Latest news with #DesMoinesSchoolBoard
Axios
22-04-2025
- Business
- Axios
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.
Yahoo
06-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
DMPS plans to put district-wide cell phone policy in place next school year
DES MOINES, Iowa — Des Moines Public Schools' leaders are planning to implement a district-wide cell phone policy next school year. At the Des Moines School Board's Tuesday meeting, Superintendent Dr. Ian Roberts said that after researching the effects of cellphones in the classroom and evaluating Hoover High School's cell phone free policy, the district plans to implement that policy across the Roberts says that students should remember this is not punitive, but instead it is about building a healthy balance of how students are engaging and utilizing screen time. Expanded childcare bill causing childcare providers concern The policy will address students' need for use of cellphones to minimize distractions, support mental health, and enhance education outcomes. Part of the proposal includes differing levels of access for students based on their grade. The rules will be set to address three tiers: high schools, middle schools, and elementary schools. More details will be presented for the board's approval at their next meeting in April. There's also an effort at the Statehouse to limit cell phone usage in schools, spearheaded by Gov. Kim Reynolds. A subcommittee approved the bill earlier in the session, and on Wednesday it was approved to be on the calendar as HF 782. Iowa Hawkeyes cruise to big win over Wisconsin in Big Ten women's tourney How much snow and wind central Iowa saw and how much more is on the way Expanded childcare bill causing childcare providers concern Iowa blizzard leads to crashes, delays for travelers Iowa bill would prohibit vaccines unless manufacturer waives liability protections Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
