Des Moines Public Schools (DMPS) is actively seeking input from parents and community members as it embarks on the next phase of its Reimagining Education plan. This initiative follows a voter-approved $265 million bond referendum aimed at transforming the district’s educational landscape.
The district has launched a monthlong public feedback process, which will run through June 30. Interim Superintendent Matt Smith emphasized the importance of community involvement, stating, “We’re looking for the parents and our students and our staff in our community to help shape the next phases of our projects.”
The five-year plan aims to introduce specialized curricula across the district. Some schools, like Brubaker Elementary, are set to become signature schools with a focus on dual-language immersion in Spanish and English. Other schools will emphasize arts education and Montessori-style learning, providing diverse educational opportunities for students.
Career Pathways and Enrollment Models
In addition to curriculum changes, the plan includes the development of middle school maker spaces. These spaces will introduce students to various career pathways, including robotics, engineering, health sciences, and cybersecurity, preparing them for future careers in these fields.
DMPS is also considering two potential enrollment models for these programs. One model would automatically enroll neighborhood students in a signature school unless they opt out, while the other requires families to opt in. The district is seeking feedback on these options to ensure they align with community preferences.
Superintendent Smith highlighted the importance of community voices in shaping these educational spaces, saying, “We really want their voice so that when they walk into the space, they see what they’ve asked for. They see their voice and their experiences that they’ve been calling out for within the spaces themselves.”
The survey is available in five languages on the district’s website, making it accessible to a diverse range of families. This inclusive approach underscores the district’s commitment to engaging all community members in the educational planning process.
Original reporting: KCCI Des Moines — read the source article.
