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Waukee Community School District — Iowa’s fastest-growing school system — continues to expand, fueled by more than $440 million in facility investments since 2019.District leaders outlined the progress in a fall 2025 Facility Update presented by Chief Operating Officer Kirk Johnson, highlighting a new school, infrastructure upgrades and long-term financial stability.Expanding to meet rapid growthWaukee’s student enrollment has surged since 2017, climbing from about 10,600 to around 14,000 students in 2025, according to certified enrollment data from the Iowa Department of Education. To accommodate the expansion, Waukee also opened North Middle School in fall 2025, and is working to complete an expansion of Waukee High School's auditorium.$440 million in public improvementsSince 2019, the district has managed $440 million in public improvement projects, with nearly all completed on time and within budget. Total cost variances across the six-year period were less than $500,000, Johnson said.The investments include classroom upgrades, new athletic facilities, major renovations, and districtwide technology and infrastructure improvements.Bond and funding structureWaukee’s financial foundation relies on two key revenue sources:SAVE (Statewide Penny Sales Tax): Generates about $18 million annually.$8 million of that goes toward debt service for schools such as Sugar Creek and Radiant Elementary and the Vince Meyer Learning Center Pre-K expansion.$4 million annually goes toward lease paymentsPPEL (Physical Plant and Equipment Levy): A local property tax providing $12.5 million annually.Roughly $5 million supports bond payments for facilities such as the Northwest High School stadium and the district’s transportation center. Final payments are anticipated this fiscal year.$1.5 million annually goes toward bus lease payments$1.5 million annually goes toward non-instructional softwareTogether, the two funding streams generate $30.5 million per year, with about $13 million devoted to bond repayment. Future planningThe district’s next phase will focus on maintaining existing assets and modernizing older buildings. Waukee plans to conduct facility assessments of 11 schools, focusing on mechanical systems, roofing, windows, and exterior preservation.“Staying on top of these projects, spending the money now, constantly kind of having this rotation is very beneficial not only to the maintenance in the field, but also to the pocketbook and to the taxpayers,” Waukee school board president Michael Schrodt said.