DMPS braces for funding shifts, eyes long game
The Des Moines School Board is holding a public hearing tonight for its fiscal year 2026 budget, and while no major cuts or stir-ups are expected, the state and federal governments could influence future finances.
Why it matters: Des Moines Public Schools has already undergone millions in cuts and is trying to restructure its facilities over the next decade.
Budget changes could slow those plans.
State of play: There are no significant cuts in the $900 million budget for next year, says DMPS chief financial officer Shashank Aurora.
The budget is increasing by $17.1 million — primarily for rising salary and benefit costs.
$12.7 million of that will be covered by reserves, with the remainder covered by an increase in supplemental state aid.
The big picture: Meanwhile, the district's 10-year " Reimagining Education" plan, which includes closing and restructuring school buildings, is reliant on capital funds.
DMPS is considering a bond referendum this November to help fund that project, but potential property tax reforms by the Legislature could hurt how much it can get from tax levies.
Even if voters vote against a referendum, DMPS could still pursue its plans over a longer time frame, Aurora says.
Plus: Federal education budget cuts could also hurt the district, with DMPS potentially losing millions of dollars, Aurora says.
If Head Start — a federal child care and nutrition program — is cut, Aurora expects even deeper financial struggles.
Between the lines: School board chair Jackie Norris wants the district to use a more forward-looking budget approach, including a five-year comprehensive plan.
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