Des Moines Public School District is giving homeowners a better idea of just how much more they’ll pay in property taxes after voters approved a new bond in November.
During the Tuesday, Feb. 17, school board meeting, district officials proposed a property tax rate of $16.41 per $1,000 of valuation. The current tax rate is $14.61 per $1,000 of valuation.
On a $315,000 home (the median sale price in Des Moines), property owners would see their DMPS bill rise from $4,602.15 to $5,169.15, a $567 increase annually.
The tax rate is based on the assumption Iowa lawmakers will set the yearly state supplemental aid increase at 1.75%, said Shashank Aurora, the district’s chief financial officer, during the meeting. Republican lawmakers have been negotiating an increase of $1.75% to 2.25%.
The proposed DMPS tax increase — which includes a $1.99 in debt service — is the result of the district’s recently passed 20-year, $265 million Reimagining Education, Reinvigorating Schools general obligation bond.
Although the debt service levy is $1.99, taxpayers will see an increase of $1.80 in property taxes, Aurora said. The increase in property taxes would have been a $1.44 if the state’s budget guarantee had not kicked in because of declining student enrollment, he said.
The Reimagining Education initiative includes building one new elementary school, creating signature schools, and expanding instructional offerings, including career and technical education. The five-year plan aims to improve student academic outcomes and retention.
The increased tax rate comes at a time when district officials are also tasked with cutting an estimated $16.2 million from the general fund budget ahead of the 2026-27 school year.
Here is what we know so far about Des Moines Public Schools’ 2026-27 school year budget.
What can schools expect for SSA this year?
Iowa lawmakers have yet to reach an agreement on how much state supplemental aid to give schools.
When will the final tax rate be decided?
The Des Moines School Board will hold a tax rate hearing March 24.
What is next school year’s total budget?
Des Moines schools’ total budget for the 2026-27 school year has not been announced.
What budget cuts are being considered?
Staff attrition and early retirements are expected to help decrease DMPS’ general fund deficit by $11.3 million.
The school board is also considering changes to its employee health care plan.
Additionally, the board approved selling part of the district’s 2100 Fleur Drive building known as the annex to 21st Century Rehab for $825,000. The board is required to hold a public hearing March 10 before the sale is finalized.
What new expenses are officials anticipating?
Officials estimate that new expenses including new curriculum and implementing the district’s 5-year strategic plan could total about $8.6 million.
Officials also want to budget $500,000 to cover the cost of busing Moulton Elementary School students from their neighborhood to the Kurtz Opportunity Center.
Students will be at the alternative location for about two years while the new Moulton Arts Academy is built.
What is next for Reimagining Education?
The board unanimously approved moving forward with issuing $100 million in general obligation fund bonds to put toward 2026 design and construction costs.
Those projects include:
Samantha Hernandez covers education for the Register. Reach her at (515) 851-0982 or svhernandez@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Des Moines Public Schools residents will pay higher taxes. Here’s why:
Reporting by Samantha Hernandez, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
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