Recently, Des Moines Public Schools released its budget for FY 2020, the upcoming fiscal year that covers next school year.

As Superintendent Tom Ahart noted in his introduction of the budget: “I am committed to presenting a budget that is balanced and meets the needs of our students. One of our priorities is to maintain a fiscally sound organization while accelerating improvements to student outcomes. However, the past several years of under-funding public education in Iowa is taking a toll.”

As a result of the state’s under-funding of public education over the past several years, DMPS is planning to make a $74 million expenditure reduction over the next three years, including a $24 million reduction for the next year. As in previous years, the district has worked tirelessly to identify areas where these reductions can be made with the least impact on students.

DMPS must approve its budget by April 15. Public forums are an important part of this process, so that members of the community can learn about what is being proposed and why; become informed about education funding in Iowa; and ask questions about the proposed budget.

The School Board is hosting four forums in late March:

Tuesday, March 26 – 5:00 PM
North High School Library

Wednesday, March 27 – 5:00 PM
Roosevelt High School Library

Thursday, March 28 – 5:00 PM
DMPS Operations Center (1917 Dean Avenue)

Saturday, March 30 – 9:00 AM
Lincoln High School Library

If you cannot attend one of these four event, or would simply like to learn more about the DMPS budget, be sure to watch our online budget forum:

Have a question or comment. Contact us at budget@dmschools.org.

To download a copy of the proposed budget, or any previous budgets, be sure to visit budget.dmschools.org.