On Nov. 4, Des Moines residents will vote on a $265 million bond aimed at providing improvements in infrastructure and educational outcomes for DMPS schools. The bond will need a 60 percent supermajority to pass. New classrooms, improved technology, expanded STEM and STEAM opportunities and the potential for 10-11 buildings to close; these are just a few things at stake.
According to an Instagram post on Oct. 27, DMPS said, “What will happen if the bond doesn’t pass? Delaying critical safety, technology and accessibility upgrades. Closing more schools and consolidating students into outdated, overcrowded buildings.” This bond will affect many schools and the community in an emotional way but also in a financial way.
If the bond passes:
The annual cost for Des Moines residents will vary based on home value, with an estimated $94 for a $100,000 home and $378 for a $500,000 home. There will be enhancements to school buildings by adding classroom space, upgrading roofs, improving HVAC and safety entrances, and modernizing media centers. The money will support new construction projects, including building replacements and additions at various school sites.
Although people are also curious about what won’t happen if the bond passes:
The bond funds cannot be used to pay for teacher salaries, benefits, or other everyday school expenses.
If the bond doesn’t pass:
DMPS officials have stated that the district could face the closure of around 10 to 11 schools to deal with budget issues. There are also significant layoffs expected.
“I anticipate there will be some layoffs, I don’t know how it’ll be at the building level versus other levels,” East principal Jill Versteeg said.
The new DMPS bond could bring big improvements to schools across the district, including updated classrooms, safer entrances, and better technology. These changes would give students more comfortable and modern spaces to learn in and help teachers create a stronger learning environment.
“We’ve deserved newer, better things for a long time,” East teacher and Des Moines resident Erinesa Lowe said.
However, not everything about the bond is positive. If it doesn’t pass, the district may have to make difficult decisions, such as closing schools or cutting programs to save money. Even with the bond, construction could cause temporary disruptions, and some students might have to adjust to changes in their school buildings or routines.
With new changes comes big responsibility, and some voters worry about the district’s ability to manage these changes.
“I am pretty concerned about the district administration’s ability to staff and implement these changes with fidelity and a cost-effective manner and with adequate oversight,” East teacher and DMPS parent Colin Coulter said.
DMPS plans to keep growing its Signature Schools in each region while adding specialized programs like career and technical education (CTE), STEM, health sciences, arts, and Montessori learning. However, some residents do not agree with these changes.
“I mean, I’m not really excited about the biotech signature schools or magnet schools,” Coulter said.
Versteeg stressed the importance of preschool, and the improved outcomes students see who attend preschool.
“When kids don’t have access to preschool, they are less likely to be reading at grade level by third grade, and if you’re not reading at grade level by third grade, it just gets that much harder,” Versteeg said.
Des Moines residents will vote on Nov. 4, and the future of DMPS will depend on it.
