Schools First

In 1999, Polk County voters approved the “Schools First” campaign, a local option sales tax that made possible significant and long overdue improvements to school facilities in Des Moines Public Schools and other school districts throughout the county. The approval made positive changes for students, teachers, parents and neighborhoods across the entire community.

While replaced by a state-wide sales tax approved by the Iowa General Assembly in 2008 – known in Des Moines as “Students First” – the original local option sales tax began a city-wide effort to restore historic school buildings and build new 21st century learning centers.

 In Des Moines, the original “Schools First” local option sales tax resulted in more than $240 million in school renovations and new construction.

Completed Projects

2001

Capitol View Elementary School
Monroe Elementary School

2002

Greenwood Elementary School
Morris Elementary School
Moulton Elementary School

2003

Brubaker Elementary School
Callanan Middle School
McKinley Elementary School
Willard Elementary School

2004

Central Kitchen
Hanawalt Elementary School
Hubbell Elementary School
Oak Park Elementary School
Phillips Elementary School
Weeks Middle School

2006

East High School
Perkins Elementary School
South Union Elementary School

2007

Carver Community School
Garton Elementary School
Goodrell Middle School
Windsor Elementary School

2008

Central Academy @ Wallace-Homestead
Hillis Elementary School
Lincoln High School
Samuelson Elementary School
Stowe Elementary School
Walnut Street School

2009

King Elementary School

2010

Central Campus
Jackson Elementary School
Roosevelt High School