Vote Yes November 4th
Our public schools are being starved for resources and could fall further behind if we don’t act.
The Reimagining Education Plan will create a pathway to success for every student enrolled at Des Moines Public Schools, whether they’re on a path to college or to the workforce. This plan was created by the Des Moines Public School District and passed by the School Board to make critical investments that improve education in Des Moines. The $265 million bond referendum will appear on the November 4th municipal election ballot and will require 60 percent of the vote to pass.
The 5-year plan will focus on improving student outcomes by expanding career and technical education, improve preschool access, and create modern tech and science facilities across the district.
The Reimagining Education plan proposal improves student outcomes across the district, including:
NEW CAREER AND TECHNICAL TRAINING PROGRAMS
Expanding career and technical education to provide students with real-world training and creating spaces designed for hands-on learning.
EXPANDED PRESCHOOL ACCESS
Helping families access early learning opportunities and working with community partners to expand daycare options.
MODERN TECH AND SCIENCE FACILITIES
Upgrading facilities to ensure all students across the district have modern classrooms that help improve student learning.
Quick Facts
5-YEAR PLAN means improvements for thousands of kids in this generation of students.
6 NEW SPECIALIZED CAREER PATHWAYS.
1. Technical education
2. STEM courses
3. STEAM courses
4. Dual language immersion
5. Montessori learning
6. The arts
130 NEW SPACES designed for real-world career training and modern, project-based learning.
JUST $198 PER YEAR is the average cost of the bond for Des Moines homeowners.
Signature Schools and Career Training
DMPS will continue expand interest-based Signature Schools in each region, allowing students to immerse themselves in specialized programs including hands-on career and technical education (CTE), STEM, health sciences, arts, and Montessori learning.
Expanded Preschool Access
DMPS will provide increased preschool opportunities, including added transportation next year to help families access preschool and continue working with community partners to expand daycare options for working families. The investments from the bond will also create new preschool classrooms in the district.
Modernized Science and Tech Facilities
DMPS will upgrade facilities to ensure all students across the district can receive a high-quality education with modern tools and classrooms. Upgrade to science and technology in classrooms will improve student outcomes and prepare them for the future.
Right-Size Plan Based On Community Feedback
The $265M school bond referendum is right-sized based on feedback received from the community. This plan makes accelerated investments over the next five years to improve education and student outcomes, while costing the average homeowner in Des Moines just $198 per year.
Diploma+ Program
The district will expand the Diploma+ program to provide enhanced opportunities that prepare students for their futures throughout their journey from preschool through graduation.
Middle School Transformation
DMPS will reimagine middle schools to spark students’ passion for learning through hands-on exploration and career and technical opportunities. The successful K-6 pilot programs will continue, but the plan no longer includes changing grade configuration district-wide.
Endorsements
It would allow building over 100 spaces for hands-on career training and project-based learning, while some outdated buildings are shut down. It would allow other renovations of classroom space to meet modern standards. It would build on existing efforts to open preschool slots and provide transportation to and from preschool. It would support initiatives to provide unique offerings to families ― not just the career training, but also what DMPS calls “signature schools” with such focuses as Montessori education, the arts and STEM, and a new configuration for middle schools intended to making students’ transitions from building to building easier.
Our endorsement reflects confidence in the district’s strategic approach to addressing critical infrastructure needs, enhancing educational environments, and responsibly managing taxpayer resources. We were particularly encouraged by the district’s commitment to transparency and accountability, including the establishment of an independent oversight committee tasked with monitoring expenditures and ensuring that bond proceeds are used as intended.
TACI believes that this bond issue represents a sound investment in the future of Des Moines and its students. We appreciate the district’s openness throughout this process and commend its efforts to engage stakeholders in meaningful dialogue.