Petition for $265M Des Moines schools bond hits milestone
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The "Yes for Des Moines Schools" campaign has gathered more than 3,750 signatures — about halfway to the needed number to put a $265 million bond referendum on the November ballot, the volunteer group's organizers told Axios on Thursday.
Why it matters: If the petition succeeds, voters' final decision will affect the metro's education system for years to come.
Catch up quick: Des Moines Public Schools presented the "Reimagining Education" plan this year after a committee spent months studying how to address declining enrollment, tight budgets and aging buildings.
- The cost and timeline of the original $500 million, 10-year pitch were cut in half last month after school board members considered them.
- The smaller version keeps the same priorities but reduces the scope and timelines.
State of play: The district plans to create "signature schools" that give families the option to select schools emphasizing career pathways like medical and health sciences or engineering. It also plans to:
- Expand access to full-day preschool and day care
- Redesign middle schools to include more hands-on learning and smaller class sizes
By the numbers: Taxes would go up about $200 a year for a home assessed at around $210,000, according to DMPS estimates.
The intrigue: The plan includes facility upgrades and reconfigurations of buildings or classrooms, which would lead to the closure of Walnut Street School, Harding Middle School, Howe Elementary and an administrative building.
Reality check: Supporters who have been gathering signatures from DMPS voters since July 16 face numerous hurdles.
- They must gather approximately 7,500 signatures from DMPS voters by mid-September to get the plan on the ballot.
- The plan needs 60% voter approval to pass on Nov. 4.
What they're saying: Efforts to improve school programming and student outcomes would "considerably slow down" if this year's efforts fail, Matt Smith, DMPS associate superintendent, tells Axios.
The other side: The extra costs could burden property owners and don't necessarily guarantee better student outcomes, Sarah Curry, research director of Iowans for Tax Relief, told KCCI.
What's next: Campaign volunteers will gather signatures Saturday at Raygun in the East Village from 3-4:30pm and at Ingersoll Live from 5-7pm.
- They are also requesting that supporters download blank petitions and help gather signatures.