Kate Wallace, Polk County School Board - District 3

09/11/2026

This morning, Summerlin Academy hosted its annual September 11th Memorial Ceremony, and it was one of the most moving tributes I've witnessed.

Thank you to the volunteers who poured their time and hearts into organizing this ceremony. Thank you to the Polk County Sheriff's Office, Bartow Police Department and Bartow Fire Department for your presence and for the service you give our community every single day. And thank you to the students and staff of Summerlin Academy for hosting such a touching, meaningful tribute. It was not lost on me that I was their age on Sept. 11, 2001, and watched the horror unfold live on television just a few hundred yards away in my Spanish class at Bartow High School.

Twenty-five years later, we still carry the weight of that day: the lives lost, the first responders who ran toward danger, and the sacrifices that didn't end on that tragic day, but have continued in the years since for so many who answered the call.

We honor their service. We honor their sacrifice. We honor their heroism.

May we never forget. 🇺🇸 🙏🗽

09/09/2026

This morning I had the honor of attending Florida Southern College’s Swanderful Lakeland Convocation, a retired tradition that was revived by President Jeremy Martin. This special ceremony convening undergraduate students featured Mayor Sara Roberts McCarley (and FSC graduate), who shared the people, places, and spirit that make Lakeland such a Swan-derful place! 🦢 Thank you to FSC for all you to do to infuse Lakeland and Polk County with outstanding Moc graduates, and best wishes for an outstanding year! 🐍

09/05/2026

Tonight, I was proud to join fellow board members Dr. William Allen and Chair Justin Sharpless at Lakeland High School as the Dreadnaughts hosted Venice in a top-10 matchup in the nation! While the lightning delays were no fun, the crowd and the community support did not disappoint. Thank you also to the staff and volunteers who made us feel welcome on the sideline!

09/02/2026

Enjoyed attending the monthly Republican Club of Lakeland meeting to hear Superintendent Heid present an overview of Polk County Public Schools' $2.2 billion budget, operations and fiscal demands on the district, which serves more than 100,000 students. Thank you to the club for hosting him and many of my colleagues, and we appreciate the outstanding questions and dialogue from the membership. If you would like a board member or Superintendent (based on availability) to speak to your local business or civic group, contact me for more information.

08/29/2026

Like any good Polk Countian, I love taking in the Friday Night Lights! First stop: Bartow vs. Kathleen. Congratulations to the Jackets on their decisive win. The cheerleaders, dance teams, and marching bands were terrific, and I enjoyed talking to parents, coaches, staff and students on both sidelines. Where should I go next week, Polk County? Comment below! ⬇️

CC: Bartow Senior High School and Kathleen High School

08/17/2026

Last week, more than 117,000 students walked back through the doors of Polk’s public schools: some for the very first time, and seniors for their last, all of them carrying a little bit of nervous excitement that never really goes away. It’s a reminder of why this work matters. It’s also a good moment to pause and share where Polk County Public Schools stands, because the numbers tell a genuinely encouraging story.

Read more of my column in the Lakeland Sun here:

This week, more than 117,000 students walked back through the doors of Polk’s public schools: some for the very first time, and seniors for their last, all of them carrying

08/11/2026

Welcome back to school, Polk County! 🎒☀️

This morning I rode Bus 2348 through Bartow and Alturas, picking up and dropping off Bartow Elementary Academy, Gause Academy, Union Academy and Bartow Middle students on their first day. Their smiling faces and excited waves were a great reminder of why this work matters. It was also a beautifully clear morning!

A special thank you to driver Shantelle Woodard for her hospitality and professionalism. Our bus drivers are the first smiling face our kids see every day. And on my last stop, I got to see my favorite PE Coach at Bartow Middle!

To every student, teacher, and parent starting this year: I am wishing you all a wonderful year ahead. Let’s make it a great one, Polk County Public Schools!

08/07/2026

Congratulations to Bartow Elementary Academy, Mrs. Van Hook and the entire staff for your A-MAZING work! Was an honor and privilege to take part in the celebration. Can’t wait to see what this year will bring!!

07/30/2026

Had the privilege of attending my first Polk County Public Schools Transportation Department Back-To-School In-Service meeting this morning. Seeing the faces of hundreds and shaking hands with our dedicated staff was touching, and it was exciting to celebrate them as we prepare for a new school year. During my address, I let the drivers know why they’re so important to student success: increasing access to opportunity and supporting student attendance. I also believe more students are crossing busier highways than ever, and I want to work with lawmakers to enhance and modernize our busing eligibility criteria. Thank you to our bus drivers!

07/29/2026

While I have been thrilled to celebrate the more than 30 Polk County Public Schools who improved their letter grade or maintained an A, one in particular had an extra special achievement: climbing from a D to a B and was only one percentage point shy of earning an A! As a former Lakeland resident and longtime supporter of Dixieland Elementary, I was thrilled and honored to join Principal Nikki Jones, Asst. Principal Craig Hilgenberg, and the entire staff to celebrate this extraordinary achievement. Staff enjoyed a delicious catered breakfast and beautiful decorations and cake to mark the occasion and were joined by community partners, Dr. William Allen and Lakeland Comm. Ashley Troutman. Congratulations to the entire DES team - you’re proof of what’s possible, and our students are the real winners because of your transformative work! Will you join me in congratulating them? 👏 🥇