Rendering of the new District Office addition, facing University Avenue. Credit: FRK architects + engineers

Waukee Community School District has officially begun construction on its District Office renovation and expansion project, which will allow the growing District to better serve students, families, staff, and the community.

The approximately $27 million project, which was approved by voters in the 2023 Bond Referendum, includes a 44,000-square-foot addition along University Avenue, followed by renovations to the existing District Office.

When complete, the facility will bring together District departments currently spread across multiple buildings, creating a more efficient and collaborative workspace.

Supporting a Growing DistrictWaukee CSD is the fastest-growing public school district in Iowa, with enrollment more than doubling over the past 15 years. To support that growth, the District has not only opened new schools but also expanded its departments that provide essential services for the more than 14,000 students and 2,600 staff.

“As we’ve grown, the demand on our support departments has increased,” said Chief Operating Officer Kirk Johnson. “We have more staff working behind the scenes to support our growing number of students and teachers, and we’ve simply outgrown our current space.”

Rendering of the new District Office addition interior. Credit: FRK architects + engineers

Johnson explains that the existing building is no longer meeting the District’s operational needs.

“The current District Office is not energy efficient; it has poor insulation and outdated windows,” he said. “And, we’ve run out of room. We have teams working out of Vince Meyer Learning Center, Waukee Innovation & Learning Center, Elevate Learning Center, and a wing at Prairieview. This year we had to turn a storage closet into additional office space at the District Office.”

The expanded facility will house the superintendent and Senior Leadership Team, Nutrition Services, Community Education, Child Care, Communications, Human Resources, Business Services, Enrollment, and School Improvement, which includes instructional coaches, social workers, curriculum facilitators, and other staff who support teaching and learning across the District.

Bringing these departments together under one roof will strengthen communication, collaboration, and overall culture.

A Better Experience for Families and StaffRendering of the updated Board room, which will be located at the west end of the current District Office building. Credit: FRK architects + engineers

The project will also benefit families, staff, and community members who visit the District Office. A new welcome center will feature a larger waiting area, a children’s play space, and private rooms where families can complete enrollment paperwork or meet confidentially with staff.

“The welcome center will create a better experience for the people we serve,” said Executive Director of Communications Kayla Choate. “Whether it’s a family enrolling a new student or someone applying for a job, we want them to have a positive first impression. We want every person to immediately feel welcomed and valued. This is the front door of the District.”

The new addition will also include small- and medium-sized conference rooms, offices and work stations, and flexible seating areas. Together, these spaces will accommodate more than 150 District employees on day one, while providing room for future growth.

Additionally, new seminar rooms will have the capacity to host districtwide meetings, trainings, and professional development sessions for large groups of educators and staff in a central location in the District.

The project also includes expanded parking lots and a new roadway connection from University Avenue, making the District Office easier to find and access.

Construction TimelinePlanning for the expansion began in fall 2025, with FRK architects + engineers designing the project. The School Board reviewed the schematic design in November, followed by a design development presentation in March.

Rendering of the updated Board room entrance and lobby, which will be located at the current District Office public entrance. Credit: FRK architects + engineers

In May, the Board approved the project’s plans and authorized the bidding process. Following a public hearing on July 21, the Board awarded the construction contract to Larson Construction.

Construction is now underway, with the new addition and parking lots expected to be completed in early 2028. Once staff members move into the new space, renovations will begin on the existing District Office, transforming it into additional workspace and seminar rooms and relocating the Board Room to the west end of the building. Overall project completion is scheduled for late 2028 or early 2029.

“Everything we do at the District Office supports what’s happening in our classrooms and throughout our school district,” Johnson said. “This project gives our teams the space and resources they need to better serve our students, support our staff, and welcome families for many years to come.”

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