School Board OKs Bonds for School Renovations; Finance Plan Will Save Money, Support Projects Throughout Des Moines

The Des Moines School Board has approved the sale of approximately $71 million in Sales Tax Revenue Bonds in order to proceed with the renovation of more than a dozen schools throughout the city, including construction of a new Edmunds Elementary School.

The Board’s action will save money by getting ahead of the cost of inflation and reducing operational costs, accelerate work to several schools in the community, and support jobs in the construction trades. The proposed school renovations reflect input from the Facilities Advisory Committee and the revenue purpose statement approved by voters in September 2009.

The one cent sales tax is collected state wide and distributed annually to school districts each spring based on their annual enrollment. This will be done through June 30, 2029.  For the most recent fiscal year that ended on June 30, 2011, Des Moines Public Schools received sales tax revenue of $24,120,171.

“This action by the Board allows us to complete school improvements sooner so that students and teachers can benefit from learning and working in better school facilities,” said Bill Good, chief operating officer for Des Moines Public Schools. “At the same time, this is going to help the school district save money in both the short and long term.”

Some advantages of issuing the bonds include:

  • Allow the district to move up projects to benefit students sooner
  • Minimize any impact from inflation
  • Continue with the district’s facilities’ plan
  • Reduce operational costs sooner
  • Keep our community working

The bond sale is scheduled to be held on April 3 and closing on May 8.

Projects to be completed using the bond proceeds are: 

  • Central Campus – Complete the balance of renovations of the 1st and 2nd floors; asbestos abatement; data and communications upgrade; security and technology upgrades; move the Wellness Center
  • Brody Middle School – Addition to eliminate temporary buildings.
  • Edmunds Elementary School – New school building.
  • Findley Elementary School – Window and door replacement; mechanical/ electrical upgrade; asbestos abatement; data and communications upgrade; addition to eliminate temporary building and open classrooms; security and technology upgrades.
  • Kurtz/Lincoln South – Replace windows and exterior doors. 
  • Hiatt Middle School – Exterior door replacement; mechanical/electrical upgrades; asbestos abatement; data and communications upgrade; remodel to eliminate temporary buildings; security and technology upgrades.
  • Hoover High School – Exterior window and door replacement; electrical improvements.
  • Hoyt Middle School – Window and door replacement; mechanical/electrical upgrade; asbestos abatement; data and communications upgrade; addition to create extra classroom space; develop space for Focus program; security and technology upgrades.
  • Jefferson Elementary School – Window and door replacement; mechanical/ electrical upgrade; asbestos abatement; data and communications upgrade; addition to eliminate open classrooms; security and technology upgrades.
  • Lovejoy Elementary School – Window and door replacement; mechanical/ electrical upgrade; asbestos abatement; data and communications upgrade; addition to eliminate temporary buildings and open classrooms; security and technology upgrades.
  • Madison Elementary School – New student drop-off.
  • Meredith Middle School – Completion of exterior window and door replacement; mechanical/electrical upgrade; asbestos abatement; data and communications upgrade; security and technology upgrades.
  • Park Elementary School – Renovate 1970 wing.
  • Pleasant Hill Elementary School – Window and door replacement; mechanical/electrical upgrade; asbestos abatement; data and communications upgrade; addition to eliminate temporary buildings and open classrooms; security and technology upgrades.
  • Prospect Road Facility – Exterior window replacement; mechanical/electrical upgrade; asbestos abatement; data and communications upgrade.
  • Studebaker Elementary School – Window and door replacement; mechanical/electrical upgrade; asbestos abatement; data and communications upgrade; addition to eliminate temporary buildings and open classrooms; security and technology upgrades.