Dear DMPS Community:

Maya Angelou wrote:

“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget the way you made them feel.”

It is with this in mind, the Des Moines Public Schools Fiscal Year 2024 budget was created: so students feel a sense of belonging, hope, and joy, and each student is inspired to creatively and courageously pursue their dreams.

The Fiscal Year 2024 budget is designed to support whole child development while prioritizing equity and excellence for all. The budget includes investments in preschool, elementary, middle, and high school and is focused on ensuring each student possesses 21st Century skills that will prepare them to be Future Ready upon graduation.

To support students in becoming Future Ready, the budget has been prioritized to reflect the three district goals, while honoring the guardrails which represent the community’s vision and values.

It is an honor and privilege to serve you. Thank you for choosing DMPS.

Sincerely,

Matthew Smith
Interim Superintendent
Des Moines Public Schools


FY 2024 BUDGET COMMUNITY FORUMS (COMPLETED)

Interim Superintendent Matthew Smith and CFO Shashank Aurora held a series of discussions about the Des Moines Public Schools budget, including a look at the current challenges and opportunities as well as a discussion about future decisions on issues such as consolidating facilities.

Many questions were posed by the community and answered by DMPS staff during these forums. The questions and answers have been compiled into this document. Questions have been edited and combined for clarity.

The sessions were held as follows:

TIME SCHOOL ROOM
Tuesday, February 28 7:15 AM North High School Library
Tuesday, February 28 6:00 PM Roosevelt High School Library
Wednesday, March 1 6:00 PM East High School Library
Thursday, March 2 7:15 AM Lincoln High School Counseling Center
Thursday, March 2 6:00 PM Hoover High School Library

FY 2024 BUDGET BACKGROUND

Please find below several resources related to the development of the FY 2024 budget for Des Moines Public Schools, including our budget development booklet, the most recent presentation made to the School Board, and a video of the School Board’s February 7 work session on the budget.

Budget Development Book

Budget Development

Budget Presentation – Budget Community Forums

FY 24 (2023.03.x5) Community Conversations Budget[3] Read Only

Budget Presentation – February 7, 2023 School Board Work Session

FY 24 Board Work Session 02.07 FINAL

School Board Budget Work Session – February 7, 2023

Virtual Budget Presentation