Des Moines Public Schools Unveils Ambitious New Strategic Plan

Des Moines Public Schools (DMPS) is proud to announce the release of its comprehensive new Strategic Plan, aimed at transforming education and elevating student success across the district. Titled “Cultivating Success: A Strategic Plan for Des Moines Public Schools,” this forward-thinking blueprint sets the course for the district’s priorities and initiatives over the next five years, with a focus on innovation, equity, and academic excellence.

“This strategic plan represents a bold step forward for Des Moines Public Schools,” said Dr. Ian Roberts, Superintendent of DMPS. “It is a reflection of our commitment to providing every student with the resources, opportunities, and support they need to thrive. We are excited to embark on this journey together, with our students, families, educators, and community partners.”

Key highlights of the new strategic plan include:

  • Cultivating Equity & Excellence Through High Quality Teaching & Learning: Ensuring every student receives an exceptional education that prepares them for lifelong success.
  • Cultivating Well-Being: Promoting the physical, emotional, and social well-being of our students and staff.
  • Cultivating Transformative Talent: Attracting, developing, and retaining talented educators and staff who are dedicated to our mission.
  • Cultivating Organizational Effectiveness: Delivering exceptional services throughout the operations of Iowa’s largest school district.
  • Cultivating Community & Collaboration: Building strong partnerships with families, community members, and stakeholders to support our shared goals.

“As a school board, we believe in cultivating the potential and possibility within each student,” noted Jackie Norris, chair of the Des Moines School Board. “‘Cultivating Success’ outlines the school district’s collective commitment to providing pathways for students to explore their unique talents and aspirations, supported by the enthusiastic partnership of families, educators, and community stakeholders. This plan is a testament to what is possible when we come together to invest in the future of our children.”

“A world-class city like Des Moines requires a world-class public education system that equips all of its children for success both within its classrooms and beyond,” added Dr. Robert Lundin, chief academic officer at Des Moines Public Schools. “This strategic plan reflects the steadfast commitment of DMPS and its more than 5,000 team members to deliver high-quality academic and extra-curricular opportunities for all of our students and families in which excellence, innovation, and equity will be the expectations and the norms.”

The development of the strategic plan involved extensive input from a diverse group of stakeholders, including students, parents, teachers, and community leaders. Steps in the planning and implementation process include:

  1. Engage with stakeholders;
  2. Review data;
  3. Initial draft of strategic plan;
  4. Gather stakeholder feedback;
  5. Finalize strategic plan;
  6. Cascade the strategic plan.

This collaborative approach helps to ensure that the plan reflects the collective vision and aspirations of the entire DMPS community.

For more information and to view a copy of the strategic plan, please visit strategicplan.dmschools.org.