Des Moines School Board

Pictured left to right: Pat Sweeney, Joe Jongewaard, Cindy Elsbernd (vice chair), Dick Murphy (chair), Superintendent Tom Ahart, Connie Boesen, Bill Howard, Teree Caldwell-Johnson

The people of Des Moines elect seven members to serve as their representatives on the Des Moines School Board. In turn, the Board is responsible for the governance of Iowa’s largest provider of public education.

School board members in Iowa are elected to four-year terms. Elections are held every other year on the second Tuesday in September, and new members begin their term the following week. The school board then elects a chair and vice chair from among its members. Appointment of the board secretary and treasurer takes place before August 15 each year.

In addition to their responsibilities on the school board, members also serve on a variety of district committees, represent Des Moines Public Schools on a variety of local, state and national organizations, and maintain cooperative relationships with both national organizations and local governmental bodies.

For information about current members of the School Board, their work and meetings please visit the links to the right.

Contact the School Board

Board of Directors
Des Moines Public Schools
901 Walnut Street
Des Moines, IA 50309
Phone: 515-242-7713
Email: board@dmschools.org

NOTE: Individuals who write or email the School Board should be aware that their correspondence may be subject to examination and copying by others pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 22 of the Code of Iowa.