Reimagining Des Moines

Whenever traditional public school districts say they are “reimagining,” or “innovating,” or “creating” a better system for learning, be skeptical. Most have no idea what that means, and if they do, have no idea how to execute such a goal.

For example, take the Des Moines Independent Community School District. The Des Moines Public Schools recently announced the formation of the Reimagining Education, Reinvigorating Schools Facility Planning Committee. A late October Des Moine Register article described the committee this way:

“The name is a mouthful – the Reimagining Education, Reinvigorating Schools Facility Planning Committee. But its impact on the future of Des Moines Public Schools could be immense.”

“As Des Moines Public Schools continues to lose hundreds of students each year, the state’s largest school district is trying to chart a path forward to a more financially sustainable future. It’s a path that could include closing schools or consolidating programs.”

“District officials have turned to the Reimagining Education committee to make recommendations on all these things – and more.”

“The full extent of what the committee is considering hasn’t been made public, but Associate Superintendent Matt Smith, who is working with the group, told the Des Moines Register that the objective is to ‘reimagine how we’re serving children and how we’re serving staff and families.’”

“’Along with taking a really deep look at our facilities and determining whether or not out current organizational structure – as it relates to facilities – is the right organizational structure for the generations to come.’”

“Earlier this year, Phil Roeder, the district’s spokesperson, had said that adding sixth grade to elementary schools, rather than having that grade be part of middle schools, could be part of the committee’s future recommendations….”

“Here is what we know about how DMPS is reimagining education:

The [committee] is comprised of more than 40 volunteers who have been reviewing data and a recent facilities study to help Des Moines school officials plan for the district’s future.

As part of the project, [an architect firm] compiled a facilities study of the district’s more than 60 buildings.

The committee is tasked with putting together a report with recommendations that could include closing or consolidating buildings, as well as changes to staffing, district programs and future technology. The group also is analyzing the district’s long-term finances.

District officials plan to use the report and its recommendations as part of its long-term planning.

‘We want our students and our staff and our families to thrive in our spaces, in all things,’ Smith said.”

…

“Is this study a result of the district’s finances?

Finances are certainly part of the equation, officials acknowledge.

The hope is that looking at the district’s finances, infrastructure, current offerings and possible future needs will help DMPS stay ahead of potential financial programs, Smith said.

‘We want to be thoughtful and have some proactive conversations,’ he said. ‘And so, this is the right time to start that.’

The district has been making cuts in recent years to balance its projected budgets. It was tasked with cutting $14 million ahead of the 2024-25 school year.

Officials also cut $12.2 million before the 2023-24 school year and $9.9 million going into the 2022-23 school year.

Budget cuts for the 2024-25 school year included staffing reductions and employee prescription plan changes. For the first time, officials also took more than $5 million from the district’s fund balance to balance the budget.

‘I mean, because at the end of the day, when you look at it through a financial lens, we’re not bringing in the same amount of money that we did,’ Smith said, ‘but we have the same facilities, and we have actually increased costs.’”

A final report from the committee is expected to be released sometime in January, 2025.

The need to “reimagine” schools in Des Moines is real. Last month, it was reported by the State of Iowa that a dozen schools in the Des Moines Public Schools were identified as “in need of comprehensive support and improvement” because of their low performance. Des Moines had over 1/3 of the sucky schools in the state.

The Des Moines Register reported that Des Moines Superintendent Ian Roberts was not surprised by that number.

“’As a matter of fact, it’s encouraging because (the state’s data) echoes exactly what we have seen,’ he said. ‘I know we’re going to have this sort of relentless focus on very specific and targeted areas where we can get better and where we need to improve.’”

And exactly how Des Moines’ reimagining committee will form this relentless focus?

A facilities study? A financial analysis? An upcoming bond referendum?

No, if Des Moines is really serious about reimagining its learning system, then that work needs to be focused on the children who can’t read, write, problem-solve, or exhibit solid character. Those children need a learning plan, supported by talented learning coaches, so that those young learners can begin working on getting smarter and stronger – because it doesn’t seem to be happening in their traditional school setting.

My advice to Des Moines is to offer a different type of learning experience for every young learner trapped in one of the district’s lowest performing schools. Stop thinking you can fix what can’t be fixed by forming a “reimagining committee.” You’re just wasting time, and the kids are waiting – and suffering.

Til tomorrow. SVB