(Des Moines, IA) -- Des Moines Public Schools is moving forward with a 265-million-dollar Reimagining Education bond referendum.
"This plan is bigger than one person, and the way that we have outlined and shown that this much money is going here by this day, it's going to make it really hard to not hold us accountable because it's so specific and it's so tailored," said Tascha Brown, Des Moines Public Schools.
The bond would fund increased access to Pre-K and Diploma Plus, redesign middle schools, create more signature schools like Central Campus, and improve art and athletic facilities. There will be 13 classroom additions at Lincoln, Roosevelt, and East High Schools, with North and Hoover turning into signature schools like Central Campus.
The plan will facilitate the closing of four schools and create three districts: a northwest, northeast, and south district. It also looks to completely restructure middle school and have 6th-grade students stay in elementary for one more year before moving on.
The district hopes that the plan will bring in more students and increase the graduation rate, which is currently at 72%.
Some people are questioning whether the arrest of former Des Moines School Superintendent Ian Roberts will affect the Public Schools bond referendum on the November 4 ballot.
"I feel that it's way beyond one superintendent, it wasn't planned by him and his deception, it shouldn't effect the bond issue and weather it's passed," said Anne Rolland, Des Moines Resident.
The 265-million-dollar bond referendum would fund the expansion of programs, including Career and Technical Education, and improve athletic and arts facilities.
The district is hosting several more meetings over the next few weeks to share information about the Reimagining Education plan. Community members will be able to vote on the plan on November 4th.