Des Moines Independent Community School District public meetings in 2025

Audit Committee Meeting

The Audit Committee will meet online via TEAMS to review an audit report. The meeting consists of procedural items and a report on the audit.

• Audit report review

Board of Directors Special Session

The Des Moines School Board approved a special session agenda, entered closed and exempt sessions to discuss confidential student records, and voted to expel a student based on the superintendent's recommendation.

• Special Board Meeting at 2100 Fleur Dr
• Closed session per Iowa Code 21.5(1)(a) and (e)
• Exempt session to deliberate superintendent's recommendation
• Action to expel student per superintendent's recommendation
• Meeting adjourned at the end of the session

Des Moines Public Schools Foundation Board Meeting

The Des Moines Public Schools Foundation Board will meet to review financial statements and bank records. The board will discuss giving committee funding guidelines and act on newsletter and giving committee requests.

• Review of financials and bank statements
• Action on giving committee requests
• Action on newsletter request
• Discussion of giving committee funding guidelines
• Executive Committee report on board terms and officer process

Board of Directors

The Des Moines Board of Directors approved a consent agenda that included the payment of $3,867,771.96 in bills, the approval of minutes from October 7, 2025, and the appointment of representatives for the Urban Education Network and the Iowa Association of School Boards.

• Approval of $3,867,771.96 in bills
• Approval of October 7, 2025 meeting minutes
• Appointment of Interim Superintendent Smith as UEN representative
• Appointment of Board Member Campos as IASB delegate
• Authorization for DMTRS Asset Liability Management Study ($50,000-$75,000)

Board of Directors Special Session - Hybrid

This special session of the Des Moines school board includes a single action item: approval of an interim superintendent contract. The meeting also covers procedural items such as roll call and agenda approval. No further details or dollar amounts are provided in the agenda.

• Approval of Interim Superintendent Contract (action item)

Board of Directors - Board Development

The Des Moines Independent Community School District Board of Directors will hold a special meeting focused on board development. The event will take place at Big Grove Brewery following the regular meeting and will not involve discussion of district business.

• Special meeting for Board Development
• Event at Big Grove Brewery
• No discussion of district business

Board of Directors

The Des Moines school board held a regular meeting with a public forum and district recognitions. The consent agenda was approved, including bills totaling $6,926,989.33, procurement card transactions of $610,886.41, personnel recommendations, committee assignments, and the DMTRS annual report and FY2026 budget. A separate item for an elementary school gym projector purchase was also listed.

• Approval of bills totaling $6,926,989.33
• Approval of procurement card transactions totaling $610,886.41
• Personnel recommendations approved
• Committee assignment update – Anna Campos to Head Start Policy Committee
• DMTRS FY2025 annual report and FY2026 budget approved, including a 6.0% earnings rate and appointment of Gallagher Benefit Services as actuary

The Board approved a consent agenda including $6,926,989.33 in bills and $610,886.41 in procurement card transactions. Public hearings were held for exterior wall restoration at Roosevelt High School, re-roofing at Callanan Middle School, and window replacement at Hoover High School. Additionally, the board approved two requests to the School Budget Review Committee regarding Modified Allowable Growth.

• Approved revised agenda (6-0)
• Approved consent items including $6,926,989.33 in bills and $610,886.41 in procurement card transactions (6-0)
• Held public hearing for CIP3514 Roosevelt High School Exterior Wall Restoration (6-0)
• Held public hearing for CIP3515 Callanan Middle School Re-Roofing Project (6-0)
• Held public hearing for CIP3516 Hoover High School Window Replacement (6-0)
• Approved request to SBRC for Modified Allowable Growth for EL Excess Costs (5-0)
• Approved request to SBRC for Modified Allowable Growth and Supplemental Aid for Special Education Deficit (5-0)

Board of Directors Special Session - Hybrid

The Des Moines Independent Community School District Board of Directors will hold a special session on October 3, 2025, to discuss strategy with counsel in pending or imminent litigation. The meeting is hybrid and will include procedural items such as roll call and agenda approval.

• Closed session to discuss litigation strategy with counsel
• Hybrid meeting format at 2100 Fleur Drive
• Public comment sign-up available online or by phone

Board of Directors Special Session

The Board of Directors is meeting to address the immediate revocation of Dr. Roberts' superintendent's license by the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners. The board will hold a closed session to evaluate professional competency and confidential records before considering the termination or resignation of the Superintendent's contract.

• Motion to consider termination or resignation of Superintendent's contract pursuant to Iowa Code section 279.24(5)

Board of Directors Special Session

The Des Moines school board is holding a special session to address the immediate revocation of Dr. Roberts' superintendent's license by the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners. The board will enter closed session to evaluate professional competency, then consider an action item to place Dr. Roberts on unpaid leave effective September 29, 2025.

• Action to place Dr. Roberts on unpaid leave effective 12:00am on September 29, 2025
• Closed session under Iowa Code 21.5(1)(i) and (a) to evaluate professional competency
• Iowa Board of Educational Examiners revoked Dr. Roberts' superintendent's license effective immediately
• Agenda item added for good cause per Iowa Code 21.4(2)(a)
• Return to open session for discussion of superintendent status

Board of Directors Special Session - Hybrid

The Des Moines Independent Community School District Board of Directors will hold a special session to discuss the administrative leave status of the superintendent. The meeting includes a closed session to evaluate the professional competency of an individual whose appointment is being considered.

• Closed session to evaluate professional competency of an individual
• Action on determination of administrative leave status of superintendent
• Meeting held at 2100 Fleur Drive, Conference Room A

Board of Directors Special Session - Virtual

The Des Moines Independent Community School District Board of Directors is convening a special session on September 26, 2025, to potentially enter closed session and take action on agenda items. The meeting is scheduled to begin at 1:15 p.m. and will be held virtually.

• Special Board Meeting (1:15 p.m.)
• Approval of Agenda
• Closed Session per Iowa Code section 21.5(1)(a)
• Adjournment of Special Meeting

Des Moines Public Schools Foundation Board Meeting

The Des Moines Public Schools Foundation Board will meet to approve the minutes from the August 2025 meeting, review financial statements, and receive updates from the school board and executive committee.

• Approval of August 2025 Board Minutes
• Review of Financials & Bank Statement
• School Board Updates
• Executive Committee Report
• Committee Reports on Giving and One Run

Board of Directors Special Session

The Board of Directors held a special session to consider a superintendent's recommendation regarding a student. Following a closed session and an exempt session, the board voted to expel the student from the district and school activities.

• Expulsion of a student for the remainder of the 2025-2026 school year
• Provision of virtual educational resources during the expulsion period
• Requirement for an application for readmission following the expulsion period

The Board of Directors approved a student expulsion for the remainder of the 2025-2026 school year. The student is permitted access to virtual educational resources during this period. Readmission requires an application and administrative recommendation to the board.

• Approved meeting agenda (5-0)
• Approved entry into closed session (5-0)
• Approved student expulsion for 2025-2026 school year (5-0)

Board of Directors

The board adopted a resolution to order a November 4, 2025 election on issuing $265,000,000 in general obligation bonds for the Reimagining Education Plan. A second resolution expressing board support for the bond referendum was also adopted. Funds would expand career/technical education, pre-K, and reduce class sizes through construction and renovations at multiple schools.

• Resolution ordering a $265,000,000 bond referendum on November 4, 2025
• Resolution supporting the bond referendum for the Reimagining Education Plan
• Projects include additions to East, North, Roosevelt, Lincoln high schools; Brody, Callanan, Goodrell, Hiatt, Hoyt, McCombs, Merrill middle schools; Kurtz Opportunity Center; Cowles, Jackson, Pleasant Hill elementary schools
• Demolition of Moulton School and construction of a new building on the same site
• Renovations at Hoover, North high schools; Hoyt, Meredith middle schools; Kurtz Opportunity Center; Brubaker Elementary

The board passed a resolution ordering an election and supporting the upcoming bond referendum. Additionally, the board approved several consent agenda items including bills and procurement card transactions.

• Approved revised agenda (5-0)
• Passed resolution ordering election for $265,000,000 general obligation school bonds (7-0)
• Passed resolution supporting November 4, 2025 bond referendum (7-0)
• Tabled Goals & Guardrails Monitoring Report until next meeting (7-0)
• Approved consent agenda including $8,413,180.10 in bills and $554,771.41 in procurement card transactions (7-0)
• Passed personnel recommendation (7-0)

Cancelled**Board of Directors Special Session

The Des Moines Independent Community School District cancelled its special board meeting scheduled for September 9, 2025. The agenda included a closed session to discuss student records and potential expulsion, followed by an open session to act on a superintendent's recommendation.

• Cancelled Special Board Meeting
• Closed session to discuss student records and expulsion
• Open session to act on superintendent's expulsion recommendation

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

The Des Moines Teachers Retirement System advisory committee will approve the meeting agenda, hear a BTC presentation, and discuss a Gallagher Study proposing an incentive. The committee will also confirm the date for the next quarterly meeting, which occurs on the second Wednesday of each month.

• Agenda approval (action item)
• BTC presentation (discussion, attachment: Des Moines Teachers 2Q2025.pdf)
• Gallagher Study proposed incentive (discussion)
• Next meeting date set for the second Wednesday of the month (information)

Board of Directors

The Board of Directors met to approve several consent items including meeting minutes and student teaching contracts. The board also reviewed a request for new cybersecurity services through the FCC Erate program.

• Approval of bills totaling $13,381,423.61
• Approval of Student Practicum and Teaching Contracts
• Cyber Security Erate projects totaling $114,833.60
• SHI Cloud hosted DNS DDoS prevention service
• Sterling Absolute device tracking software

The board approved a consent agenda including $13,381,423.61 in bills for payment. They also approved the sale of District radio station 88.1 KDPS and an enrollment decision.

• Approved meeting agenda (7-0)
• Approved consent agenda including $13,381,423.61 in bills (7-0)
• Approved sale of District radio station 88.1 KDPS (7-0)
• Approved personnel recommendation (7-0)
• Approved enrollment decision (5-0; Alonzo and Dix abstained)

Des Moines Public Schools Foundation Board Meeting

The Des Moines Public Schools Foundation Board will review financial reports and discuss committee reports, including a motion to adopt new giving priorities and guidelines. The meeting will also feature a strategy presentation and updates from the school board.

• Review of financial reports for June and July 2025
• Motion to adopt new giving priorities and guidelines
• Motion to adopt a budget line item for mini-grants
• Strategy presentation by Nikki Syverson and John Mark Feilmeyer
• School Board Updates by Jenna Knox and Dr. Skylar Mayberry-Mayes

Board of Directors

The Des Moines School Board approved a consent agenda that included $25.9 million in bills, $320,838 in procurement card transactions, and a $20,000 lease for an additional color printer. The board also approved a $150,000 increase in spending for ICN fiber repair and renewed a contract with Heartland AEA 11.

• Approval of $25,926,389.18 in bills and $320,838.82 in procurement card transactions
• Approval of $20,000 for additional color printer lease and installation
• Approval of $150,000 for ICN fiber repair costs
• Approval of Heartland AEA 11 special education contract amendment
• Approval of July 8, 2025 board meeting minutes

The Board approved a consent agenda including $25,926,389.18 in authorized bills and $320,838.82 in procurement card transactions. Following a closed session, the Board voted to approve a settlement agreement.

• Approved consent agenda including $25,926,389.18 in bills and $320,838.82 in procurement card transactions (7-0)
• Approved Special Education Contract with Heartland AEA 11 (via consent agenda)
• Approved Resolution to consider the sale of DMPS radio station (via consent agenda)
• Approved Preschool 28E Agreement - Westminster (via consent agenda)
• Approved Interdistrict 28E Agreement for HSAP (via consent agenda)
• Approved settlement agreement (7-0)

Board of Directors Special Session

The Des Moines School Board approved a set of personnel recommendations during a special session. The meeting was held at 2100 Fleur Dr and adjourned immediately after the vote.

• Approved personnel recommendations
• Meeting held at 2100 Fleur Dr
• Board members: Maria Alonzo, Patrick Dix, Skylar Mayberry-Mayes, Jackie Norris, Anna Campos

The Board of Directors held a special session to review administrative actions. The board voted to approve the Superintendent's personnel recommendations.

• Approved the meeting agenda
• Approved Superintendent's personnel recommendations (3-2)

Audit Committee Meeting

The Des Moines Public Schools Audit Committee will meet to discuss the FY25 audit with RSM, review and potentially approve the FY2025-26 internal audit plan, and consider updates to the internal audit and audit committee charters.

• FY25 Audit presentation by RSM (Kevin Smith / Brett Andersen)
• DMPS FY2025-26 Internal Audit Plan for review and possible action
• Internal Audit Charter and Audit Committee Charter presentation and updates

The committee discussed the scope and timing of the FY25 audit and reviewed the FY2025-16 Internal Audit Plan. Members were asked to review the Internal Audit and Audit Committee Charters for updates by November. No formal votes were recorded.

• Discussed FY25 audit planning scope, timing, and independence rules
• Reviewed FY2025-16 Internal Audit Plan, including cybersecurity and PTO/Booster issues
• Requested committee review of Internal Audit and Audit Committee Charters for November update
• Proposed quarterly meeting schedule with the next meeting in November

Board of Directors Special Session

The Des Moines school board is voting on two strategic communications contracts: $29,000 for Wixted as lead consultant and up to $24,000 for CESO Communications for monthly support through December 2025. Both contracts support the Reimagining Education initiative and are paid from General Funds and Media Services Budget.

• Wixted contract: $29,000 as primary communications consultant
• CESO Communications contract: up to $24,000 for up to 25 hours/month through Dec 2025
• Contracts support the Reimagining Education community engagement initiative

The Board of Directors approved the Superintendent’s recommendation for strategic communications contracts with Wixted and CESO. The session was conducted as a special meeting with four members present.

• Approved Strategic Communications Contracts for Wixted and CESO (4-0)

Board of Directors

The board will receive and take action on monitoring reports for Guardrail 1 (ELL student equity) and Guardrail 5 (family and community inclusion). It will also vote on a consent agenda that includes approval of $12,163,706.24 in bills and $898,061.98 in procurement card transactions, as well as preschool 28E agreements with multiple providers.

• Approval of bills totaling $12,163,706.24 and procurement card transactions of $898,061.98
• Preschool 28E agreements with Christ the King, Holy Family, Holy Trinity, St. Anthony, St. Augustin, St. Joseph, St. Theresa, Grace United Methodist, Science Center, Conmigo Early Education Center, Oak Academy, and Families Forward
• Monitoring report on Guardrail 1: equitable access for ELL students, with interim targets for reading benchmarks and advanced program participation
• Monitoring report on Guardrail 5: family and community inclusion, with interim targets for Panorama Family Survey and Come Here Community Survey

The Board approved a consent agenda including $7.3M in bills and over $12M in procurement card transactions. The board also accepted two monitoring reports regarding district goals and guardrails. A revised Reimagining Education plan and technology updates were presented.

• Approved consent agenda including $7,300,496.33 in bills and $12,163,706.24 and $898,061.98 in procurement card transactions
• Accepted monitoring report for Guardrail 1 (6-1)
• Accepted monitoring report for Guardrail 5 (7-0)
• Approved Preschool 28E Agreements
• Approved Transportation Department vehicle parts and supplies Blanket PO
• Awarded contract for CIP3512 Hoover High School Secure Entry
• Approved Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) for Weeks Middle School Classroom Addition
• Approved Personnel Recommendations and FY26 Election List for Teachers, Administrators & Specialists

Board of Directors - Board Retreat & Special Session

The Board of Directors will hold a board retreat and a special session. The board is scheduled to act on personnel recommendations for 2025-2026 and conduct a closed session to evaluate the professional competency of an individual.

• Approval of 2025-2026 personnel recommendations
• Closed session to evaluate professional competency of an individual per Iowa Code section 21.5(1)(i)

The Board of Directors approved personnel recommendations with a requirement that salaries be corrected on the next list. The board also held a retreat and a closed session per Iowa Code section 21.5 (1)(i).

• Approved agenda (7-0)
• Approved personnel recommendations with note to correct salaries on next list (7-0)
• Approved motion to enter closed session per Iowa Code section 21.5 (1)(i) (7-0)

Des Moines Public Schools Foundation Board Meeting

The Des Moines Public Schools Foundation Board will hold a regular meeting via Zoom to handle routine business, including approving minutes, receiving a financial update, and discussing school board updates. Action items include requests from the Giving Committee and a newsletter request. The board will also discuss committee reports, including giving committee funding guidelines, and continue strategy discussions.

• Approval of minutes from previous meeting
• Financial update – review of financials and bank statement
• Board action items: Giving Committee requests and Newsletter request
• Executive Committee report on board terms/nominating and board officer process
• Committee reports: Giving committee funding guidelines and One Run

Board of Directors

The Des Moines school board will hold a public forum, recognize achievements, and discuss monitoring reports on early literacy (Goal 1) and middle school literacy (Goal 2) before voting to accept them. A presentation on Goal 3 (career readiness) is also scheduled. The consent agenda includes approval of bills totaling $7,300,496.33 and procurement card transactions of $931,417.14, plus renewal of the school crossing guard cost-sharing agreement with the City of Des Moines (city cost not to exceed $330,129).

• Monitoring report on Goal 1: increase 4th grade ISASP ELA proficiency from 50.1% to 65.0% by 2027
• Monitoring report on Goal 2: increase 8th grade ISASP ELA proficiency from 53.3% to 63.0% by 2027
• Presentation and discussion on Goal 3 (career readiness)
• Consent agenda: bills of $7,300,496.33 and procurement card transactions of $931,417.14
• Renewal of school crossing guard cost-sharing agreement with City of Des Moines (city cost not to exceed $330,129)

The Board approved a consent agenda including $7.3M in bills and $931,417.14 in procurement card transactions. Several facility projects were approved following public hearings, including secure entry at Hoover High School. The board also accepted monitoring reports for Goals 1 and 2.

• Approved $7,300,496.33 in bills and $931,417.14 in procurement card transactions
• Approved Outdoor Warning Siren Easement Agreement at Merrill Middle School
• Approved Electrical Easement Agreement at Hoover High School
• Approved CIP3512 Hoover High School Secure Entry
• Approved CIP3513 Mitchell Early Learning Center Parking Lot Upgrade
• Accepted monitoring reports for Goal 1 and Goal 2
• Rejected all bids for CIP3511 Woodlawn Early Childhood Center Parking Lot Upgrades
• Tabled Election Lists for FY26 and specific contract renewals (RFP9118 and RFP9222)

Board of Directors

The Des Moines School Board approved a consent agenda including $4,028,939.23 in bills and personnel recommendations. The board also voted to remove the Fee Schedule for FY2026 and FY2027 from consent for further review at a future meeting.

• Approval of bills totaling $4,028,939.23
• Approval of personnel recommendations
• Fee Schedule FY2026 & FY2027 pulled from consent for next meeting
• Approval of May 20, 2025 board minutes
• Monitoring reports on Social Emotional Learning and Safe & Welcome guardrails

The Board approved a consent agenda including $4,028,939.23 in authorized payments and several personnel and curriculum items. Members also accepted monitoring reports for Social Emotional Learning and Safe & Welcome guardrails. One consent item was tabled until the next meeting.

• Approved consent agenda including $4,028,939.23 in payments (7-0)
• Accepted Guardrail 2 Social Emotional Learning monitoring report (7-0)
• Accepted Guardrail 4 Safe & Welcome monitoring report (7-0)
• Tabled consent agenda item E3 until next meeting (7-0)
• Approved May 20, 2025 meeting minutes (7-0)
• Approved ESP, Guest Educator, and Trades salary schedules for 2025-2026 (7-0)
• Approved Essential Elements Curriculum adoption and purchase (7-0)
• Approved Pan-O-Gold Baking Co for Bid 1122 Bread Items 2025-2026 (7-0)

Des Moines Public Schools Foundation Board Special Meeting

The Des Moines Public Schools Foundation Board will vote on by-law changes, a balance transfer to the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines, and adding a Vice Chair to bank accounts. The board will also vote on seven funding requests totaling $72,000, including a $50,000 request for a Merrill fitness center facelift. Committee reports and small-group discussions on impact, recruitment, DEI statement, and brand awareness are also on the agenda.

• Vote on by-laws for the foundation
• Vote on balance transfer to Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines
• Vote to add Vice Chair to bank accounts
• Funding request: Merrill Fitness Center Facelift - $50,000
• Funding request: District Art Search - $10,000

Board of Directors - Board Development

The Des Moines Independent Community School District Board of Directors will hold a special meeting focused on board development on May 20, 2025. The session will take place at Big Grove Brewery following the regular board meeting. No discussion or deliberation of district business is scheduled for this event.

• Special meeting: Board Development
• Location: Big Grove Brewery
• Date: May 20, 2025
• Type: Discussion only
• No district business discussion

Board of Directors

The Des Moines School Board approved a consent agenda that included bills totaling $6,648,723.67, minutes from previous meetings, and the award of a contract for the Ruby Van Meter hydro-therapy pool renovation. The board also approved an additional $20,000 for Montessori curriculum materials at Findley Elementary.

• Approval of bills and procurement cards ($6,648,723.67)
• Approval of Ruby Van Meter hydro-therapy pool renovation contract ($512,750)
• Approval of Montessori curriculum materials for Findley Elementary ($120,000)
• Approval of minutes from May 6, April 13, 21, 22, 29, 2025
• Public forum for residents to speak to board items

The Board of Directors approved a consent agenda including $5,865,956.46 in authorized bills and $682,767.21 in procurement card transactions. The board also approved personnel recommendations and several contracts for curriculum materials and facility renovations.

• Approved $5,865,956.46 in authorized bills (7-0)
• Approved $682,767.21 in procurement card transactions (7-0)
• Approved contract for Ruby Van Meter Hydro-Therapy Pool Renovation (7-0)
• Approved Montessori Curriculum Materials RFP9178 (7-0)
• Approved OpenSciEd 3-5 Implementation Materials (7-0)
• Approved Tentative Agreement with Local 2048 AFSCME (7-0)
• Approved Tentative Agreement with Des Moines Education Association ESP (7-0)
• Approved personnel recommendations (7-0)

Des Moines Public Schools Foundation Board Meeting

The Des Moines Public Schools Foundation Board will meet to approve minutes, review financial statements, and discuss new member recruitment and sustainability.

• Approval of previous meeting minutes
• Review of financials and bank statement
• School Board updates
• New Member Recruitment discussion
• Sustainability discussion

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

The Des Moines Teachers Retirement System Advisory Committee will meet virtually to review updates. The agenda includes discussions regarding a Lucy presentation, a consultant, and a BTC update.

• Discussion of Lucy Presentation
• Discussion with Consultant
• BTC Update including 1Q2025 Report

Board of Directors

The Des Moines Independent Community School District Board of Directors will review proposed interim goals for Goal 3. The board is also considering various consent agenda items including communication tools, IT consulting, and design service spending.

• Proposal of new interim goals for Goal 3
• Purchase of ParentSquare two-way communication tool for $126,400.00
• Renewal of Gartner Group Inc. IT consulting services for $118,127.00
• Increase of FY25 Design Services spending authority to not exceed $2,500,000.00
• Approval of bills totaling $6,076,226.61

The Board approved a consent agenda including $6,076,226.61 in payments and contracts for school renovations and equipment. Public hearings were held and approvals granted for weight room and parking lot projects. The Board also extended the Superintendent's contract for three years.

• Approved consent agenda including $6,076,226.61 in payments
• Approved ParentSquare two-way communication RFP
• Approved bus purchase and IT consulting services
• Approved parking lot additions for Garton and Jackson Elementary Schools
• Approved East High School locker room renovation contract
• Approved Lincoln High School classroom and office remodel contract
• Approved Roosevelt High School weight room renovation
• Approved Woodlawn Early Childhood Center parking lot upgrades

Board of Directors - Board Development

The Board of Directors will hold a special meeting for board development. The agenda notes that a subsequent gathering at Lua Brewing is not a formal meeting and will not involve district business.

• Board development discussion

Board of Directors Special Session

The Des Moines Independent Community School District Board of Directors will hold a special session on April 29, 2025, to approve the agenda and enter closed session to evaluate the professional competency of an individual.

• Approval of Agenda
• Closed session to evaluate professional competency
• Meeting at 2100 Fleur Dr, Conference Room E
• Public sign-up for speaking available by 3:00 p.m.
• Adjournment at end of session

The Board of Directors met for a special session and voted to enter a closed session per Iowa Code section 21.5 (1)(i). No substantive decisions were recorded in open session.

• Approved agenda (7-0)
• Approved motion to enter closed session per Iowa Code section 21.5 (1)(i) (7-0)

Des Moines Public Schools Foundation Board Meeting

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

• Approval of prior meeting minutes
• Review of financials and bank statement
• School Board Updates
• Executive Committee Report
• Strategy discussion

Board of Directors Special Session

The Des Moines School Board approved a special session agenda, approved non-bargained salary increases for FY26, and held public hearings to adopt the FY26 budget and amend the FY25 budget. All motions passed with unanimous 'Aye' votes.

• Approved 2.60% salary increases for administrators, paraprofessionals, specialists, and child care staff for FY26
• Adopted FY26 budget with a maximum property tax rate of $14.67444 per $1,000 valuation
• Approved FY25 budget amendment increasing expenditures by $25 million for tuition, safety staff, and construction
• Held public hearings for FY26 budget adoption and FY25 budget amendment
• Meeting held at 1800 Grand Ave at Central Campus

The Board of Directors adopted and certified the proposed budget for FY 2026. Members also approved a budget amendment for FY 2025 and non-bargained compensation increases for FY 2026.

• Approved FY 2026 proposed budget adoption and certification (7-0)
• Approved FY 2025 budget amendment (7-0)
• Approved non-bargained compensation increases for FY 2026 (7-0)
• Approved meeting agenda (7-0)

Board of Directors Special Session

The Board of Directors met for a special session to approve a tentative agreement with the Des Moines Education Association. The board also approved revised language for the district's Goals and Guardrails to align with federal enforcement guidance.

• Approval of Tentative Agreement between DMPS and Des Moines Education Association (Teachers' Comprehensive Agreement)
• Approval of revised language for Board Goals and Guardrails

The Board of Directors approved revised language for Goals and Guardrails. The board also approved a Tentative Agreement between DMPS and DMEA.

• Approved revised language for Goals and Guardrails (5-0)
• Approved Tentative Agreement between DMPS and DMEA (5-0)

Board of Directors

The Board of Directors reviewed student outcome monitoring reports and approved a consent agenda. The board voted to accept a report on Guardrail 1 regarding equitable treatment of students but rejected a monitoring report for Goal 2. The board also approved a revised Mandatory Notification Policy and a district-wide cellphone policy.

• Approved bills for payment totaling $5,009,048.00
• Approved procurement card transactions totaling $455,879.02
• Approved revised Mandatory Notification Policy including all employees, volunteers, and vendors
• Approved District Cellphone policy overview and guidelines
• Rejected monitoring report for Goal 2 regarding Black and Latinx 8th grade ELA proficiency

Board of Directors - Board Retreat & Special Session

The Des Moines Independent Community School District Board held a retreat and special session on April 13, 2025. Board members approved the agenda and then voted to go into a closed session under Iowa Code 21.5(1)(i) to evaluate the professional competency of an individual whose employment status is being considered. After the closed session, the board will reconvene in open session to adjourn.

• Approval of agenda (motion passed)
• Motion to enter closed session to evaluate professional competency of an individual
• Board development discussion on governance
• Call to order and roll call
• Adjournment of the special session

The Board of Directors approved the meeting agenda and recessed to conduct a board retreat with coach Ashley Paz. The board also entered a closed session per Iowa Code section 21.5 (1)(i) before adjourning.

• Approved the agenda (7-0)
• Approved motion to recess for board retreat with coach Ashley Paz (7-0)
• Approved motion to enter closed session per Iowa Code section 21.5 (1)(i) (7-0)

Work Session

The Board will discuss a monitoring report on Goal 1, which targets increasing reading proficiency among students, with interim benchmarks for grades 1-3. The Superintendent will also provide an update on Goal 3. The monitoring report will go to the general board for action on April 15.

• Monitoring report on Goal 1: increase ISASP ELA proficiency from 50.1% (spring 2023) to 65% (spring 2027)
• Interim Goal 1a: 2nd-3rd grade FastBridge benchmark from 53% to 65% by spring 2027
• Interim Goal 1b: Black and Latinx 2nd-3rd grade FastBridge benchmark from 44.2% to 65%
• Interim Goal 1c: 1st grade FastBridge earlyReading from 45% to 65%
• Goal 3 update presented by Superintendent Roberts

Board of Directors

The Des Moines School Board approved a consent agenda including $14.4 million in bills and $575,000 in procurement card transactions. The board also approved minutes from March 4, 11, and 25, 2025, and appointed Chair Jackie Norris as the representative to The Conference Board.

• Approval of bills totaling $14,417,680.41
• Approval of minutes from March 4, 11, and 25, 2025
• Appointment of Chair Jackie Norris to The Conference Board
• Transfer of $16,839 from Student Activity Fund to Shared Programming fund
• Approval of agenda as presented

The Board of Directors approved a consent agenda including $14,417,680.41 in payments. Members also approved the East High School locker room renovation and continued participation in the Instructional Support Program (ISL).

• Approved consent agenda including $14,417,680.41 in payments (6-0)
• Approved CIP3501 East High School Locker Room Renovation (6-0)
• Approved resolution to continue participation in the Instructional Support Program (ISL) (6-0)
• Approved personnel recommendations (7-0)
• Approved minutes from March 4, March 11, and March 25, 2025 (6-0)
• Approved 2025 Conference Board Appointment (6-0)
• Approved transfer of funds from Student Activity Fund to Shared Programming fund (6-0)
• Approved early retirement applications and separation agreement (6-0)

Work Session

The Board of Directors will hold a work session to review a presentation and discuss 'Reimagining Education' based on community feedback. The agenda also lists a budget presentation, though it is noted as added in error.

• Presentation and discussion on 'Reimagining Education'
• Review of community engagement and survey analysis

Special Session Public Hearing FY26 Property Tax Rate

The Des Moines School Board holds a public hearing required by Iowa law to discuss the proposed FY26 property tax rate. No formal board action will be taken at this hearing; it is for public input and discussion only.

• Public hearing pursuant to Iowa Code 24.2A to establish FY26 Property Tax Rate
• Tax rate published in Des Moines Register on March 14, 2025
• Presenter: Shashank Aurora available for discussion
• No formal board action required at this hearing

The Board conducted a public hearing regarding the FY26 property tax rate. No speakers signed up or submitted written comments, and no formal action was taken on the tax rate during this session.

• Approved the meeting agenda (7-0)

Des Moines Public Schools Foundation Board Meeting

The Des Moines Public Schools Foundation Board will review February 2025 financials and bank statements during its regular meeting. The agenda also lists school board updates, committee reports, and a continued discussion on organizational strategy. No specific funding approvals or policy votes are detailed in the provided text.

• Review of February 2025 financials and bank statements
• Approval of previous meeting minutes
• School board updates from Jenna Knox and Dr. Skylar Mayberry-Mayes
• Continued discussion on organizational strategy
• Executive and committee reports

DMEA ESP Negotiations

This is a negotiation meeting between the Des Moines Independent Community School District (DMPS) and the Des Moines Education Association for Educational Support Professionals (DMEA ESP). The agenda includes opening proposals from both sides, followed by a closed session. No specific proposals or financial details are listed in the agenda.

• 4:30pm - DMEA ESP opening proposal
• 5:00pm - DMPS opening proposal
• Closed session following opening statements

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

The Des Moines Teachers Retirement System (DMTRS) Advisory Committee will hold its quarterly virtual meeting to approve the agenda and receive an update on the BTC (likely an investment or fund overview). The meeting also sets the next quarterly meeting date for November 13th, with an August 28th exception due to teacher break.

• Agenda approval action item
• BTC Overview discussion item
• Next meeting date set for November 13, 2025 (with August 28 exception)

Board of Directors Special Session

The Board of Directors held a special session featuring a presentation and discussion on Reimagining Education by Matt Smith and Dr. Roberts. The board also entered two closed sessions to discuss confidential records, litigation strategy, and individual professional competency.

• Work session presentation on Reimagining Education
• Closed session to discuss confidential records and litigation strategy per Iowa Code 21.5(1)(a) and 21.5(1)(c)
• Closed session to evaluate professional competency of an individual per Iowa Code 21.5(1)(i)

The board held a work session and a special session. No substantive policy or financial decisions were recorded in open session; the board primarily voted to approve the agenda and enter two closed sessions.

• Approved the agenda (7-0)
• Approved motion to enter closed session per Iowa Code 21.5(1)(a) and 21.5(1)(c) (7-0)
• Approved motion to enter closed session per Iowa Code 21.5(1)(i) (7-0)

Board of Directors

The Des Moines School Board approved a consent agenda including $4,096,403.06 in bills and a Guaranteed Maximum Price Amendment for the North High School running track. The board also approved a resolution to reauthorize the Instructional Support Levy for five years.

• Approval of $4,096,403.06 in bills
• North High School track project amendment up to $3,735,008
• Resolution to reauthorize Instructional Support Levy (ISL)
• Approval of February 18, 2025 meeting minutes
• Personnel recommendations

The Board of Directors approved a consent agenda including $4,096,403.06 in bills and several personnel and program recommendations. The board also approved the FY25-26 Downtown School Calendar and three capital improvement projects for school parking lots and remodels.

• Approved consent agenda including $4,096,403.06 in bills (7-0)
• Approved FY25-26 Downtown School Calendar (7-0)
• Approved Jackson Elementary School parking lot addition (7-0)
• Approved Garton Elementary School parking lot addition (7-0)
• Approved Lincoln High School classroom and office remodel (7-0)
• Approved personnel recommendations (7-0)
• Approved Guaranteed Maximum Price Amendment with Turner Construction for North High School track and field (7-0)
• Approved continued participation in the Instructional Support Program (7-0)

Des Moines Public Schools Foundation Board Meeting

The Des Moines Public Schools Foundation Board will vote on funding requests totaling $8,000 for the Strategic Planning initiative, McCombs Ignite Reading Program ($2,000), and Hiatt ELPArty ELL Award Ceremony ($1,000). The board will also review financials, hear school board updates, and discuss committee approvals for Meredith Middle School clay tools ($500) and Goodrell band reeds ($400). Strategy discussions include new member recruitment and sustainability.

• Strategic Planning Funding Request - $5,000
• McCombs Ignite Reading Program funding request - $2,000
• Hiatt ELPArty ELL Award Ceremony funding request - $1,000
• Giving Committee approvals: Meredith Middle School clay tools ($500) and Goodrell band reeds ($400)
• Financial update and bank statement review

DMPS Certified Opening

The Des Moines Independent Community School District board will hold a certified opening meeting on February 18, 2025, to discuss DMEA negotiations. No official board business transactions are scheduled.

• DMEA Negotiations discussion
• Closed Session for DMEA Negotiations
• Meeting at Conference Room B, 2100 Fleur Dr

Board of Directors

The Des Moines Independent Community School District board will vote on consent items that include $5,262,224.44 in previously authorized bills, $366,923.79 in procurement card transactions, and a $1,350,000 expense for EMC Risk Services workers' compensation. It will also award contracts for a $409,890 roof repair at Ruby Van Meter and a $226,330 concession and locker‑room upgrade at Hoover High School. The meeting includes a public forum and district recognitions.

• Approve consent items covering $5,262,224.44 in bills and $366,923.79 in procurement card transactions
• Approve $1,350,000 expense for EMC Risk Services workers' comp payments for FY24‑25
• Award $409,890 contract to Black Hawk Roof for Ruby Van Meter re‑roof project
• Award $226,330 contract to Azcon Inc. for Hoover High School concession stand and locker‑room improvements
• Approve minutes from the February 4, 2025 board meeting

The Board approved a consent agenda including $5,262,224.44 in authorized bills and $366,923.79 in procurement card transactions. Several facility contracts for roofing and chiller installation were awarded. The district also received a contribution of more than $569,000 from Polk County Supervisor Angela Connolly, Julie Stewart, and Brian Ohorilko.

• Approved bills for payment of $5,262,224.44 (6-0)
• Approved procurement card transactions of $366,923.79 (6-0)
• Awarded contract for Ruby Van Meter Re-Roof (6-0)
• Awarded contract for Hoover Concessions and Locker Room Improvements (6-0)
• Awarded contract for Hoover Chiller Installation (6-0)
• Approved Mackin Educational Resources- AEAP Cooperative Agreement (6-0)
• Approved Personnel Recommendations (6-0)
• Approved MidAmerican Energy Expenditures (6-0)

DMEA Certified Opening

This is a certified opening session for negotiations with the Des Moines Education Association (DMEA). The agenda states that no official board business transactions will be taken; multiple board members may attend but no decisions or votes are expected.

• DMEA negotiations discussion

Board of Directors

The Des Moines Public Schools Board of Directors approved a consent agenda that included the payment of $2,980,918.56 in bills, the adoption of the 2024 Polk County Hazard Mitigation Plan, and the final acceptance of two restroom renovation projects.

• Adoption of 2024 Polk County Hazard Mitigation Plan
• Final acceptance of Q9054 Greenwood Restroom Renovations ($317,101.00)
• Final acceptance of B9052 Cattell Restroom Renovations ($269,177.45)
• Approval of $2,980,918.56 in bills
• Approval of personnel recommendations

The Board approved a consent agenda including $2,980,918.56 in bills and a construction amendment for the Hoover High School track and field. Members also approved an Early Retirement Incentive Program and three separate requests to the School Budget Review Committee regarding abatement projects and special education costs.

• Approved consent agenda including $2,980,918.56 in bills (7-0)
• Approved Guaranteed Maximum Price Amendment with Estes Construction for Hoover High School New Running Track & Field (7-0)
• Approved Early Retirement Incentive Program (6-0, 1 abstain)
• Approved SBRC request for Modified Supplemental Amount for Abatement Projects (6-0)
• Approved SBRC request for Special Education Administrative Costs (6-0)
• Approved SBRC request for Modified Allowable Growth (MAG) for Special Education administrative costs (6-0)
• Approved personnel recommendations (6-0)
• Adopted 2024 Polk County Hazard Mitigation Plan (7-0)

DMPS Certified Opening

The Des Moines Independent Community School District board will meet in Conference Room B on January 28, 2025, to discuss DMEA Negotiations. No official board business transactions are scheduled.

• Meeting location: Conference Room B, 2100 Fleur Dr
• Meeting date: Tuesday, January 28, 2025
• Agenda item: DMEA Negotiations

Des Moines Public Schools Foundation Board Meeting

The Des Moines Public Schools Foundation Board will review financial statements and vote on several funding requests for school projects. The board is also deciding on updated by-laws and a fund transfer to the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines.

• Vote on funding requests including $50,000 for Merrill Fitness Center Facelift and $10,000 for District Art Search
• Vote on funding for Merrill Gardening Committee ($3,000), North & Hoover Jazz Informace ($2,500), Goodrell Middle School Al Exito ($2,500), and Weeks Middle School ELL ($2,500)
• Vote on funding for GEMS & BROS Transportation 7th graders ($1,500)
• Vote on By-Laws and the transfer of a balance to the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines
• Discussion of 2nd Annual Foundation Dinner Sponsorship and Auction

Board of Directors

The Des Moines School Board approved a consent agenda including the payment of $5.69 million in bills and the approval of a new copier lease contract. The board also approved minutes from a previous meeting and accepted a monitoring report on family engagement.

• Approval of $5.69M in bills and procurement card transactions
• Approval of new copier lease with Sharp machines
• Approval of January 7, 2024 meeting minutes
• Acceptance of Interim Guardrail 5a, 5b monitoring report
• Approval of District wide walk-up copier refresh

The Board approved a consent agenda including over $5.6 million in bills and procurement transactions. It also voted to continue participation in the Instructional Support Program (ISL) and approved the FY2024 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report. Action on committee assignments was tabled.

• Approved consent agenda including $5,185,714.67 in bills and $505,250.68 in procurement card transactions (7-0)
• Approved minutes from January 7, 2024 (7-0)
• Approved Monitoring Report- Guardrail 5: Family and Community Partner Inclusion (7-0)
• Approved district wide walk-up copier refresh (7-0)
• Approved final acceptance of various projects (7-0)
• Awarded contract for B9286 Lincoln High School Locker Room Improvements (7-0)
• Awarded contract for B9290 Roosevelt High School Gymnasium Concession Stand Storage (7-0)
• Approved resolution to continue participation in the Instructional Support Program (ISL) (7-0)

AFSCME Negotiations

The Des Moines school district and AFSCME union representatives are meeting for contract negotiations. The agenda includes opening statements from both sides and a closed session. No official board action will be taken.

• 9:00 AM – AFSCME opening statement
• 11:00 AM – DMPS opening statement
• 12:00 PM – closed session

Board of Directors Work Session

The Board of Directors will hold a work session to receive a presentation on the FY 2026 budget. The meeting also includes a discussion on the district's strategic plan and presession board training.

• FY 2026 Budget Presentation
• Strategic Plan discussion
• Presession Board Training

The Board of Directors conducted a work session featuring presentations on the strategic plan and the budget. No substantive decisions were recorded during this session.

Audit Committee Meeting

The Des Moines Independent Community School District Audit Committee is meeting to review the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) presentation. The committee will also receive an update from the CFO.

• Approval of ACFR Presentation
• CFO update

The committee approved the previous meeting's minutes and reviewed the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) findings. RSM presented unmodified opinions and a $6.1 million audit adjustment in the general fund due to late open enrollment invoices. The district remains a low-risk auditee.

• Approved previous meeting minutes

Board of Directors

The Des Moines School Board approved a consent agenda including the payment of $9.2 million in bills and the final acceptance of three construction projects. The board also approved a Guaranteed Maximum Price amendment for new tennis courts at Brody Middle School and awarded a contract for locker room upgrades at North High School.

• Approval of bills totaling $9,208,524.09
• Final acceptance of Capitol View Restrooms project ($376,766)
• Final acceptance of Capitol View Grease Interceptor project ($288,562)
• Approval of Brody Middle School tennis courts GMP amendment ($2,957,085.84)
• Award of North High School locker room upgrade contract ($445,500)

The Board approved a consent agenda including $9,208,524.09 in payments and several university partnerships. Members also approved public hearings for facility improvements at Hoover and Roosevelt High Schools and requested maximum Dropout Prevention funding from the SBRC.

• Approved consent agenda including $9,208,524.09 in payments (6-0)
• Approved Guaranteed Maximum Price Amendment for Brody Middle School tennis courts (6-0)
• Approved contract for B9277 North Locker Room Upgrades (6-0)
• Approved practicum and internship agreements with University of Iowa and Drake University (6-0)
• Approved MoU with Grand View University for Teacher/Paraeducator Registered Apprenticeship (6-0)
• Approved public hearing for Hoover High School concession stand and locker room improvements (6-0)
• Approved public hearing for Hoover High School chiller replacement installation (6-0)
• Approved request to SBRC for maximum Dropout Prevention funding (6-0)