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(Central Iowa) -- Voters have approved bond referenda in several Des Moines metro school districts.
In the Ankeny School District, voters approved a 130-million-dollar bond for school improvements.
Plans for building a new Innovative Learning Hub on the Northview Middle School campus will begin as soon as spring. The Hub will serve students from both high schools with courses in engineering, fashion, construction, and health sciences. the district has said completion could come by 2028.
The bond also funds new fine arts classrooms, stadium updates, and turf for softball and baseball fields at both high schools. The district has said the bond will not mean an increase in taxes.
School improvements are also planned in the Dallas Center-Grimes Public Schools, where an $88 million dollar bond was approved.
The district will use the money to remodel portions of the high school, middle school and elementary schools.
Voters in the Southeast Polk school district have approved a $51 million school bond. The funding will build a new elementary school, renovate the junior high, and upgrade playgrounds at all eight elementary campuses.
The district says this will address the 7-percent growth in enrollment seen over the last 5 years.
West Des Moines voters approved a $135 million school bond. Construction could begin in the next 6-12 months to modernize every building in the district.
That includes upgrading classrooms, technology, and H-VAC systems. It also includes a new multi-purpose student activity center, a performing arts auditorium, and improved athletic and band facilities at Valley Stadium.