Waukee Round-Up: Top Five Waukee Schools Stories of 2011

1) Plans Approved for Seventh Elementary School

In August, Waukee school board members of 18.23 acres at the intersection of South 95th Street and Stagecoach Drive in the former Michael’s Landing development in West Des Moines. The site will house a new elementary school, its seventh in the district, and will be named Woodland Hills Elementary.

The school will be open in time for the 2013-2014 school year.

2) Three Incumbents Elected to Waukee School Board

Six candidates ran for three open seats in the in September with the three incumbents retaining their seats. Jerry Ripperger, Susan Bunz and Larry Lyon were all up for re-election. The three challengers included Todd Dohrmann, Rob Thelen and Kurt Hiatt.

3) Waukee To Build Second 8/9 School

In September, the Waukee Board of Education approved the construction of a grade 8/9 building expected to open for the 2014-15 school year. The new school would return the district to the PK-5, 6-7, 8-9, 10-12 configuration it has had in past years.

The new school has yet to be named.

4) Waukee Schools Communications Coordinator

In November, the . Nicole Lawrence came from the Southeast Polk school district to assist Waukee Schools with media and public relations. She began her job in late November.

5) Biggest Enrollment Ever in 2011

In November, Superintendent on enrollment numbers for the 2011-2012 school year. The district currently has 7,112 students enrolled in 10 Waukee schools. At the current rate of growth, projected numbers could be as high as 11,550 students by September 2021.