School districts across the Des Moines metro are preparing their budgets for the coming fiscal year, which starts July 1.
The Register asked the Ankeny, Dallas Center-Grimes, Johnston, Southeast Polk, Urbandale, Waukee and West Des Moines school districts about any changes in their property tax levies, staffing and other services.
The Register used the property tax levies that school boards approved in 2026, though that’s not necessarily what the final rate will be for the 2026-27 fiscal year. Once a school board approves a levy rate, the county gives final certification and may set a slightly different rate based on updated valuations and state funding formulas, according to Waukee Community School District spokesperson Kelly Jennings.
For example, Waukee’s school board-approved property tax rate for the 2025-26 fiscal year, $17.80, was ultimately lowered to the current rate of $17.76.
In making comparisons between the new and current rates, the Register used what it published last year for Ankeny and Dallas Center-Grimes. Other districts provided the level of change in their rates.
School districts and other municipalities’ final rates are available online from the Iowa Department of Management at dom-localgov.iowa.gov/budget-search.
Here are changes to look for in each school district:
Ankeny
Property tax levy: $16, a 5-cent decrease
Changes: “The majority of the district’s tax levy directly supports the staffing and infrastructure essential to delivering strong instructional programs,” said spokesperson Samantha Aukes. The general obligation bond the district issued in 2025, including for the Ankeny Innovation Hub, is $2.59 out of the $16 levy.
The district is ending its summer literacy and math support program for students in kindergarten through eighth grade. The program was separately funded by federal COVID-19 pandemic relief funding and a one-time state literacy grant, Aukes said.
“As those funding sources have expired, and without securing new funding, we are no longer able to sustain the program,” Aukes said. The district’s student achievement data, however, has indicated “strong progress during the traditional school year” that “reflects the effectiveness of our core instruction and supports,” she added.
The district’s high school summer credit recovery program will continue this year.
Dallas Center-Grimes
Property tax levy: $18.99, an 83-cent increase
Changes: No additions or cuts are anticipated, according to district spokesperson AJ Ellingson.
Johnston
Property tax levy: $14.92, less than a 1-cent decrease
Changes: “There are no notable additions or cuts to the budget in staffing or programs,” according to spokesperson Lynn Meadows.
Southeast Polk
Property tax levy: $15.42, no change
Changes: There will not be any significant program changes moving into the 2026-27 school year, according to chief financial officer Kevin Baccam.
Urbandale
Property tax levy: $17.99, a 5-cent increase
Changes: The district has cut $1.5 million from its budget because of declining enrollment, according to spokesperson Dena Claire. The cuts include 21.5 full-time equivalent employees and reductions in building and department budgets. Claire said the impacted staff members were given the opportunity to move into or apply for open positions. “While these are certainly challenging times, we remain steadfast in our dedication to creating safe, caring, and supportive schools for all students and staff,” she said.
Waukee
Property tax levy: $17.49, a 27-cent decrease
Changes: New positions include additional literacy support for elementary students, counselors, college and career advisors, and another school-to-work instructor to help place more students in internships, according to district spokesperson Kayla Choate.
West Des Moines
Property tax levy: $13.05, an 83-cent increase
Changes: Spokesperson Bryan Geelan said $1 of the tax rate is for the initial payment on the bonds voters approved in November 2025 to upgrade classrooms, playgrounds and Valley High School’s main entrance; build a new $35 million multipurpose student activities facility, a new mid-size performing arts center for district use at Indian Hills Junior High and a new band and equipment storage facility at Valley Stadium; and upgrade the track and field facility at Valley Southwoods, as well as technology and equipment at Valley High School’s Staplin Performing Arts Center.
The district does not know what its final tax rate and taxable values may be, given the impact of pending state legislation related to property tax reform, Geelan said.
Another change in the district is moving its alternative education program from the Walnut Creek Campus to Valley High and focusing more on early interventions for students.
Phillip Sitter covers the suburbs for the Des Moines Register. Phillip can be reached via email at PSitter@usatodayco.com. Find out more about him online in the Register’s staff directory.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Are school property tax rates changing in the metro? What to know:
Reporting by Phillip Sitter, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
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