Dr. Buck’s Bulletin: March 2025
Dear Waukee CSD Families,
I just returned from a spring break trip to China along with a dozen Waukee CSD students and teachers. We had an amazing time learning about the local culture, seeing sights, and connecting with the Hebei Lianbang Foreign Language School. Additionally, I’m proud of the 100+ students in the Northwest High School Royal Brigade who represented our District in Ireland, with performances at Kilkenny Castle and in the Dublin St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Whatever your family did over spring break, I hope you had a fun, safe, and restful week!
Switching gears, I want to address the county issued property tax letter you have likely received by now. The letter shows a tax rate increase of 12.61% (residential) and 13.95% (commercial); however, these numbers are misleading. The numbers are calculated by taking FY25 property taxes levied divided by FY26 valuations, assuming a 10% valuation increase of your property (which is unlikely).
The calculations do not take into account your actual valuation changes, or factors such as the change in the rollback or new residential/commercial properties that will spread taxes levied over more properties. Here is the actual impact (if your home valuation is equal to last year):
- 0% increase in tax levy rate
- 2.36% increase in residential taxes paid, due to the Iowa Department of Revenue increasing the residential rollback by 2.36%
We’re committed to keeping you informed about how these changes will impact our schools and your finances. To see a full clarification of the tax rate letter, visit our website.
Sincerely,
Dr. Brad Buck
Superintendent
Important Information
No Change to Last Day of School
As you may recall, this school year we had two full snow days. We are NOT planning to make up those student days. As a reminder, our time spent in school is counted on a requirement of 1,080 hours. Even with the cancellations, we have enough academic hours beyond the 1,080 required to be considered a school year. This means our last day of school will be May 30.
Enroll in TK by April 15
April 15 is the deadline to ensure your child’s spot in our new transitional kindergarten (TK) program for the 2025-26 school year. After this date, enrollment will depend on available space. If you know someone with a kindergarten-aged child (5 years old by Sept. 15) who could benefit from an extra year to prepare for kindergarten, encourage them to visit our website.
Report Absences in PowerSchool
You now have the convenience of reporting your child’s absence directly through PowerSchool. This new feature ensures that all required information is included and correct when submitting an absence and streamlines communication for our secretaries. Please note: This option can only be done on a browser, not the PowerSchool app. See step-by-step instructions.
Sign Up for Summer Activities
Have you checked out our Waukee Backpack lately? Find art classes, Waukee APEX STEM Innovator camps, and activities for future Wolves and Warriors such as tennis, track & field, volleyball, basketball, and more. Learn more and sign up on the Waukee Backpack. As a reminder, our Community Education summer registration is also open! Visit the website.
Register for Summer Swim Lessons
Registration for 2025 summer swim lessons at the Waukee CSD Natatorium is now open! Students aged 4-13 are eligible for the program. Sessions start in early June. Families in our District can create an account to receive a reduced rate and begin registering now before it opens to the general public. Learn more.
Waukee CSD Pilots New Bus Pass
We are working with Durham School Services on a new bus pass system to enhance student safety. Every bus rider will be issued a personalized pass to scan when getting on and off the bus. We will pilot the new program at Maple Grove, Radiant, and Trailridge before districtwide implementation begins next school year.
Recent News
Dr. Kim Tierney Named to Executive Role
We’re excited to welcome Dr. Kim Tierney as the District’s Executive Director of Teaching and Learning! In this new role, she will lead student-centered, districtwide learning initiatives. Tierney, who began her career teaching at Waukee CSD, has held leadership positions for the past 15+ years and is currently the principal of Radiant Elementary.
Kee Boutique Offers Free Prom Apparel
When Waukee High School counselor Beth Streit saw that cost was keeping some students from attending prom, she created Kee Boutique — a completely free formalwear boutique open to all Waukee CSD high school students. Thanks to community donations and hardworking student volunteers, Kee Boutique is stocked and ready!
Video: 5th Grade Bus Leaders
Buses can be scary for kindergarteners, but Waukee Elementary fifth-graders are there to help! The bus leaders keep their young friends safe and smiling by playing games while they wait, then escorting them outside and ensuring they get safely on the bus. Watch the video.
Igniting Innovation
Bringing Science to Life with a Terrarium
Thanks to a Waukee Community Schools Foundation grant, Mr. Linnett’s 4th grade class at Waukee Elementary is learning all about plants with a new terrarium! Students are researching soil types, regrowing plant cuttings, and feeding their Venus flytrap — all while documenting scientific observations on their iPads. The class even incorporated their new love of plants into creative writing and poetry!
Safety & Security
Waukee PD Recognized for School Safety
Criminal Investigations Sergeant Kelli Cichoski and the Waukee Police Department received an award from the Governor’s School Safety Bureau for their efforts related to Waukee CSD school safety. The department was recognized for their proactive approach, immediate response to threats, and collaboration with other agencies to quickly address allegations.
At Waukee CSD, we are committed to maintaining a safe and welcoming learning environment for all students. We’re proud of our partnership with local law enforcement agencies to ensure that our District is always prepared to investigate and respond to threats of violence.
If you see something, say something. Students, staff, parents, and community members can submit school safety concerns anonymously through Safe+Sound:
- Phone: 1-800-224-6018
- Website: Online Report
For more news, stories, and updates, follow @WaukeeCSD on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Waukee CSD District Office
560 SE University Ave
Waukee, IA 50263
