Des Moines Independent Community School District

Last updated

Des Moines Public Schools
DMPS logo.png
Location
Des Moines, Iowa
Midwest
United States
District information
Type Public
MottoThink. Learn. Grow.
GradesPK-12
EstablishedMay 21, 1907
SuperintendentMatt Smith (interim) [1]
Accreditation North Central Association of Secondary Schools and Colleges
The Iowa Department of Education
Schools65
Budget$590,375,000 (2020-21) [2]
Students and staff
Students33,739 (2022-23) [2]
Teachers2,077.70FTE [2]
Staff873.74 FTE [2]
Student–teacher ratio14.79 [2]
Athletic conference Iowa Alliance
Other information
Website http://www.dmschools.org/

The Des Moines Independent Community School District (The Des Moines Public Schools, or DMPS) is the largest public school district in Iowa. It is accredited by the North Central Association of Secondary Schools and Colleges and the Iowa Department of Education.

Contents

Area

The district currently serves most of the city of Des Moines as well as parts of suburban Pleasant Hill [3] and Windsor Heights. The city is split into four different area districts. District one covers the west, two covers the north, three covers the east, and district four the south.

History

Advanced Placement Program and International Baccalaureate Programme

In 2008, Des Moines Public Schools became the first school district in Iowa to offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme.

Between the 2018-2019 school year and the 2024, the student enrollment levels went down about 2,500. [4]

On January 9, 2023. Des Moines Public Schools was hit with a cybersecurity attack. [5]

On September 26, 2025, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) reported that superintendent Ian Roberts had been detained in Des Moines, Iowa, and stated that a "final order of removal" had been issued for Roberts's deportation in May 2024. Roberts reportedly fled from a traffic stop, then abandoned his school-issued vehicle. At the time of his arrest, ICE said that he was found in possession of a loaded handgun, $3,000 in cash, and a fixed blade hunting knife. Jackie Norris, Chair of the School Board made a statement placing Roberts on paid administrative leave pending further investigation appointing Matt Smith as interim Superintendent. [6] [7]

Schools

In addition to traditional neighborhood schools, the district has various neighborhood schools with programs such as the IB Programme, Tourn Around Arts, and more. The district also offers many special schools and programs.

High schools (Grades 9-12)

Special schools & programs

Middle schools (grades 6-8)

Elementary schools (K-5, PK-5, K-6)

Pre-Schools

Media

Facts and figures

Enrollment

[8]

YearDistrict-wideHigh schoolsMiddle schoolsElementary schoolsOther programs & adjustments
2006-2007 [9] 31,2218,8086,40514,3691,639
2005-2006 [10] 31,5998,5706,61014,2492,170
2004-2005 [11] 31,8518,6206,87614,3841,971
2003-2004 [11] 32,1508,4307,11514,4972,108
2002-2003 [11] 32,4648,6967,10314,7331,932
2001-2002 [12] 35,39910,1145,50419,541240
2000-2001 [13] 34,7769,7738,11616,699188

See also

References

  1. ↑ Fisher, Zach (September 28, 2025). "Des Moines School Board President Jackie Norris discusses Dr. Ian Roberts ICE arrest, next steps for district". WHO-DT . Retrieved September 28, 2025.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 "Des Moines Independent School District". National Center for Education Statistics. Retrieved June 29, 2024.
  3. ↑ "PLEASANT HILL SCHOOL DISTRICTS". www.desmoinesregister.com. Archived from the original on September 14, 2013. Retrieved January 27, 2022.
  4. ↑ Keicher, Natasha (2024). "DMPS considers school closures, boundary changes due to dwindling enrollment". WHO 13 News. Retrieved September 30, 2025.
  5. ↑ "Des Moines Public Schools cancels classes again Wednesday after likely ransomware attack". MSN. Retrieved January 11, 2023.
  6. ↑ "LIVE: Des Moines School Board special meeting to discuss Superintendent Ian Roberts' arrest by ICE". Des Moines Register. September 27, 2025. Retrieved September 28, 2025.
  7. ↑ Fisher, Zach (September 28, 2025). "Des Moines School Board President Jackie Norris discusses Dr. Ian Roberts ICE arrest, next steps for district". WHO-DT . Retrieved September 28, 2025.
  8. ↑ "Public School Certified Enrollment Summary by District". Iowa Department of Education . Retrieved December 15, 2021.
  9. ↑ Des Moines Public Schools (2006). "Enrollment Report as of October 2, 2006" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on February 21, 2007. Retrieved December 5, 2006.
  10. ↑ Des Moines Public Schools (2005). "Enrollment Report as of September 16, 2005" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on June 25, 2008. Retrieved November 14, 2005.
  11. 1 2 3 Des Moines Public Schools (2004). "Enrollment Report as of September 17, 2004" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on June 25, 2008. Retrieved November 14, 2005.
  12. ↑ Iowa Department of Education (2001). "Certified Annual Reports for FY01-02 (Spreadsheet)". Archived from the original on December 12, 2004.
  13. ↑ Iowa Department of Education (2000). "Certified Annual Reports for FY00-01 (Spreadsheet)". Archived from the original on December 12, 2004.
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