Local Reporting

Reporting focused on community resilience, educational opportunity, and the people shaping local enterprise.

Sarah Semon 10/5/26 Sarah Semon 10/5/26

Polk Voters To Decide on Referendum To Add $65.6 Million in Annual School Funding

Polk County Public Schools said the additional revenue is necessary to address employee pay and staffing shortages while funding school safety and other programs.

Sarah Semon 9/21/26 Sarah Semon 9/21/26

For 15 Years New Beginnings High School Has Offered an Alternative Path to a Degree

Since opening in 2011 to help non-traditional students earn a high school diploma, New Beginnings High School has expanded across Polk county and helped thousands of students graduate.

Sarah Semon 8/24/26 Sarah Semon 8/24/26

Tutoring, Hot Meals, and ‘AI-Proof’ Trades: Polk’s Free After-School Boys & Girls Clubs

As Polk County students head back to the classroom, families face a familiar after-school hours scramble. Boys & Girls Clubs of Polk County helps ease the strain.

Sarah Semon 6/8/26 Sarah Semon 6/8/26

$80K Grant Expands Polk Reads AmeriCorps Program

The Polk Education Foundation plans to expand AmeriCorps Polk Reads into fourth and fifth grades and five additional schools, with a GiveWell grant honoring Mabel Schaefer.