Des Moines Public Schools leaders delivered a message of progress and momentum during the 2026 State of the Schools at Central Campus, highlighting academic gains, strong community support, and the next phase of Reimagining Education.

A Year of Challenge and Community Support

After guests were welcomed to the event by Wesley Rumbaugh, captain of Central Campus’s JROTC, who shared his story about what made the school special, School Board Chair Kim Martorano reflected on the challenges of the past year while emphasizing the strength of the district.

“A school district is bigger than any one person,” Martorano said. “Des Moines Public Schools is nearly 5,000 educators, bus drivers, counselors, nurses, food service workers, administrators, and staff who show up every day for our students.”

She pointed to November’s historic vote, when nearly 74% of voters approved the $265 million Reimagining Education bond, the largest school bond in Iowa history.

“That vote was not just about buildings,” Martorano said. “It was a statement of belief: in our students, in our educators, and in the future of public education in this city.”

That belief, she noted, extends beyond the ballot box. DMPS now works alongside 127 community partners and has received nearly $2.8 million in philanthropic support over the past two years to strengthen programs and classrooms.

Measurable Academic Gains

Martorano emphasized that community investment is being matched with accountability and results. Recent assessment data show growth that outpaced the state in several key areas:

• 4th grade English Language Arts proficiency increased by 3.6%, ahead of statewide growth.
• 7th grade math proficiency rose by more than 7%, with four middle schools posting double-digit gains.
• 10th grade math proficiency increased more than 5%, and science proficiency rose more than 10%.

All five comprehensive high schools improved their Iowa School Performance Profile scores by more than 10%, and six schools previously identified for targeted support are no longer on that list due to student growth.

“There is still work to do,” Martorano said. “But we are seeing meaningful, measurable progress.”

She also celebrated student and staff accomplishments, from National Merit Semifinalists and All-State musicians to state championships and national teaching honors. “These accomplishments reflect not just individual achievement, but opportunity,” she said.

Three Pillars for the Future

Interim Superintendent Matt Smith outlined the district’s path forward, centered on three pillars: the Strategic Plan, the Budget Process, and Reimagining Education.

“Three pillars. One mission: ensuring every student in Des Moines Public Schools thrives,” Smith said.

Under the district’s strategic plan, Cultivating Success, year one focused on alignment and planning. Year two will shift toward direct investment, including a proposed $2 million in the FY27 budget aligned with student outcomes and School Board goals.

“A strategic plan only matters if it changes what students experience in classrooms,” Smith said. “And that’s exactly what we intend to do.”

Planning for Financial Stability

Smith acknowledged ongoing state funding constraints, with anticipated state funding growth of 1.75%, below inflation. To respond, district leaders are implementing a multi-year budgeting process designed to provide greater predictability, continuity, and alignment between resources and student outcomes.

“If we stay disciplined, we can weather funding constraints without losing focus on what matters most,” Smith said.

Reimagining Education in Action

Smith described Reimagining Education as the infrastructure that supports the district’s vision.

“If the strategic plan defines our direction, Reimagining Education provides the infrastructure to get us there,” he said.

Since voters approved the bond, the district has hired a project manager, begun transitioning to a three-region structure, and authorized the first $100 million in bond sales to finance upcoming projects.

Over the next five years, DMPS will expand Signature Schools aligned with STEM and STEAM, Dual Language, Career and Technical Education, Performing and Visual Arts, and Montessori.

“These schools are designed to spark curiosity, creativity, and engagement,” Smith said, “helping students discover both who they are and who they might become.”

In 2026, construction and design will begin at eleven schools, including new maker spaces at Brody, Goodrell, and McCombs; classroom additions at Lovejoy, Studebaker, and Weeks; and the design and groundbreaking of a new arts-focused school at the Moulton site. Early work is also underway on Year 2 projects, which include Hoyt/Brubaker, North, Lincoln and Hoover high schools, and Meredith Middle School.

“These are not just rooms,” Smith said. “They are launchpads. Spaces where students begin exploring careers, passions, and possibilities.”

A Community United by Belief

Both leaders returned to a central theme: belief.

“What inspires me most is not the buildings,” Smith said in closing. “It’s the belief. Belief from this community. Belief from our educators. Belief from our families. And most importantly — belief in our students.”

Martorano echoed that message, challenging the community to keep asking how DMPS can raise achievement, remain competitive, and ensure the district remains a first choice for families.

The 2026 State of the Schools made one thing clear: Des Moines Public Schools has momentum, a plan, and a community committed to helping every student thrive.

The event concluded with a live taping of The Become Here Project: A Des Moines Public Schools Podcast, featuring a discussion with Interim Superintendent Matt Smith, Des Moines Mayor Connie Boesen, Reimagining Education Project Manager Dr. Bekah Harris, and By Degrees CEO Emily Westergaard, discussing the future of education, workforce development and community partnerships in Des Moines. DMPS Communications Officer Amanda Lewis and North High School and Central Campus student Irene Alobo hosted the event. Listen to the podcast here or anywhere you get your favorite podcasts.