Community members will have three opportunities Aug. 10-12 to give in-person feedback on Des Moines Public Schools’ proposed regional school attendance boundary lines and signature school enrollment as part of its Reimagining Education plan.
The evening sessions — which are open to families, students, staff and community members — will focus on proposed school attendance boundaries as the district moves to three regions: northeast, northwest and south, according to a DMPS news release.
The new boundaries will determine where students attend school, account for enrollment shifts tied to signature schools and support the district’s plan to move sixth graders back to elementary schools.
The community meetings are part of the ongoing rollout for Des Moines schools’ five-year, $265 million Reimagining Education, Reinvigorating Schools initiative.
Reimagining Education aims to improve student academic outcomes and retention and classroom offerings. The plan includes the creation of several signature schools — including the yet-to-be built Moulton Arts Academy — and expanded career programs.
In June, community members were asked to fill out an online survey related to attendance boundaries and enrollment.
DMPS’ signature schools will focus on specific educational areas such as science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) or the performing arts.
Meeting attendees can also weigh in on whether students should be automatically enrolled in their neighborhood signature school or if families should have to opt in to attend.
“These decisions will shape our schools for years to come, which is why community participation is so important,” said Amanda Lewis, a spokesperson for the district. “These meetings are an opportunity to listen, learn from one another, and ensure that the decisions we make about school boundaries reflect the needs of all the families we serve.”
The final recommendations are expected to be presented to the Des Moines School Board in fall.
Reimagining Education boundary input meetings
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: DMPS to hold public meetings on proposed school boundaries, enrollment
Reporting by Samantha Hernandez, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
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By Samantha Hernandez, Des Moines Register | USA TODAY Network
