 1, 1997.[51] This was to replace the older higher school built in 1974 that was running out of room for the students.[11][35][36][52] It was remodeled in 2000, 2001, 2007, 2011 and 2013.[13]
  • Waukee Northwest High School was built from 2020 to 2021, opening for the 2021-22 school year.[31][53][54] It cost $103 million to build, financed by a $117 million bond issued in February 2018.[13][55][56] The building is 395,000 square feet.[56] There is a football field, 2 baseball fields, 2 softball fields, 12 tennis courts, a running track and 4 practice fields.[56][55] Additionally, the city pitched in $7 million adding a playground, fishing pier and 12 baseball and softball fields.[56]

Additional facilities

[edit]
  • Natatorium is swimming facility that was built for Waukee High and Northwest swimming teams.[44][57] It was opened on August 5, 2024.[58][59] The building is 61,000 square feet[45] and the pool can hold up to 1 million gallons.[59] It cost $33 million to build.[45] It can hold around 1,000 spectators.[45]

Expansion

[edit]

The district established a second high school in 2021, Waukee Northwest High School.[60] A third high school will likely be added in the 2030s or 40s.[61] A parcel of 110 acres was purchased on Grand Prairie Parkway across from the Fleet Farm[62] and it is estimated that a new high school would cost between $235 million and $250 million to build.[61] Parts of Grand Avenue, Mills Civic Parkway and EP True Parkway will be widened and extended to Grand Prairie Parkway by the end of 2026 in preparation for a new high school.[63]

A 12th elementary school is planned for construction in either 2027 or 2029.[64][65][66]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i "District Directory Information (2023-2024 School Year)". NCES. Retrieved May 21, 2025.
  2. ^ "Directory-Senior Leadership Team". Waukee Schools. Retrieved May 21, 2025.
  3. ^ a b c d e f McIntosh, Marcus (August 10, 2023). "Ribbon cutting held for Trailridge School in Waukee". KCCI. Retrieved May 21, 2025.
  4. ^ "Staff amount". Waukee Community School District. Retrieved January 13, 2015. District Administration Office 560 SE University Ave Waukee, Iowa 50263
  5. ^ "Waukee" (PDF). Iowa Department of Education. Retrieved April 2, 2020.
  6. ^ Norvell, Kim (October 10, 2015). "Waukee unveils school boundary proposal". Des Moines Register. Retrieved April 2, 2020.
  7. ^ Norvell, Kim (September 10, 2015). "Waukee redraws school boundaries". Des Moines Register. Retrieved April 2, 2020.
  8. ^ "Public School Certified Enrollment Summary by District". Iowa Department of Education. Retrieved December 15, 2021.
  9. ^ a b c d "History". Waukee Schools. Retrieved May 22, 2025.
  10. ^ "Waukee's long awaited mascot is here". Des Moines Register. February 13, 2016. Retrieved April 2, 2020.
  11. ^ a b Johnston, Julia (October 2, 1996). "As Waukee grows, it looks for ways to stretch budget". The Des Moines Register. p. 111. Retrieved May 21, 2025.
  12. ^ a b Eggen, Dan (June 16, 1993). "Is Waukee new school big enough?". The Des Moines Register. p. 109. Retrieved May 20, 2025.
  13. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l Enfield, Sarah (June 30, 2023). "Annual Comprehensive Financial Report of the Waukee Community School District Waukee, Iowa For the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2023" (PDF). Waukee Schools. pp. 10, 63, 65, 150. Retrieved May 21, 2025.
  14. ^ "Clair Eason retiring following more than 30 years as superintendent". Mount Ayr Record-News. June 30, 1994. p. 4. Retrieved May 21, 2025.
  15. ^ "School enrollment up in Des Moines-23 per class". The Des Moines Register. September 28, 2000. p. 15. Retrieved May 20, 2025.
  16. ^ Walker, Melissa (October 29, 2009). "Waukee School faces growth". The Des Moines Register. p. 81. Retrieved May 20, 2025.
  17. ^ Walker, Melissa (May 24, 2005). "Work on Walnut Hills down to homestretch". The Des Moines Register. p. 125. Retrieved May 20, 2025.
  18. ^ "Waukee schools to issue bond". The Des Moines Register. March 19, 2004. p. 83. Retrieved May 21, 2025.
  19. ^ Schulte, Grant (January 16, 2007). "Meadow abuzz as houses fill school site". The Des Moines Register. p. 81. Retrieved May 20, 2025.
  20. ^ "Waukee school bonds". The Des Moines Register. January 13, 2006. p. 81. Retrieved May 21, 2025.
  21. ^ Hulsebus, L. Lars (August 24, 2022). "Construction goes wild, Waukee school ready". The Des Moines Register. pp. A1. Retrieved May 20, 2025.
  22. ^ Hulsebus, L. Lars (August 10, 2010). "Shuler Elementary is in place with a bright, shining face". The Des Moines Register. pp. 128 and 131. Retrieved May 20, 2025.
  23. ^ Pratt, Christopher (April 16, 2013). "Waukee School district drops tax rate". The Des Moines Register. pp. X4. Retrieved May 20, 2025.
  24. ^ Gifford, Jody (June 23, 2012). "Woodland Hills Elementary Construction Under Way in West Des Moines". Patch.com. Retrieved May 20, 2025.
  25. ^ Pratt, Christopher (August 13, 2013). "Waukee schools to debut Wedenesday". The Des Moines Register. pp. X1. Retrieved May 21, 2025.
  26. ^ Norvell, Kim (May 24, 2016). "Waukee buzzing over new highschool plan". The Des Moines Register. pp. X4. Retrieved May 20, 2025.
  27. ^ a b "Name picked for new elementary". The Des Moines Register. June 10, 2014. pp. A8. Retrieved May 21, 2025.
  28. ^ a b Norvell, Kim (April 4, 2017). "Why do so few D.M.-area schools offer orchestra?-Music". The Des Moines Register. pp. S1. Retrieved May 21, 2025.
  29. ^ Norvell, Kim (February 6, 2018). "Waukee vote is Tuesday to build second high school". The Des Moines Register. pp. X2. Retrieved May 20, 2025.
  30. ^ Norvell, Kim (December 4, 2016). "Waukee picks name for 9th elementary school". The Des Moines Register. pp. A12. Retrieved May 21, 2025.
  31. ^ a b Clark, Tommie (August 24, 2021). "Metro's newest high school opens Tuesday". KCCI. Retrieved May 21, 2025.
  32. ^ LeBlanc, Sarah Kay (August 25, 2022). "Peek into Sugar Creek, Waukee's 10th elementary school building". The Des Moines Register. pp. X4. Retrieved May 20, 2025.
  33. ^ Sitter, Phillip (August 19, 2024). "Waukee schools to welcome back students-Are there any new buildings?". The Des Moines Register. pp. C1. Retrieved May 20, 2025.
  34. ^ Higgins, Chris (August 24, 2022). "School construction proceeds despite snags". The Des Moines Register. pp. A1. Retrieved May 20, 2025.
  35. ^ a b c d Bolton, Kathy A. (March 25, 1995). "Growing Waukee eyes new school". The Des Moines Register. p. 11. Retrieved May 21, 2025.
  36. ^ a b c d Bolton, Kathy A. (March 25, 1995). "Growing Waukee eyes new school". The Des Moines Register. p. 15. Retrieved May 21, 2025.
  37. ^ Hulsebus, L. Lars (November 13, 2009). "School boundaries presented at board meeting". The Des Moines Register. p. 93. Retrieved May 21, 2025.
  38. ^ Hulsebus, L. Lars (January 16, 2008). "Waukee will see big changes in middle school sports". The Des Moines Register. p. 31. Retrieved May 21, 2025.
  39. ^ LeBlanc, Sarah Kay (August 21, 2021). "Waukee Middle School crowded on first day". The Des Moines Register. p. 73. Retrieved May 20, 2025.
  40. ^ Hulsebus, L. Lars (November 14, 2008). "Cost rises for new middle school". The Des Moines Register. p. 92. Retrieved May 21, 2025.
  41. ^ Hulsebus, L. Lars (August 24, 2010). "Waukee South Middle School". The Des Moines Register. p. 115. Retrieved May 21, 2025.
  42. ^ a b "Groundbreaking for 6th Middle-Level School". April 12, 2023. Retrieved May 21, 2025.
  43. ^ a b "Waukee school district breaks ground on another middle school". WHO13. April 12, 2023. Retrieved May 21, 2025.
  44. ^ a b c d Hernandez, Samantha; Higgins, Chris; Sitter, Phillip (August 24, 2023). "Back to the Classroom-New elementary, middle schools open in Urbandale and Waukee". The Des Moines Register. pp. A2. Retrieved May 21, 2025.
  45. ^ a b c d e LeBlanc, Sarah Kay (July 20, 2021). "Waukee schools working on new buildings". The Des Moines Register. pp. C6. Retrieved May 22, 2025.
  46. ^ a b O'Brien, Mallory (October 11, 2002). "Waukee plans another new school". The Des Moines Register. p. 17. Retrieved May 21, 2025.
  47. ^ Lutz, Renda (October 28, 2004). "Waukee dedicates Prairieview School". The Des Moines Register. p. 95. Retrieved May 20, 2025.
  48. ^ Eggen, Dan (October 28, 2004). "Is Waukee". The Des Moines Register. p. 95. Retrieved May 20, 2025.
  49. ^ Peng, Vanessa (November 22, 2013). "New schools being built near shooting range". KCCI. Retrieved May 21, 2025.
  50. ^ Meinch, Timothy (May 23, 2023). "Principals to change at four Waukee schools". The Des Moines Register. pp. X2. Retrieved May 21, 2025.
  51. ^ "Waukee school dedication". The Des Moines Register. September 24, 1997. p. 124. Retrieved May 21, 2025.
  52. ^ "Growing Waukee eyes new school". The Des Moines Register. March 27, 1995. p. 15. Retrieved May 20, 2025.
  53. ^ Magell, Todd (April 27, 2021). "New Waukee high school nearly complete". KCCI. Retrieved May 21, 2025.
  54. ^ Magell, Todd (May 29, 2019). "Waukee's new high school now has a name". KCCI. Retrieved May 21, 2025.
  55. ^ a b Richard, Ian (May 30, 2019). "Waukee's second HS to be named Northwest". The Des Moines Register. pp. A6. Retrieved May 22, 2025.
  56. ^ a b c d Norvell, Kim (February 7, 2018). "Waukee gets OK to build 2nd high school". The Des Moines Register. pp. A16. Retrieved May 22, 2025.
  57. ^ Choate, Kayla (August 5, 2024). "Waukee CSD Celebrates Natatorium Opening". Waukee Community School District. Retrieved January 11, 2025.
  58. ^ "Waukee school district to hold ribbon cutting for new aquatic facility". Business Record. August 2, 2024. Retrieved May 21, 2025.
  59. ^ a b "Waukee Community School District introduces new swimming facility". KCCI. August 6, 2024. Retrieved May 21, 2025.
  60. ^ Norvell, Kim (May 9, 2016). "Waukee's second high school to open in 2021". Des Moines Register. Retrieved July 16, 2018.
  61. ^ a b Norvell, Kim (May 15, 2016). "Waukee School Board voting to buy land for potential third high school in district". KCCI. Retrieved May 21, 2025.
  62. ^ Werner, Kyle (August 23, 2024). "Waukee potential third high school". Des Moines Register. pp. X1. Retrieved May 22, 2025.
  63. ^ Stapleton, Susan; Sitter,Phillip (January 3, 2025). "Major roads to be widen and extended". Des Moines Register. pp. X5. Retrieved May 22, 2025.
  64. ^ "2020 Bond Referendum-Projects". Waukee Community School District. Retrieved May 21, 2025.
  65. ^ "2023 Bond Referendum-2023 Bond Referendum Anticipated construction start dates". Waukee Community School District. Retrieved May 21, 2025.
  66. ^ "Waukee schools asking for $180 million bond issue". Des Moines Register. September 28, 2023. pp. C1. Retrieved May 22, 2025.
[edit]

41°36′00″N 93°51′43″W / 41.599956°N 93.861927°W / 41.599956; -93.861927

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Waukee_Community_School_District&oldid=1296057250"