Des Moines Independent Community School District public meetings in 2024

Board of Directors - Board Development

The Des Moines Independent Community School District Board of Directors will hold a session titled 'School Finance 101' to discuss board finance overview. The event is scheduled for December 20, 2024, at 12pm in Conference Room B at 2100 Fleur Drive.

• School Finance 101 session
• Board Finance Overview discussion
• Location: 2100 Fleur Drive, Conference Room B
• Date: December 20, 2024
• Time: 12pm - 1:30pm

Board of Directors

The board will discuss and vote on a monitoring report assessing compliance with Guardrail 2, which requires social-emotional learning needs of staff and students to be addressed. They will also approve a consent agenda including $3,775,580.23 in bills, minutes, denial of late open enrollment requests to leave the district, and a memorandum of understanding with Drake University Head Start.

• Monitoring report on Interim Guardrails 2a (student self-efficacy) and 2b (teacher professional learning on SEL) with targets from 2023 to 2027
• Approval of consent agenda including bills totaling $3,775,580.23
• Denial of two late open enrollment requests to Saydel (cases 7967689 and 9679676)
• Memorandum of Understanding with Drake University Head Start for preschool services coordination
• District recognitions for student and staff achievements

The Board of Directors approved a consent agenda including $3,775,580.23 in authorized payments. The board also held public hearings and approved projects for Lincoln High School and Ruby Van Meter. A work session was held to review the FY2026 Budget.

• Approved consent agenda including $3,775,580.23 in bills (6-0)
• Approved Lincoln High School Locker Room Improvements (6-0)
• Approved Ruby Van Meter Roofing Project (6-0)
• Approved FY25-26 Downtown School Calendar (6-0)
• Accepted monitoring report for Guardrail 2 (6-0)
• Approved MOU with Drake Head Start (6-0)
• Approved Cengage Learning English Language Learners Curriculum (6-0)
• Approved Internship Program Agreement with UNI (6-0)

Board of Directors

The Des Moines school board voted unanimously to reject the monitoring report for Goal 1 (fourth-grade literacy) and tabled the Goal 2 report (Black and Latinx middle school literacy). The consent agenda was approved, including $5,305,726.17 in bills. The board also heard an update on Goal 3 (career readiness) and held a public forum and recognitions.

• Monitoring report for Goal 1 (ISASP ELA proficiency for all 4th graders) rejected by 7-0 vote
• Monitoring report for Goal 2 (Black and Latinx 8th grade ELA) tabled by board motion
• Consent agenda approved including $5,305,726.17 in previously authorized bills
• Goal 3 update on career readiness presented; includes Diploma Plus program materials
• District recognitions presented by superintendent for student and staff achievements

The Board approved several facility projects and budget requests to the School Budget Review Committee. Members voted to terminate a continuing teaching contract and rejected a monitoring report for Goal 1. The meeting concluded with the election of new board leadership.

• Elected Jackie Norris as Board Chair (7-0)
• Elected Dr. Skylar Mayberry-Mayes as Board Vice-Chair (6-0)
• Approved $5,305,726.17 in consent agenda bills (7-0)
• Approved Lincoln High School Parking Lot Replacement (7-0)
• Approved North High School Locker Room Upgrades (7-0)
• Approved FY25-26 School Calendar (7-0)
• Approved recommendation to terminate a continuing teaching contract (7-0)
• Approved three Modified Allowable Growth requests to the SBRC for LEP programs and open enrollment (7-0)

Des Moines Public Schools Foundation Board Meeting

The Des Moines Public Schools Foundation Board will hold a regular meeting to discuss and vote on several action items, including bylaw revisions, a vote to use the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines for accounting services, and four funding requests totaling $11,926.64. The board will also receive financial and school board updates and discuss committee reports.

• Vote on Funding Requests: Merrill Gardening Committee - $3,000, Samuelson Decodable Books - $926.64, Morris Book Cart - $6,000, Oak Park Mural - $2,000
• Vote to utilize the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines for Accounting Services
• Presentation on Bylaw Revisions suggested by the Drake Legal Clinic
• Discussion on 2nd Annual Foundation Dinner Sponsorship and Auction
• Small group discussions on Giving/Granting Impact, New Member Recruitment, DEI Statement, Brand Awareness

Board of Directors - Board Retreat & Special Session

The Des Moines Independent Community School District Board of Directors is meeting for a Board Retreat and Special Session on November 17, 2024. The agenda includes board development training and a special session where the board will approve the agenda and enter a closed session.

• Board Retreat: 8am-12pm at 2910 Westown Parkway, Suite 302
• Approval of Agenda
• Closed Session to evaluate professional competency per Iowa Code 21.5(1)(i)
• Motion to end closed session and return to open session
• Adjournment of special session

The Board of Directors conducted a work session and a special session. No substantive policy or budgetary decisions were recorded in the open session.

• Approved the meeting agenda (7-0)
• Approved motion to enter closed session per Iowa Code section 21.5(1)(c) (7-0)
• Approved motion to return to open session (6-0)

Des Moines Teachers Retirement System (DMTRS) Annual All-Member Meeting

The Des Moines Teachers Retirement System will hold its annual all‑member meeting to approve the agenda, give a plan update, and present the annual report and financial statements. A presentation on BTC Capital Management will be provided, and the advisory committee elections will be conducted. The meeting will also confirm the date for the next quarterly session.

• Agenda approval (action item)
• Plan update (discussion)
• Annual report and financials presentation (PDF attached)
• BTC Capital Management overview (presentation)
• Advisory committee elections (presentation of elected members)

Board of Directors

The Des Moines School Board will consider approving a consent agenda that includes $6,920,833.92 in bills and $588,654.01 in procurement card transactions. Also up for action are contracts for masonry restoration at Garton Elementary ($75,500) and Central Academy ($194,420), and a monitoring report on Guardrail 1 concerning ELL student access to advanced programs. The meeting opens with public forum and district recognitions.

• Approval of bills totaling $6,920,833.92 and procurement card transactions of $588,654.01
• Award of $75,500 contract to Central States Roofing for Garton Elementary exterior masonry restoration
• Award of $194,420 contract to MTS Contracting for Central Academy exterior masonry restoration
• Monitoring report on Guardrail 1 regarding equitable access for ELL students to Central Campus, Central Academy, and Advanced Learning programs
• Approval of minutes from October 22, 2024

The Board approved a consent agenda including over $7.5 million in payments and several school restoration contracts. Members also voted to require administration to present draft language for a district-wide personal electronic device policy at the next meeting.

• Approved consent agenda including $6,920,833.92 in bills and $588,654.01 in procurement card transactions (7-0)
• Approved exterior restoration contracts for Garton Elementary, Central Academy, and Goodrell Middle School (7-0)
• Approved re-roofing projects for Lovejoy Elementary and Windsor Elementary (7-0)
• Approved AP Psychology adoption (7-0)
• Approved Canvas Training funds (7-0)
• Approved personnel recommendations (7-0)
• Approved DMPS and Iowa Workforce Development Teacher and Paraeducator Registered Apprenticeship Program Addendum (7-0)
• Directed administration to present draft language for a district-wide personal electronic device use policy at the next meeting (6-1)

Des Moines Public Schools Foundation Board Meeting

The Des Moines Public Schools Foundation Board will meet to approve previous minutes and review financial statements. The board will also receive updates from the School Board and reports from the Executive and other committees.

• Approval of meeting minutes
• Review of financials and bank statements
• School Board updates
• Executive Committee report
• Committee reports

Board of Directors

The Des Moines school board holds a regular meeting and work session. The board will receive a monitoring report on Guardrail 1, which addresses equitable access for ELL students to advanced programming. Consent items include approval of bills totaling $5,758,790.77 and a contract for Brody Middle School tennis courts.

• Monitoring report on Guardrail 1 for ELL student access to advanced learning
• Consent agenda approval of $5,758,790.77 in bills
• Agreement with Estes Construction for Brody Middle School tennis courts, fee not to exceed $37,070
• Student practicum contract with St. Ambrose University
• Approval of minutes from October 8, 2024

The Board of Directors approved a consent agenda including $5,758,790.77 in payments and several construction contracts. The board also approved easements for traffic and lighting systems at two schools and a request for Modified Allowable Growth from the SBRC.

• Approved consent agenda including $5,758,790.77 in payments (7-0)
• Approved Construction Manager at Risk for Brody Middle School tennis courts (7-0)
• Approved contract for Roosevelt Exterior Restoration (7-0)
• Approved contract for Madison Elementary School Roofing Project (7-0)
• Approved chiller equipment bid for Hoover High School (7-0)
• Approved easement for traffic signal and street lighting at Callanan Middle School (7-0)
• Approved easement for traffic signal and street lighting at Findley Elementary School (7-0)
• Approved request to SBRC for Modified Allowable Growth due to LEP Deficit FY 2024 (7-0)

Board of Directors

The Board of Directors met to approve a consent agenda including significant district expenditures and a student device lease final invoice. The superintendent also provided an update on Goal 3 and presented district recognitions.

• Approval of bills totaling $8,838,475.60 and procurement card transactions of $626,325.30
• Payment of $573,942.75 for a student device lease closeout invoice for unreturned or damaged HP devices
• Payment of $269,908.00 to Cambium Assessments for FY 23-24 ELL student services
• Approval of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Building Trades Maintenance Council to employ an apprentice laborer
• Superintendent update on Goal 3

The Board approved a consent agenda including $8,838,475.60 in authorized bills and $626,325.30 in procurement card transactions. The Board also approved a request to the School Budget Review Committee for Modified Allowable Growth and Supplemental Aid for the FY 2024 special education deficit.

• Approved consent agenda including $8,838,475.60 in bills and $626,325.30 in procurement card transactions (6-0)
• Approved 23-24 fiscal year Cambium Assessments Payment (6-0)
• Approved student device lease 20 final invoice (6-0)
• Approved MOU between DMPS and Building Trades Maintenance Council (6-0)
• Approved 2025 IASB Legislative Platform (6-0)
• Approved RFP9239- AP Psychology Adoption (6-0)
• Approved Regular Board Meeting Proposed Agenda (5-1)
• Approved request to SBRC for Modified Allowable Growth and Supplemental Aid for Special Education Deficit FY 2024 (6-0)

Board of Directors

The Des Moines school board will vote on a consent agenda that includes paying $6,288,773.07 in bills, approving a $39,930 pre-construction agreement with Estes Construction for a new track and field at Hoover High School, accepting a Heartland AEA special education contract amendment, and adopting a new travel pay policy for non-exempt employees. The meeting also includes district recognitions, a public forum, and a work session afterward.

• Approval of consent agenda bills totaling $6,288,773.07
• Pre-construction services contract with Estes Construction for Hoover High School track and field — fee not to exceed $39,930
• Special Education contract amendment with Heartland AEA 11
• Final acceptance of four projects: Riverwoods HVAC ($183,259), Hoover re-roof ($382,500), CNC cooler/freezer doors ($235,700), Park Avenue Elementary exterior ($543,044)
• New policy on travel pay for non-exempt (hourly) employees

The Board approved a consent agenda including $6,288,773.07 in previously authorized payments. The board also approved construction managers for Hoover High School and held public hearings for restoration and roofing projects at Garton, Windsor, and Lovejoy Elementary schools.

• Approved consent agenda including $6,288,773.07 in payments (7-0)
• Approved Construction Manager at Risk for Hoover High School New Running Track & Field (7-0)
• Approved Construction Manager at Risk for Hoover High School Secure Entrance (7-0)
• Approved Special Education Contract with Heartland AEA 11 (7-0)
• Approved RFP8982-1 Mental Health Services- Mosaic Family Counseling Center (7-0)
• Approved Garton Elementary Exterior Restoration following public hearing (7-0)
• Approved Windsor Elementary Re-Roofing Project following public hearing (7-0)
• Approved Lovejoy Elementary Re-Roofing Project following public hearing (7-0)

Board of Directors - Board Development

The Board of Directors is holding a special meeting for board member development. The agenda notes that this gathering will not include discussion or deliberation of District business.

• Board Member Development at BigGrove, 555 17th St, Des Moines, IA

Des Moines Public Schools Foundation Board Meeting

The Des Moines Public Schools Foundation Board will meet to approve previous meeting minutes, review financial statements, and receive updates from the school board and executive committee.

• Approval of the minutes from the previous meeting
• Review of financials and bank statement
• School Board Updates
• Executive Committee Report
• Committee Reports

Board of Directors

The Des Moines Independent Community School District Board will vote on consent items that include bills totaling $12,998,711.41 and procurement card transactions of $469,165.51. It will also consider a $40,000 purchase of greenhouse supplies for the Central Campus horticulture program. Additional agenda items include a district recognitions ceremony, updates on Goal 3 and the FY 25 budget guardrails, a board self‑evaluation, and adoption of the SOFG implementation timeline.

• Approve consent items: bills $12,998,711.41 and procurement cards $469,165.51
• Approve $40,000 purchase of greenhouse supplies for Central Campus horticulture
• Adopt the SOFG implementation timeline (governance improvement schedule)
• Approve board quarterly self‑evaluation
• Provide updates on Goal 3 and FY 25 budget guardrails

The Board approved a consent agenda including $12,998,711.41 in bills and $469,165.51 in procurement card transactions. Public hearings were held and approvals granted for exterior restorations at Central Academy, Goodrell Middle School, and Roosevelt, as well as roofing at Madison Elementary.

• Approved consent agenda including $12,998,711.41 in bills and $469,165.51 in procurement card transactions (6-0)
• Approved Central Academy Exterior Restoration (6-0)
• Approved Goodrell Middle School Exterior Restoration (6-0)
• Approved Roosevelt Exterior Restoration (6-0)
• Approved Madison Elementary School Roofing Project (6-0)
• Approved Personnel Recommendations (6-0)
• Approved Construction Manager at Risk for North High School New Running Track & Field (6-0)
• Approved Head Start Agreement with Transportation Addendum (6-0)

Des Moines Teachers Retirement System (DMTRS) Quarterly Meeting - Virtual

The Des Moines Teachers Retirement System (DMTRS) will hold a virtual quarterly meeting to approve the agenda and discuss the Business Technical Committee (BTC) overview and a retirement incentive program with an October 1st deadline.

• Agenda approval
• BTC Overview discussion
• DMTRS Retirement Incentive discussion
• Next meeting date set for November 13th

The board reviewed the DMTRS Investment Performance Report and current asset allocations. Members discussed updating the investment policy but agreed to wait for the completion of the actuary report. A tentative date for the annual meeting was set.

• Scheduled next meeting for November 13th at 4:00 PM
• Set tentative date for annual meeting

Des Moines Public Schools Foundation Board Meeting

The Des Moines Public Schools Foundation Board will hold a regular meeting on August 26, 2024, via Zoom. Agenda items include approval of minutes, a financial review, school board updates, and discussions on funding opportunities and committee reports. The meeting is largely procedural with no specific dollar amounts or major actions listed.

• Approval of meeting minutes
• Financial update and review of bank statements
• Discussion of funding opportunities
• Committee updates
• Save the date for OneRun on September 21, 2024

Board of Directors - Board Retreat II

The Des Moines Independent Community School District Board of Directors is holding a Board Retreat II on Sunday, August 25, 2024, to discuss board development and training. The meeting will take place at Grand View University.

• Board Development and Training discussion
• Board Retreat II meeting
• Location: Grand View University - Kent Henning Student Center (Plaza View Room)
• Date: Sunday, August 25, 2024
• Time: 11am - 3pm

Board of Directors

The Des Moines Independent Community School District Board will consider several consent items, including payment of $28,036,965.25 in previously authorized bills and $438,022.01 in procurement card transactions. It will also vote on renewing the school crossing guard cost‑sharing agreement with the City of Des Moines (up to $330,129) and approve the 2024‑25 Board Monitoring Report Schedule. A key item is the superintendent’s recommendation to purchase and implement a Transportation Management System from Tyler Technology for $330,000.

• Approve consent agenda items covering $28,036,965.25 in bills and $438,022.01 in procurement card transactions
• Renew FY25 school crossing guard services agreement with the City of Des Moines, cost to the City not to exceed $330,129
• Approve the 2024‑25 Board Monitoring Report Schedule
• Approve purchase and implementation of a Transportation Management System from Tyler Technology for $330,000
• District recognitions: awards presented to students, staff, or the district

The Board of Directors approved a consent agenda including $28,036,965.25 in authorized bills and $438,022.01 in procurement card transactions. The board also passed a resolution regarding the district's response to HR2586. Other approved items included various grants, service agreements, and personnel recommendations.

• Approved consent agenda including $28,036,965.25 in bills and $438,022.01 in procurement card transactions
• Approved resolution on District’s response to HR2586
• Approved FY25 School Crossing Guard Services Agreement with City of Des Moines
• Approved Beyond the Bell Grants for McCombs Middle School, HipHope, Hoover, Roosevelt, and East High School
• Awarded RFP9205 Background Screening Services to 3RD Degree Screening Inc.
• Approved Agreement for Non-Teaching Internship Program with Mercy College of Health Sciences
• Approved personnel recommendations
• Approved minutes from July 9, July 23, and July 31, 2024

Board of Directors - Board Retreat I

The Des Moines Independent Community School District Board of Directors is scheduled to meet for a Board Retreat I on August 10, 2024. The session, titled 'Board Training and Retreat,' is categorized under 'SOFG Board Development' and is listed as a discussion item.

• Board Training and Retreat discussion
• Board Member Retreat scheduled for Aug 10, 2024
• Location: 2910 Westown Parkway, Suite 310, West Des Moines

Board of Directors Special Session

The Board of Directors held a special session to review and act upon staffing changes. The board voted to approve a personnel list recommended by the superintendent.

• Approval of Personnel Recommendations July 31, 2024

The Board of Directors held a special session to review and approve a personnel list. The motion passed with a unanimous vote from the members present.

• Approved the personnel list (5-0)

Board of Directors Special Session

The Des Moines Independent Community School District Board of Directors held a special session to vote on several consent items. The board approved funding for employee background checks, personnel recommendations, and professional training and communications contracts.

• Approved $430,000 for SIOP training from SAAVAS using title funding
• Approved $130,000 for new and existing employee background checks for FY24
• Approved Strategic Communications contract with Center for Effective School Operations (CESO) for $57,600 plus estimated travel and printing costs
• Approved personnel recommendations

The Board of Directors approved a consent agenda containing multiple administrative items. These included a contract award for strategic communications and funding for background checks.

• Approved RFP9222 Strategic Communications Award to Center for Effective School Operations (CESO)
• Approved Personnel Recommendations
• Approved additional funds for Background Checks
• Approved SIOP Training- Sole Source

****Cancelled*** Board of Directors Special Session

This special board meeting was cancelled. The agenda included several consent items such as a contract for ParentSquare communication tool ($116,400), additional funding for background checks ($130,000), personnel recommendations, and a strategic communications RFP (up to $200,000). No votes or decisions occurred.

• Contract for ParentSquare two-way communication tool ($116,400) — not acted upon due to cancellation
• Additional $130,000 for employee background checks — not acted upon
• Personnel recommendations (attached) — not acted upon
• Selection of vendor for strategic communications RFP (up to $200,000) — not acted upon

Board of Directors

The board discussed and approved a monitoring report on Goal 3, which aims to increase Black male 11th graders' math proficiency from 17.7% to 45% by 2026. They also approved a consent agenda including $13,000,176.45 in bills and monitoring reports on equitable treatment of students (Guardrail 1) and staff demographics (Guardrail 3). The meeting included district recognitions and a public forum.

• Approved monitoring report on Goal 3: Black male 11th grade ISASP math proficiency target
• Consent agenda approval including $13,000,176.45 in bills
• Monitoring report on Guardrail 1: inequitable treatment of students
• Monitoring report on Guardrail 3: staff diversity and retention rates
• RFP9127 for ParentSquare two-way communication (presentation item)

The Board of Directors approved a consent agenda including $13,000,176.45 in previously authorized bills. The board also accepted a monitoring report regarding Goal 3 for high school math. A vote on the ParentSquare two-way communication RFP was tabled.

• Approved agenda (6-0)
• Accepted Monitoring Report – Goal 3, High School Math (7-0)
• Approved consent agenda including $13,000,176.45 in bills (7-0)
• Tabled RFP9127- Two Way Communication- ParentSquare (6-1)

Des Moines Public Schools Foundation Board Meeting

The Des Moines Public Schools Foundation Board will vote on releasing funds from the Donna K. Murphy Fund for the 2025 Foundation Dinner and transferring Maverick/Call Foundation funds to the Foodbank of Iowa for DMPS food pantries. The board will also review financials, discuss board commitments and a code of ethics, and plan future mission statement work.

• Vote to release Donna K. Murphy Fund for 2025 Foundation Dinner
• Vote to move Maverick/Call Foundation funds to Foodbank of Iowa for DMPS pantries
• Review of financials and bank statement
• Discussion of board commitments including bylaws, fee policy, and website updates
• Brainstorming mission statement and growth plan

Board of Directors - Board Development

This is a special meeting of the Des Moines School Board for board development. No specific agenda items, decisions, or public hearings are listed; the meeting appears to be a procedural session with no substantive business.

• Only agenda item is 'Board Development' listed as a discussion

Board of Directors

The Des Moines School Board approved a consent agenda including the payment of $6,013,029.48 in bills and the acceptance of three monitoring reports on student literacy and safety goals. The board also approved the minutes from the previous meeting.

• Approval of $6,013,029.48 in bills and procurement card transactions
• Acceptance of monitoring report for Goal 1: All Students Early Literacy
• Acceptance of monitoring report for Goal 2: Black Male Students Early Literacy
• Acceptance of monitoring report for Guardrail 4: Safe & Welcome
• Approval of June 4, 2024 Board of Directors meeting minutes

The Board approved a consent agenda including $5,055,962.34 in bills and $957,067.14 in procurement card transactions. It also accepted monitoring reports for early literacy goals. A proposal for ParentSquare two-way communication was tabled for further information.

• Approved monitoring report for Goal 1, All Students Early Literacy
• Approved monitoring report for Goal 2, Black Male Students Early Literacy
• Approved consent agenda including $5,055,962.34 in bills and $957,067.14 in procurement card transactions
• Tabled RFP9127- Two Way Communication- ParentSquare
• Approved Superintendent's contract

Board of Directors Work Session with Des Moines City Council

The Des Moines Independent Community School District Board of Directors will hold a work session with the Des Moines City Council to discuss shared topics including parks, preschool, the library, housing, and education.

• Joint work session with Des Moines City Council
• Discussion on parks and recreation
• Discussion on preschool
• Discussion on the Des Moines Public Library
• Discussion on neighborhood revitalization and housing

Board of Directors

The Des Moines Board of Directors approved a consent agenda including bills totaling over $6 million, personnel recommendations, and the award of a $295,000 contract for secure entry upgrades at Mitchell Early Learning Center. The board also received a monitoring report on student social-emotional learning.

• Award of $295,000 contract for secure entry upgrades at Mitchell Early Learning Center
• Approval of bills totaling $6,076,226.61
• Approval of minutes from May 21, 2024
• Monitoring report on social-emotional learning for students with IEPs
• Personnel recommendations

The Board of Directors approved a consent agenda that included $2,334,782.11 in previously authorized bills. The board also approved personnel recommendations and construction contracts for school facility improvements.

• Approved consent agenda including $2,334,782.11 in bills (7-0)
• Approved minutes from May 21, 2024 (7-0)
• Approved Monitoring Report- Guardrail 2: Social Emotional Learning (7-0)
• Approved personnel recommendations (7-0)
• Awarded contract for B9186 Mitchell Secure Entry (7-0)
• Approved final acceptance of various projects (7-0)
• Approved Guaranteed Maximum Price Amendment with Turner Construction for East High School New Practice Field (7-0)
• Approved Guaranteed Maximum Price Amendment with Turner Construction for Lincoln High School New Running Track & Field (7-0)

Board of Directors

The Des Moines School Board approved consent items including $4.15 million in bills and $828,000 in procurement transactions, as well as FY25 employee benefits and the district's student achievement goals and guardrails.

• Approval of FY25 employee benefits
• Approval of student achievement goals and guardrails
• Bills totaling $4,150,574.06
• Procurement transactions totaling $828,181.69
• Approval of May 7, 2024 meeting minutes

The Board of Directors approved a consent agenda including $4,150,574.06 in bills and $828,181.69 in procurement transactions. Several administrative items, including FY25 employee benefits and salary schedules, were approved. The scheduled work session was tabled.

• Approved consent agenda including $4,150,574.06 in bills and $828,181.69 in procurement (7-0)
• Approved FY25 Employee Benefits (7-0)
• Approved FY2025 Fee Schedule (7-0)
• Approved AFSCME Salary Schedule 2024-2025 (7-0)
• Approved DMEA Salary Schedule 2024-2025 (7-0)
• Approved contract for B9188 Brubaker and Greenwood Geothermal Vault Replacement (7-0)
• Approved Board Meeting Dates for FY 2024-2025 (7-0)
• Tabled work session to a subsequent meeting

Des Moines Public Schools Foundation Board Meeting

The Des Moines Public Schools Foundation Board will meet to approve previous meeting minutes, introduce new members, and review financial statements. The agenda includes updates from the school board and committee reports.

• Approval of the May 2024 minutes
• Introduction of new board members
• Review of financials and bank statement
• School Board Updates
• Committee Updates

Board of Directors

The Des Moines School Board will attend a virtual meeting with the Black Child Development Institute = Iowa (BCDI-Iowa) from 8:30am to 10am. This is a collaborative event and not a meeting of the Board where district business or action will be taken.

• Board to attend virtual BCDI-Iowa meeting
• No district business or action to be taken
• Meeting ID: 869 0217 9073
• Passcode: 752076

DMEA ESP Negotiations

The Des Moines Independent Community School District will meet with the Des Moines Education Association to discuss employee negotiations. The session begins at 4:30 p.m. and is followed by a closed meeting.

• DMEA Opener at 4:30 p.m.
• DMPS Opener at 6:00 p.m.
• Followed by closed session

Des Moines Teachers Retirement System (DMTRS) Quarterly Meeting - Virtual

The Des Moines Teachers Retirement System Advisory Committee is meeting to discuss a BTC overview and retirement incentives. The meeting includes a review of the DMTRS Investment Report dated March 31, 2024.

• Discussion of BTC Overview
• Discussion of DMTRS Retirement Incentive
• Review of DMTRS Investment Report 3.31.24.pdf

Board of Directors

The Des Moines School Board approved a consent agenda that included approving $6,524,283.46 in bills and adopting a new social-emotional learning curriculum called Project Wayfinder for the 2024-25 fiscal year. The board also approved minutes from previous meetings and a retirement incentive plan for eligible teachers.

• Approval of $6,524,283.46 in bills
• Adoption of Project Wayfinder SEL curriculum ($345,000)
• Approval of April 16, 2024, and April 18, 2024, meeting minutes
• Approval of April 23, 2024, special session minutes
• Approval of retirement incentive plan for DMTRS participants

Board of Directors Work Session & Closed Session

The Des Moines Independent Community School District Board held a special work session and closed session on April 23, 2024. The work session included a presentation of the board’s goals and guardrails. The board entered a closed session under Iowa Code 21.5(1)(i) to evaluate the professional competency of an individual whose employment is being considered, then voted to return to open session. The meeting concluded with an adjournment.

• Presentation of board goals and guardrails (information session)
• Motion to enter closed session to evaluate professional competency of an individual
• Motion to end closed session and resume open session

The board conducted a work session on Goals & Guardrails and held a closed session per Iowa Code section 21.5(1)(i). No substantive policy or financial decisions were recorded in the open session.

• Approved the meeting agenda (7-0)
• Approved motion to enter closed session (7-0)
• Approved motion to return to open session (7-0)

Des Moines Public Schools Foundation Board Meeting

The Des Moines Public Schools Foundation Board will hold a regular meeting to approve minutes, review financial statements, and discuss funding opportunities. The agenda includes updates from the school board and committee reports.

• Approval of the minutes from the previous meeting
• Review of financials and bank statement
• School Board Updates
• Funding Opportunities discussion
• Committee Updates

Board of Directors Special Session

The Des Moines school board is meeting in special session to consider a motion to go into closed session under Iowa Code section 21.5(1)(i) to evaluate the professional competency of an individual whose appointment, hiring, performance, or discharge is being considered, at that individual's request. The board will then reconvene in open session and adjourn. No other business is scheduled.

• Closed session under Iowa Code 21.5(1)(i) to evaluate a personnel matter
• Motion to enter closed session passed unanimously (7-0)
• No public access during closed session
• Board will reconvene in open session to adjourn

The board met for a special session and conducted a closed session per Iowa Code section 21.5(1)(i). No substantive policy or budgetary decisions were recorded in open session.

• Approved the meeting agenda
• Moved into closed session per Iowa Code section 21.5(1)(i)
• Moved back into open session

Board of Directors

The Des Moines School Board approved a consent agenda including $6.36 million in bills and procurement transactions, minutes from previous meetings, and a tentative agreement with the teachers' union. The board also approved continuing the use of cooperative purchasing programs.

• Approval of bills and procurement transactions totaling $6,356,533.52
• Approval of minutes from April 2, 4, and 9, 2024
• Approval of cooperative purchasing programs
• Approval of Tentative Agreement between DMPS and DMEA (teachers' union)

The Board of Directors adopted and certified the proposed FY 2025 budget. It also approved a tentative comprehensive agreement with the Des Moines Education Association and authorized several million dollars in bills and procurement.

• Approved proposed FY 2025 budget (6-0, 1 abstain)
• Approved tentative agreement with Des Moines Education Association (7-0)
• Approved $5,616,288.82 in bills and $740,244.70 in procurement transactions (7-0)
• Approved geothermal vault replacement plans for Brubaker and Greenwood Elementary Schools (7-0)
• Approved Construction Manager at Risk for Lincoln High School running track and field (7-0)
• Approved Construction Manager at Risk for East High School practice field (7-0)
• Approved staff and student device purchase (7-0)
• Approved Orchard Place Summer School (7-0)

Board of Directors Special Session

The Des Moines School Board held a special session to swear in Skylar Mayberry-Mayes as the new Director for District 4, following a vacancy left by Teree Caldwell-Johnson. The meeting included a closed session for litigation strategy and a work session to review the FY 2025 budget.

• Swearing in of new Director District 4: Skylar Mayberry-Mayes
• Closed session to discuss litigation strategy with counsel
• FY 2025 Budget Presentation and work session
• Facilities Update: Reimagining Education presentation
• CGCS Governance Model presentation

The Board of Directors held a special session to swear in new director Skylar Mayberry-Mayes. The board also held a closed session and a work session to discuss the FY2025 Budget.

• Sworn in Skylar Mayberry-Mayes as Board Director
• Approved meeting agenda (7-0)
• Entered closed session per Iowa Code section 21.5(1)(c) (7-0)

Applicant Interviews for Board Vacancy & Board Deliberation on Applicants

The Des Moines Independent Community School District Board will interview three applicants for a board member vacancy and then discuss the District 4 director vacancy. A motion to approve the agenda was presented and passed. The board will consider a motion to discuss each (or the top three) candidates for the District 4 vacancy, which also passed.

• 5:00 pm – interview with John Mark Feilmeyer
• 6:00 pm – interview with Kameron Middlebrooks
• 7:00 pm – interview with Skylar Mayberry‑Mayes
• Motion to approve agenda passed
• Motion to discuss District 4 vacancy candidates passed

The Board of Directors interviewed six applicants to fill a vacancy in District 4. After deliberating on the top two candidates, the board voted to appoint Skylar Mayberry-Mayes.

• Nomination of Kameron Middlebrooks as district 4 director failed (3-3)
• Nominated Skylar Mayberry-Mayes as district 4 director (6-0)

Board of Directors - Board Development

This is a social gathering following a board special session, held at a local bar. The agenda explicitly states there will be no discussion or deliberation of district business. No decisions or substantive items are scheduled.

• Event location: StarBar, 2811 Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines, IA
• No district business will be discussed

Applicant Interviews for Board Vacancy

The Des Moines Independent Community School District Board of Directors will interview three applicants for a Board Member vacancy on April 3, 2024. The interviews are scheduled at Central Campus.

• Interviews for Board Member Vacancy
• Ruth Thompson interview at 5:00pm
• Nick Lenhardt interview at 6:00pm
• Abena Imhotep interview at 7:00pm
• Meeting location: Central Campus, 1800 Grand Ave.

Board of Directors

The board will receive and accept a monitoring report on Goal 3, which aims to increase Black male 11th grade math proficiency from 17.7% to 45% by June 2026. They will also vote on a consent agenda that includes approval of bills totaling $11,422,846.84, along with minutes from prior meetings and a board self-evaluation. The meeting includes district recognitions and a public forum for community input.

• Monitoring report on Goal 3 – Black male 11th grade math proficiency (17.7% to 45% by 2026) and interim goal for grades 6-8
• Consent agenda approval of $11,422,846.84 in bills
• Approval of minutes from March 5, 2024, and special sessions on February 27 and March 26, 2024
• Board self-evaluation quarterly review
• District recognitions and public forum

The Board approved secure entry plans for Mitchell Early Learning Center, Goodrell Middle School, and Perkins Elementary School. It also authorized the conveyance of property at E 18th and Easton to the City of Des Moines and approved over $11.4 million in payments.

• Approved $11,422,846.84 in previously authorized bills (6-0)
• Approved secure entry upgrades for Mitchell Early Learning Center (6-0)
• Approved secure entry upgrades for Goodrell Middle School (6-0)
• Approved secure entry upgrades for Perkins Elementary School (6-0)
• Approved property conveyance at E 18th and Easton to the City of Des Moines (6-0)
• Approved Unbound Ed for professional learning on GLEAM instruction (6-0)
• Approved recommendation to terminate a continuing teaching contract (6-0)
• Accepted monitoring report IG3a for Goal 3 High School Math (6-0)

Special Session ACFR / Work Session

The Des Moines School Board approved the 2023 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report and selected New Leaders Organization to develop a five-year strategic plan for up to $100,000. The session also included a work session on the FY 2025 budget and board goals.

• Acceptance of 2023 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report
• Approval of New Leaders Organization for strategic plan ($100,000)
• FY 2025 Budget Presentation
• Discussion of Board Goals & Guardrails
• Board Vacancy Update

The Board approved the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for the year ending June 30, 2023. The Board also selected New Leaders Organization as the vendor for the District Strategic Plan. A work session was held to discuss the FY2025 Budget and a board vacancy.

• Approved Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for Year End June 30, 2023 (6-0)
• Approved New Leaders Organization as vendor for District Strategic Plan (6-0)

Special Session Public Hearing FY25 Property Tax Rate

The Des Moines Independent Community School District Board of Directors holds a special session public hearing to discuss the proposed FY2025 property tax rate, as required by Iowa Code 24.2A. No formal board action is taken at this hearing; it is a separate meeting solely for discussing the proposed levy. The hearing date was set at the March 5, 2024 board meeting and published in the Des Moines Register on March 15, 2024.

• Public hearing to establish FY2025 property tax rate, pursuant to Iowa Code 24.2A
• Separate meeting required by HF 718; no other business discussed
• Hearing date set March 5, 2024; published in Des Moines Register March 15, 2024
• Superintendent recommends holding the hearing; no formal action required
• Shashank Aurora available for questions

The Board of Directors held a special meeting to conduct a public hearing. The session was used to receive written and public comments regarding the District's FY205 property tax rate. No vote was taken on the tax rate during this meeting.

• Approved the meeting agenda (6-0)

Des Moines Public Schools Foundation Board Meeting

The board will review February financials and bank statements. The meeting also includes updates regarding the School Board, funding opportunities, and various committees.

• Review of February Financials & Bank Statement
• School Board Updates
• Funding Opportunities discussion
• Committee Updates discussion
• OneRun event scheduled for September 21, 2024

Audit Committee Meeting

The Des Moines Public Schools Audit Committee will discuss and possibly approve the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) and receive updates from Internal Audit and the CFO. The meeting is largely procedural with no major policy decisions.

• ACFR Presentation and Approval — action item with attached audit reports
• Internal Audit Update — status of investigations and current/next projects
• CFO Update — information item from Shashank Aurora
• Discussion of future meeting frequency and schedule

The committee received updates on internal audits involving booster fund misuse and tax-exempt account abuse. RSM presented a draft audit report noting a jump in IPERS net pension liability from $4.2 million to $118 million. No formal votes were taken during the meeting.

• Discussed filling the internal auditor role via outsourcing or salary increases
• Reviewed draft audit report from RSM
• Requested committee member approval of ACFR via email

Board of Directors

The Des Moines school board will consider approving consent items including $3,826,068.05 in bills, minutes, and the FY25 Downtown School calendar. They will also receive monitoring reports on early literacy progress for all students and Black male students, as well as high school math achievement for Black males.

• Approval of bills totaling $3,826,068.05
• Monitoring report on Goal 1: All-student 4th-grade literacy proficiency target of 67% by 2026
• Monitoring report on Goal 2: Black male 4th-grade literacy proficiency target of 67% by 2026
• Monitoring report on Goal 3: Black male 11th-grade math proficiency target of 45% by 2026
• Approval of the 2024-2025 calendar for the Downtown School

The Board of Directors approved a consent agenda including $3,826,068.05 in authorized payments. The board also accepted monitoring reports for early literacy goals and recognized the resignation of board member Teree Caldwell-Johnson.

• Approved $3,826,068.05 in authorized bills (6-0)
• Accepted monitoring report IG1a for Goal 1 All Students Early Literacy (6-0)
• Accepted monitoring report IG2a for Goal 2 Black Male Students Early Literacy (6-0)
• Approved FY25 Downtown School Calendar
• Approved budget for District Strategic Plan
• Approved personnel recommendations
• Approved Procurement Manual and District Policy Revisions
• Set dates for FY 2025 Proposed Tax Notice and Budget Adoption hearings

Work Session - Board Goals & Guardrails / Closed

The Des Moines Independent Community School District Board of Directors will hold a work session to review data and discuss potential goals and guardrails. The meeting includes a closed session to evaluate the professional competency of an individual.

• Review data and discuss potential board goals and guardrails
• Closed session to evaluate professional competency of an individual
• Presenters: AJ Crabill and Rodney; coaches from Council of the Great City Schools
• Meeting location: 1800 Grand Ave at Central Campus
• Contact: Jackie Norris, [email protected]

The board conducted a work session to discuss goals and guardrails. No substantive policy decisions or budget actions were recorded in open session.

• Approved motion to enter closed session to evaluate professional competency (6-0)
• Approved motion to return to open session (6-0)

Des Moines Public Schools Foundation Board Meeting

The Des Moines Public Schools Foundation Board will review January financials and discuss funding opportunities, including a $10,000 Microsoft application and a $6,000 BWA grant. The meeting also includes committee updates and planning for the OneRun fundraising event on September 21, 2024.

• Review of January financials and bank statement
• Update on Microsoft application for $10,000
• BWA grant due in January 2024 for $6,000
• Discussion of Make48Iowa at Central Campus
• Save the date for OneRun: September 21, 2024

Trades Negotiations (Carpenters, Electricians, Plumbers and Steamfitters, and Laborers)

The Des Moines Independent Community School District is meeting for collective bargaining negotiations with representatives from four trade unions—carpenters, electricians, plumbers/steamfitters, and laborers. The agenda includes opening statements from both sides and a closed session for further negotiations. This is a discussion item with no votes or decisions listed.

• 12:00 p.m. Trades opening statement (Discussion)
• 12:30 p.m. DMPS opening statement
• 1:00 p.m. Closed session for negotiations

Board of Directors

The Des Moines School Board approved a consent agenda including the renewal of GoGuardian software for $150,000 and the award of construction contracts totaling $1.4 million for HVAC and facility upgrades at East High School and the Central Nutrition Center.

• GoGuardian software renewal: $150,000
• East High Gymnasium HVAC upgrades: $1,024,000
• East High bleachers and press box: $142,608
• Central Nutrition Center cooler/freezer door replacement: $235,700
• Vendor donation to District Print Shop: $25,000

The Board approved a consent agenda including $4,393,773.27 in payments and several facility contracts. It also authorized an application for $316,719.25 in special education administrative costs and updated compensation rates for guest educators in hard-to-fill schools.

• Approved consent agenda including $4,393,773.27 in payments (6-0)
• Approved application to School Budget Review Committee for $316,719.25 in Special Education admin costs (6-0)
• Approved compensation rates for Building Assigned Guest Educators for FY24 (6-0)
• Approved Trafera GoGuardian software renewal (6-0)
• Approved contract for B9128 CNC Cooler/Freezer Door Replacement (6-0)
• Approved contract for B9072 East High Gymnasium HVAC Upgrades (6-0)
• Approved contract for Q9151 East HS Bleachers & Press Box (6-0)
• Approved contract for B9045 Monroe Window Replacement (6-0)

Work Session - Board Goals & Guardrails

The school board will hold a work session to review data and existing goals and guardrails, and discuss potential new goals and guardrails. Coaches from the Council of the Great City Schools will facilitate the discussion. No formal votes or decisions are scheduled; this is a discussion-only retreat.

• Review of data, existing goals & guardrails, and discussion of potential goals & guardrails with coaches from Council of the Great City Schools

Des Moines Teachers Retirement System (DMTRS) Quarterly Meeting - Virtual

The Des Moines Teachers Retirement System will hold a virtual quarterly meeting on February 14, 2024, to discuss a BTC overview and review the fourth-quarter report.

• Agenda approval
• BTC Overview presentation
• 4Q Report review
• Next meeting date set for the 2nd Wednesday of every month

AFSCME Negotiations

The Des Moines Independent Community School District will hold negotiations with AFSCME representatives on February 8, 2024. The meeting is scheduled to begin at 6:00 p.m. in Conference Room B at 2100 Fleur Dr.

• AFSCME and DMPS representatives to meet
• Meeting in Conference Room B at 2100 Fleur Dr
• Session includes opening statements and closed session

Board of Directors

The Board of Directors met to approve several consent agenda items including large-scale bill payments and curriculum support. Actions included a fund transfer for Academy English novels and a contract for K-8 professional learning. The board also reviewed final acceptance for construction projects.

• Approval of bills totaling $4,810,574.14 and procurement card transactions of $355,229.49
• Transfer of $27,395.09 from WHSPADMNPR to 21WHENGL for Academy English novels
• Approval of a $300,000.00 EL Education contract for K-8 curriculum professional learning
• Final acceptance and payment for Hiatt Secure Entry project by GTG Construction ($24,282.50 balance)

The Board approved a consent agenda including $4.8 million in bills and various district contracts. Members also approved a request for a hearing with the School Budget Review Committee regarding $305,327.19 for asbestos abatement projects.

• Approved consent agenda including bills of $4,810,574.14 and procurement card transactions of $355,229.49 (7-0)
• Approved request for SBRC hearing for $305,327.19 for asbestos abatement projects (7-0)
• Approved transfer of funds from Shared Programming Fund to Student Activity Fund (7-0)
• Approved contract for B9138 Jefferson Drainage Improvements (7-0)
• Approved contract for B9074 River Woods HVAC Upgrades (7-0)
• Approved ranking and submission of Prairie Meadows Community Betterment Grants (7-0)
• Approved ranking and submission of Prairie Meadows Youth Sports and Recreational Grants (7-0)
• Approved Memorandum of Understanding between DMPS and DMEA regarding MA13 Salary (7-0)

DMEA Negotiations

The Des Moines Independent Community School District will hold a DMEA Negotiations meeting on February 5, 2024 at Conference Room B, 2100 Fleur Dr. The agenda includes a DMEA opening at 6:00 p.m., a DMPS opening at 6:30 p.m., and a closed session at 7:15 p.m. The meeting is for discussion between DMEA and DMPS representatives.

• 6:00 p.m. – DMEA Opening (discussion)
• 6:30 p.m. – DMPS Opening (discussion)
• 7:15 p.m. – Closed Session (discussion)

Board of Directors - Board Development

The Des Moines school board is holding a board development session focused on onboarding new members. Individual sessions run from 3-6pm with Shelly, Jake, and Tim covering topics including special education, community engagement, and curriculum. No votes or decisions are scheduled; this is a training and information meeting.

• New board member onboarding sessions from 3-6pm
• Special Education Overview presentation
• Community Engagement presentation
• Curriculum and Education Programs presentation

Board of Directors - Virtual Board Development

The Des Moines School Board will hold a virtual training session on Wednesday, January 31, 2024, focused on effective goal monitoring. The session is scheduled from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and will be presented by CGCS.

• Virtual training session on goal monitoring (3-6pm)
• Anna Campos and Patrick Dix attending virtually

Closed Session

The Des Moines school board held a closed special session to discuss the professional competency of an individual, as permitted under Iowa Code 21.5(1)(i). The board voted unanimously to enter closed session, then recessed to an exempt session, and later reconvened to adjourn. No public access was allowed during the closed portion.

• Board voted 7-0 to enter closed session per Iowa Code 21.5(1)(i) for personnel evaluation
• Closed session involved discussion of an individual's appointment, hiring, performance, or discharge
• Meeting included roll call, motion to recess to exempt session, and final adjournment in open session
• All seven board members present: Alonzo-Diaz, Caldwell-Johnson, Campos, Dix, Knox, Martorano, Norris

Des Moines Public Schools Foundation Board Meeting

The Des Moines Public Schools Foundation Board is meeting to review fourth quarter 2023 financials and track progress toward an $87,000 fundraising goal. The board will also discuss grant applications and committee updates.

• Review of 4th Quarter 2023 Financials & Bank Statement
• Progress update on fundraising goal of $87,000 by June 30, 2024
• Microsoft Application for $10,000
• BWA grant due January 2024 for $6,000
• OneRun date set for September 21, 2024

Board of Directors

The Des Moines Board of Directors approved a consent agenda including bills totaling $3,981,349.90 and minutes from January 2, 2023. The board also received monitoring reports for student safety and social-emotional learning goals.

• Approval of bills ($3,331,537.32) and procurement cards ($649,812.58)
• Approval of minutes from January 2, 2023
• Acceptance of Interim Guardrail 4a, 4b, 4c monitoring report
• Acceptance of Interim Guardrail 2a, 2b, 2c monitoring report
• Rejection of all bids for B9071 South Union HVAC Upgrades

The Board approved the purchase of a portion of 205 E 18th Street and authorized plans for HVAC upgrades at South Union Elementary School. The board also approved over $3.9 million in bills and procurement card transactions.

• Approved purchase of property at 205 E 18th Street from C & C Realty, LLC for $73,481 (7-0)
• Approved plans and specifications for South Union Elementary School HVAC upgrades (7-0)
• Approved $3,331,537.32 in bills and $649,812.58 in procurement card transactions (7-0)
• Approved termination of continuing teaching contracts (7-0)
• Accepted monitoring report for Guardrail 4: Safe & Welcome (7-0)
• Approved consent agenda items including rejection of all bids for B9071 South Union HVAC Upgrades (7-0)
• Cancelled scheduled closed session to be rescheduled (7-0)

Board of Directors

The Des Moines School Board approved a consent agenda that included approving bills for $10,049,187.63, approving minutes from December 5, 2023, and ratifying a software renewal for Tableau Data Analytics.

• Approval of bills and procurement card transactions totaling $10,049,187.63
• Approval of minutes from December 5, 2023
• Approval of EMC Risk Services Workman's Comp payments ($1,350,000)
• Ratification of Tableau Data Analytics software renewal ($150,000)
• Formation of a School Improvement Advisory Committee

The Board approved several facility upgrade plans and funding requests to the School Budget Review Committee. A consent agenda was passed including over $10M in bills and procurement transactions, though one monitoring report was tabled.

• Approved $11,809,372 funding request for Dropout Prevention (7-0)
• Approved $2,402.77 modified allowable growth for Special Education administrative costs (7-0)
• Approved plans for East High Gymnasium HVAC upgrades (7-0)
• Approved plans for Jefferson Elementary drainage improvements (7-0)
• Approved $9,374,508.73 in bills and $674,678.90 in procurement card transactions (7-0)
• Approved contracts for Monroe restroom, Brubaker flooring, Carver HVAC, and Phillips HVAC upgrades (7-0)
• Rejected all bids for Lincoln High School New Track & Field Project (7-0)
• Tabled Monitoring Report- Guardrail 4: Safe & Welcome