School closures put these Des Moines properties in play
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The Walnut Street School building in downtown DSM has more than 100,000 square feet of space. Its final classes will conclude in the coming months. Photo: Courtesy of the Polk County Assessor
As Des Moines Public Schools reshapes its footprint following last year's voter-approved Reimagining Education plan, broader questions are emerging about whether the district should sell or repurpose soon-to-be vacated facilities.
Why it matters: The decisions could reshape neighborhoods, affect charter school expansion, and determine how public assets are used for years to come.
Driving the news: DSM Public Schools board member Patrick Dix floated the idea of converting the Walnut Street School into teacher housing at a recent event hosted by the Des Moines Downtown Neighborhood Association.
- While there is no current proposal, housing could help attract and retain staff, especially younger teachers, Dix tells Axios.
Catch up fast: Walnut Street, Howe Elementary and Harding Middle schools will close as part of the district's $265 million, five-year facilities plan, which was approved by more than 70% of voters in November.
- The broader goal is to consolidate and modernize facilities, focusing on new pathways for students to learn and earn college credit as the district evolves with a smaller student population.
State of play: Walnut is the first building transitioning out of classroom use, with students permanently vacating it at the end of this school year.
- The building will serve as temporary administrative offices as the district reshuffles space.
- Its long-term future remains uncertain.
Flashback: Nearly two years ago, during a joint meeting, district and city officials discussed new uses for buildings, with interim superintendent Matt Smith pledging that "no stone will be unturned" as they review options.
The intrigue: A recent Iowa law introduces a potential wrinkle in what happens next.
- If DMPS sells a building, it must sell to an "educational institution" — such as a charter school — if that group submits the highest bid.
- Dix says the dynamic is part of why the district wants to hold on to properties for now, noting there are broader reasons to maintain flexibility as plans evolve.
What we're watching: How community input and potential partnerships shape the future of the buildings.