| After seven years on the DMPS team, and 14 years as a resident of the district, I continue to be amazed by our school district and our city. One of our great strengths is our diversity. Our schools boast over 32,000 students from nearly 90 different countries, speaking nearly 100 different languages. Combined with a nationally recognized teaching staff, the strengths and benefits which result from our diversity are reflected daily in the many accomplishments of our students and staff. With programs like Dream to Teach, 3D, and our innovative alternative teacher contract, we continue to focus on building an instructional team that reflects our student body.Our students earn state and national recognition in everything from academics to athletics to the arts. Staff members earn state and national recognition for their excellence. And our graduation rate, assessment results, and enrollment trends are all moving in the right direction. DMPS has been honored for its management practices in finance, communications, and energy efficiency. All five of our comprehensive high schools are ranked in the Top 25 of the Iowa Advanced Placement Index and our International Baccalaureate program continues to expand across all grade levels. A serious investment in instructional technology means that every classroom is equipped with an interactive projector and our student to computer ratio is nearly 1 to 1, providing 21st century students with 21st century learning environments.
Programs available to our students rival the best found anywhere in the country. From outstanding access to Advanced Placement courses and International Baccalaureate programs to the arts to preschool and after school programs to specialized courses such as marine biology, aviation, Urban Leadership, fashion design, animal sciences, broadcast & film and much more, DMPS is continually expanding and improving to help each student find their passion and excel.
DMPS is moving quickly towards becoming the nation’s model for urban education, thanks to the dedication and hard work of nearly 33,000 students and 5,000 employees, along with the support of families and many community partners. It is a privilege to be superintendent for Des Moines Public Schools, serving an incredible community that understands the hope for our future and the strength of our community rests in our schools. |
