Overwhelming yes to $265M Des Moines school bond referendum

by Robin Opsahl, Iowa Capital Dispatch
November 4, 2025

The $265 million Des Moines Public Schools bond proposal prevailed in Tuesday’s election, according to unofficial results, overcoming doubts about the measure’s prospects following the arrest of former district superintendent Ian Roberts.

According to unofficial results published by the Polk County Auditor’s Office Tuesday night, the bond issue received support from nearly 74% of voters to just over 26% voting no, with all 72 precincts reporting.

The Des Moines Public Schools’ Reimagining Education Bond was one of the most expensive and highest-profile bond referendums on the ballot in Iowa Tuesday. The measure will fund the school district’s Reimagining Education, Reinvigorating Schools plan, allowing the board of directors to issue up to $265 million aimed at initiatives like updating school buildings and technology, creating “signature schools” focused on specialized topics, and offering all-day preschool for 4-year-olds and decreasing class sizes.

Bond referendums are often difficult measures to pass, with some voters reluctant to approve tax increases. These questions also require a higher threshold for approval — 60% of voters must approve the bond question. According to data shared at a Des Moines school board meeting in July, approving the bond will increase property tax costs for a home valued at $200,000 by roughly $188 each year over the course of 20 years.

The DMPS proposal became even more controversial after Roberts’ immigration arrest in September. In the wake of his detainment by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials, federal officials released information confirming he had been given an order of removal by an immigration judge in 2024 and had a previous criminal history.

The Associated Press also reported Roberts had asked the Des Moines school board for emergency approval of $116,000 in contracts three months after he was hired, for “culturally responsive coaching” that included a contract with a company he was affiliated with, Lively Paradox. While school finance officials flagged these contracts as a potential conflict of interest, Lively Paradox was later paid $6,476 by DMPS for consulting and travel expenses that were not brought up as a conflict of interest by board or district staff.

Iowa Auditor Rob Sand, who is running as a Democratic candidate for governor in 2026, said in October he believed the contract issue, as well as other subjects in Roberts’ situation, show there are legitimate concerns about spending and other issues at DMPS that warrant investigation. Sand confirmed the Auditor of State’s office had received a qualifying request in October to reaudit DMPS.

As questions surfaced about DMPS spending practices after Roberts’ arrest, DMPS and school board officials announced in October the creation of the Reimagining Education Bond Oversight Committee — an independent, third-party body — to review financial reports and project updates to ensure money spent through the bond matches with the language before voters on the Nov. 4 ballot.

“Many people recognize the need for this bond, but they want assurances the investment will be well managed, and this committee is an important step to give voters confidence,” Matt Smith, DMPS interim superintendent said in a statement.

DMPS officials and supporters argued the measure is needed to address current problems and meet needs in Iowa’s largest school district.

Michele Wilkie, chair of the Taxpayers Association of Central Iowa, which endorsed the bond initiative, said in a news release the endorsement “reflects confidence in the district’s strategic approach to addressing critical infrastructure needs, enhancing educational environments, and responsibly managing taxpayer resources.”

In a social media post Tuesday, DMPS officials thanked Des Moines voters for supporting the bond proposal.

“Over the next five years, Des Moines Public Schools will implement the Reimagining Education plan to strengthen student outcomes and provide the best educational choices to prepare all students for successful futures,” the social media post stated.

Throughout the state, there were more than 55 bond proposals on Iowans’ ballot in the local 2025 elections, with cities, counties, community colleges and schools asking residents in their jurisdictions for approval to fund large projects. The total amount of money up for discussion in the referendums was more than $1.5 billion, according to Iowans for Tax Relief.

Iowa Capital Dispatch is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Iowa Capital Dispatch maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Kathie Obradovich for questions: [email protected].