Why the DMPS Bond Referendum Matters to Us

We believe that to THRIVE in the Des Moines Metro, every citizen must have equitable access to justice, housing, healthcare, transportation, living-wage employment, and a culturally inclusive, globally competitive education that prepares our young and emerging leaders.

This fall, our city faces a defining choice about that last piece, education. For the first time since 1989, Des Moines Public Schools (DMPS) is asking voters to approve a bond that will modernize our schools and help make that vision possible for every child.

What This Bond Really Is

There’s been a lot of confusion about this measure, so let’s start with the facts.

The bond’s purpose is simple: it will fund facilities (buildings, safety upgrades, classroom renovations, and new learning spaces.) State law prevents any of these funds from being used for salaries or administrative costs. Every dollar must go toward improving the places where our children learn.

Our Role in Shaping the Plan

The Reimagine DMPS plan, which this bond helps to support, was built by a collaborative volunteer committee who worked for well over a year and months of community input, not by district leadership alone. In fact, Des Moines Branch members, including myself, participated on the committee and showed up at the district’s feedback sessions, bringing our members’ voices and values to the table.

That process drew responses from more than 14,600 students, parents, and community members, identifying key priorities like STEM, career and technical education, medical and health sciences, performing arts, and Montessori programming. These were chosen because they reflect both community interest and Iowa’s workforce needs for the future.

This plan is about preparing our children to thrive.

Equity and Opportunity

Educational inequity has long been one of our most persistent civil rights challenges. While suburban districts around us have passed multiple bonds in recent years to build new schools and modern facilities and have bonds on the ballot this year as well, Des Moines students have been asked to make do with aging buildings and limited space for far too long. Approving this bond is how we begin to close that gap.

It’s also how we align with the NAACP’s enduring national commitment to Education Innovation, building equitable pathways to high-quality education and career opportunities.

What You Can Do

1. Vote YES when the DMPS bond referendum appears on the ballot.

2. Talk with your networks, family, neighbors, congregations, and colleagues about why this matters.

3. Challenge misinformation with facts: this bond funds classrooms, not politics.

This is our moment to show that Des Moines believes in its children and invests in their future. When we build strong schools, we build strong communities.

DMPSBulletinFAQ.pdf

Download PDF • 147KB