This the the first in a series of articles about the work of the Facility Planning Committee at Des Moines Public Schools. Each week we’ll look at the REIMAGINING EDUCATION initiative, from why this work is underway in the first place to how it could improve education for our students and community. This first article is an overview of the work and the process the committee has undertaken since being organized late last year.
A committee of Des Moines Public Schools stakeholders is working on an entirely new vision for DMPS.
The school district convened the Facility Planning Committee in fall 2023 to get staff, parent and community insight on a new model of education for DMPS students, called the Reimagining Education initiative.
The district will provide several opportunities for families, staff members, students and other members of the community to weigh in on the committee’s suggestions for Reimagining Education, once they are ready. This public feedback will shape the committee’s recommendation to the Board of Education. The Board will make the final decision on what to put into action.
The committee started by looking at the problems facing DMPS. For the past several years, a decline in student enrollment led to losses in revenue. These losses, combined with state funding that does not keep up with increasing costs, are forcing DMPS to look for ways to both reduce spending and make its schools a more attractive option for students and their families.
To address these issues, rather than just adapting the current education model, the Reimagining Education initiative will think differently about how to deliver equitable learning for all students in all neighborhoods of the district. The committee is looking for ways to better meet students’ needs while being more efficient with district dollars, so DMPS can prioritize its people over its buildings.
The possible changes that could come from the Reimagining Education initiative might include:
- Adjustment of school boundaries
- Creation of new schools and programs
- Additions to existing schools
- Consolidation of schools and facilities
- Changes to the existing K-5, 6-8, 9-12 grade configuration
The committee reviewed research and information, visited other innovative school programs and studied feedback from other district stakeholders to help in preparing its overall recommendation. The committee’s work will continue in the coming weeks, with more details to be presented to the board and community as the process continues.
DMPS will regularly share additional information about the Reimagining Education initiative and the Facility Planning Committee with staff members, families and community members.
