Thanks for PPEL! Consider joining CLAT

On Tuesday, November 5, Des Moines voters approved an increase and extension of the Physical Plant and Equipment Levy (PPEL) for Des Moines Public Schools.THANK YOU!  The levy is critical for DMPS to continue to maintain and improve our school buildings, enhance classroom technology, and offset projected budget cuts without changing the current property tax rate.

If you have an interest in how public schools are funded in the state legislature, Des Moines Public School has a Community Legislative Action Team (CLAT) that meets regularly throughout the legislative session.  Find the CLAT website:  https://www.dmschools.org/community-legislative-action-team/clat-events/

Here is a message from school board member, Heather Anderson, who chairs the CLAT committee:

Dear parents, teachers, staff and community members who care about education,

Over the last four years, the DMPS Community Legislative Action Team (CLAT) has actively partnered with community members to create a voice for our children and our schools. We are excited to continue our work and are busy gearing up for the 2020 session of the Iowa General Assembly.

In preparation, we need your help. We are asking you to join us on Saturday, Nov. 16, to participate in our 2019 Fall Coffee with Legislators and district leaders. Your voice and personal stories will help educate lawmakers about the impact current state policieshave on our students, and encourage them to adopt solutions helpful to public schools. A few details:

Saturday, Nov. 16, 10:00 – 11:30 AM
Central Campus Multipurpose Room, 1800 Grand Ave.
Purpose: To talk with lawmakers and share the challenges facing our pubic schools.

The DMPS Community Legislative Action Team is focusing on four main priorities this legislative session.

INCREASE SUPPLEMENTAL STATE AID: This should be of concern to every parent in the state.The reality is Iowa schools have faced less than adequate funding from the state to help all our students succeed for the last 10 years. Please join our effort to meet the needs of our students.

EXPAND SUPPORT FOR K-12 STUDENTS LIVING IN POVERTY: Increase weighted funding for students who qualify for free and reduced lunch. Many of these students come to school without their basic social-emotional and physical needs met. Districts need the additional funding necessary to meet those needs and pave the way for a solid future for all students.

EXPAND SUPPORT FOR OUR ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS: Increase weighted English Language Learner (ELL) funding to .39, in accordance with evidence-based practice and as recommended by the 2013 task force report on ELL education in Iowa.

EXPAND PRESCHOOL FUNDING FOR CHILDREN IN POVERTY: Increase in weighted funding in the Statewide Voluntary Preschool Program (SWVPP) for children living at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level.

Just a few upcoming dates to keep in mind:
Monday, January 13- First Day of Legislative Session
Saturday, January 11@ 9 AM – Coffee with Legislators at Brubaker Elementary
Tuesday, January 28 @ 9 AM – CLAT sponsored Day on the Hill
Saturday, February 8 @ 9 AM – Coffee with Legislators, Hoover High School
Saturday, March 14 @ 9 AM – Coffee with Legislators, Callanan Middle School
Saturday, April 11 @ 9 AM – Coffee with Legislators, Brody Middle School

Please make sure to “Like” our Facebook page DMPS Community Legislative Action Team and share it with your friends. Information about CLAT is also available on the DMPS District website.

Please join me in the fight to meet the needs of our students.

Heather Anderson
Chair of the CLAT Committee
DMPS School Board