FY 2013 Budget

The FY 2012-13 budget for Des Moines Public Schools, which begins on July 1, was approved by the School Board by a 7-0 vote on April 10. This page includes information about the budget process, including the proposed budget, key dates, presentations, and more.

FY 2012-13 Budget Highlights

The FY 2012-13 proposed budget is available online. You may download a PDF of the document by clicking here or on the image to the right.

The School Board unanimously approved the district’s $474 million budget, including $364 million in general funds, for the 2013 fiscal year beginning on July 1. While the combination of a recent economic recession, state budget cuts over the past ten years, and historic low allowable growth has created significant challenges in funding public education in Iowa, the Board approved a budget that is fiscally sound and forward focused. Some key points about this year’s budget for Des Moines Public Schools include:

  • Eighty-six percent of the general fund is directed towards instruction and student support, with 9% covering district operations and less than 5% for administration.
  • Next year’s budget was helped by the fact that DMPS had an enrollment increase of nearly 600 students, the largest of any district in Iowa this year.
  • The budget approved by the Board includes a cap of 10% on the district’s unspent spending authority and an 8% solvency ratio.
  • The budget does not include funding for new programs, and is instead concentrated on maintaining levels to the greatest degree possible for existing programs.
  • The budget also includes no change in the district’s tax rate; DMPS has not increased its tax rate during 7 of the past 8 years.
  • While 32 full-time employee positions are affected due to certain grants coming to an end, many of these individuals will likely remain with the district in other positions that are open due to retirements or resignations.
  • The budget includes $71.9 million in revenue bonds, to be repaid using sales tax revenue, for the renovation of more than a dozen schools.

Key Dates

Tuesday, February 21 – 6:00 PM
The Citizens’ Budget Advisory Committee and Employees’ Budget Advisory Committee present recommendations to the School Board
Multi-Purpose Room, Central Campus, 1800 Grand Avenue

Thursday, March 1 – 6:30 PM
Public Forum on FY2013 Budget
North High School Library – 501 Holcomb Avenue

Saturday, March 3 – 9:00 AM
Public Forum on FY2013 Budget
Lincoln High School Commons – 2600 SW 9th Street

Tuesday, March 27 – 12:00 Noon
FY2013 Proposed Budget Released
Special School Board meeting – 901 Walnut Street

Tuesday, April 3 – 6:00 PM
Budget discussion/update
School Board meeting – Central Campus, 1800 Grand Avenue

Tuesday, April 9 – 6:00 PM
Board Work Session – Discussion of FY2012-13 Budget
901 Walnut Street

Tuesday, April 10 – 6:00 PM
Public Hearing – Adoption and Certification of FY2012-13 Budget
Special School Board meeting – Central Campus, 1800 Grand Avenue

Monday, April 16
Deadline for Certified Budget to be Submitted to Polk County

Budget Advisory Committees

The Citizens’ Budget Advisory Committee and the Employees’ Budget Advisory Committee have both prepared recommendations for the School Board to consider in the FY2012-13 budget process. Copies of the recommendations are available here:

Budget Presentations

The following are presentations made by the school district’s Chief Financial Officer to the School Board at various points during the budget process: