Latest news with #DMPS
Axios
2 days ago
- Business
- Axios
DMPS considers how much to ask for in bond
The DMPS board is considering how much money to ask from voters for an upcoming bond referendum — possibly scaling back from a $500 million request. Why it matters: The district's long-term plan to overhaul outdated schools and expand academic programs hinges on voter support for a multimillion-dollar bond, but some board members want to avoid inflicting sticker shock at the polls and leaving empty-handed. Catch up quick: DMPS is working toward its 10-year Reimagining Education plan, which would help modernize its schools, offer new Montessori programs, and add preschool programming, specialty schools and grade reconfigurations. Des Moines has 72 school buildings, many averaging 70–80 years old. State of play: The projected cost of the plan is $683 million, including renovations and inflation. Initial board discussions have called for a $500 million bond to help fund it. At that dollar amount, owners of a Des Moines home assessed at $200k would pay an additional $356 annually for 20 years, according to projections shared with the school board last week. What they're saying: Several DMPS board members expressed concern the plan could falter at the ballot box without changes. Board member Jenna Knox noted the difficulties Cedar Rapids has faced trying to get a bond referendum passed. In 2023, a $220 million request failed. This year the district is asking for $117 million. "This is a lot of money. I'm not going to just sugarcoat it," Knox said during the meeting. "We should be smart about it, versus getting absolutely nothing." Zoom in: To pass, the referendum requires 60% voter approval in the Nov. 4 election. School board chair Jackie Norris suggested DMPS officials research more on a $250-$300 million bond and how that would impact the project. Current projections show that a $300 million bond would cost an additional $213.88 annually for a home assessed at $200k.
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Yahoo
At least 1 person injured in Des Moines apartment fire early Tuesday
DES MOINES, Iowa — At least one person was injured in a fire at an apartment building near Merle Hay Mall Tuesday morning. Firefighters were called to 3710 57th Street around 6:00 a.m. after receiving reports of smoke coming from an apartment building, according to Ahman Douglass, a firefighter with the Des Moines Fire Department. When firefighters arrived, smoke was visible, and smoke alarms were sounding. Newton death investigation underway after body found during search warrant execution Firefighters were called to 3710 57th Street around 6:00 a.m. after receiving reports of smoke coming from an apartment building, according to Ahman Douglass, a firefighter with the Des Moines Fire Department. When firefighters arrived, smoke was visible, and smoke alarms were sounding. One victim suffered injuries in the fire and has been transported to a Des Moines hospital for treatment. Their condition has not been released. 'As of right now, just the one person reported with injuries, but we did manage to evacuate some children out of that same unit and then we actually performed a complete evacuation of the structure behind us,' said Douglass. Douglass said that some residents were rescued from balconies on the back side of the building. Douglass said it could be a while before residents were allowed back inside. The heroic actions of one resident helped alert neighbors, according to a first-floor resident Meranda Ollin. She said her upstairs neighbor noticed the fire in another apartment on the second floor. 'He tried to get in the apartment because he could smell it, and he couldn't get the door open so he proceeded to knock on everybody's doors and call 911,' said Ollin. The cause of the fire is under investigation. Local impact of corporate sponsors pulling funding for Pride month At least 1 person injured in Des Moines apartment fire early Tuesday Des Moines City Council approves lighting for MacRae Park boardwalk DMPS opens free summer meal sites Des Moines Christian moving to Little Hawkeye Conference Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
DMPS opens free summer meal sites
DES MOINES, Iowa — Des Moines Public Schools is participating in the USDA Summer Food Service Program, which provides free meals to kids during the summer break from classes. Meal service started June 9 and runs until August 15 at most locations. Lunches are served Monday through Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and must be eaten on site. Anyone age 18 and under is eligible to receive a free, nutritious meal through the program. Des Moines Christian moving to Little Hawkeye Conference DMPS said it has been providing free summer meals for more than 40 years. It is also keeping open 15 DMPS Food Pantries during this summer — you can find out more information here. There are more than 30 free meal locations around Des Moines, some at school sites, like those listed below. Location Address Closed Dates Carver Elementary 705 University Avenue June 19, June 30 – July 4 Cattell Elementary 3101 East 12th Street June 19, July 4 Jefferson Elementary 2425 Watrous Avenue June 19, July 4 Moore Elementary 3716 50th Street June 19, June 30 – July 4 Moulton Elementary 1541 8th Street June 19, July 4 Perkins Elementary 4301 College Avenue June 19, July 4 River Woods Elementary 2929 SE 22nd Street June 19, July 4 Studebaker Elementary 300 E. County Line Road June 19, June 30 – July 4 Walnut Street Elementary 901 Walnut Street June 19, July 4 Hiatt Middle School 1430 East University Avenue June 19, June 30 – July 4 McCombs Middle School 201 County Line Road June 19, June 30 – July 4 Meredith Middle School 4827 Madison Avenue June 19, June 30 – July 4 You can check out a full list of all the locations, times, and dates for the free meal sites here. DMPS opens free summer meal sites Des Moines Christian moving to Little Hawkeye Conference Firework season is here, retailers say new law boosting business Isaiah 117 House holds community-wide kickoff, goal to open house ARL, DMARC host first drive-through pet food giveaway Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Four-day school week 'went fantastic' says Saydel Superintendent
DES MOINES, Iowa — The Saydel Community School District started looking into the possibility of a four-day school week three years ago, and this Wednesday marked the end of the school year with the first time applying that theory. There are 18 school districts in the state that have converted to a four-day school week. For Saydel, the two major goals were mental well-being and retention of quality staff. As a smaller school district surrounded by giants in the metro, something needed to change to appeal to potential teachers. 'We want to make sure that we retain our people and keep them here for longer to make a larger impact. And then obviously, you know, if we can't attract top talent, that becomes a problem as well,' said Todd Martin, Superintendent of Saydel Community School District. 'At the beginning of the summer in 2024, there were 25 full-time positions needing to be filled. Fast forward to this year, there are only 13 positions needing to be filled. For Martin, that indicates the four-day week is working.' DMPS selling student-run radio station KDPS 88.1 FM 'And in the past before that, years ago, it was nothing to have, you know, 30 new staff members. So you can see 13 is a dramatic decrease in new people to our district, which means we can spend more time on further developing people that are currently here,' said Martin. Martin added that there are 15-20 people applying for each position and people are cold calling about those jobs. That has not happened during his tenure as superintendent. The district plans on doing the four-day weeks for the next two years, with Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays off. More data will be collected about attendance, staff retention, and impact on academics. The district did a district-wide survey in the fall and the spring to see what students, staff, and parents/guardians had to say. On the academic side, Martin said that the results show in just one year on the Iowa Statewide Assessment of Student Progress tests. There was an increase in scores which means, to the administration, something is working. '…10% increase is fantastic across the board as a district. Our elementary saw the greatest gains, which was really awesome,' said Martin. 'Matter of fact, we look for them to really show great improvements on the report card this year. As for our middle school and high school we did wee quite a few pockets of excellence beginning to grow, which is very promising. The way I explain this to anybody that asks is all the arrows are pointing in the right direction, and now it's just about maintaining that consistently over time to continue to move towards comprehensive improvement as a district.' Martin said schools have reached out inquiring about the four-day weeks, asking what works and what doesn't. He expects there to be even more school districts next year adopting this calendar. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Hundreds of volunteers needed for National Speech and Debate Tournament in Des Moines
DES MONIES, Iowa — Des Moines Public Schools is seeking volunteers for the National Speech and Debate Tournament that will be held in the metro later this month. DMPS said they need hundreds of volunteers to help man 11 different event sites across the metro. The tournament takes place June 12-20. To learn more about how to volunteer, click here. To learn more about the tournament visit the National Speech and Debate Association website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
