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What to Know About School Bonds on 2025 Ballot

a man putting a ballot in ballot box

October 15, 2025

Twelve school districts in the Greater Des Moines region will have bond referendum votes on the ballot this fall. Here’s what you need to know.

What Does a School Bond Cover?

School bonds typically cover new buildings or building improvements. According to the Iowa Department of Education, the following elements would constitute a need:

  • A building is unsafe, outdated or not large enough to serve the current population.
  • A building cannot be modernized because of design or cost.
  • Special facilities, new programming or technology are needed.
  • A building is destroyed.

When Does the Vote Happen?

  • Wednesday, Oct. 15 – First day of absentee voting
  • Monday, Oct. 20 – Pre-registration deadline; deadline to request absentee ballot to be mailed received by County Auditor prior to 5 p.m.
  • Monday, Nov. 3 – Absentee ballot in-person deadline
  • Tuesday Nov. 4 – Absentee ballots receipt deadline; Election Day; Polls are open from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. CT. Absentee ballots must be received in your county auditor’s office prior to 8 p.m. CT on Election Day.*

Voting resources, including finding your polling place and requesting an absentee ballot can be found here: Voter Ready | A Guide To Voting In Iowa

What Percentage is Needed for the Referendum to Pass?

Schools bonds require a 60% majority of the votes.

What school districts are on the ballot this year?

Ankeny Community School District

The bond would finance an “innovative hub” with CTE programs, high school renovations, athletic performance center and renovations to athletic and fine arts facilities. Learn more.

Dallas Center-Grimes Community School District

The bond would be used to fund renovations to the existing high school and middle school, make updates to safety/security, allow for programming additions to the high school, update athletic facilities and build an inclusive playground at North Ridge Elementary. Learn more.

Des Moines Public Schools

The bond would be used to upgrade facilities, advance Signature Schools plans and career training, expand the Diploma+ program, increase pre-school opportunities including transportation, invest in athletic facilities and student activities, and reimagine middle schools. Learn more.

East Marshall Community School District

The bond would be used to enhance enhance safety and security, expand academic space and programming, and consolidate to two efficient campuses. Learn more.

I-35 Community School District

The bond would be used to modernize facilities, support district growth and stability, ensure safety and plan for the future. Learn more.

Knoxville Community School District

The bond would pay for almost two-thirds of a new elementary school in the Veterans District. Learn more.

Montezuma Community School District

The bond would be used to target critical repairs, modernizations, and upgrades that enhance safety, functionality and educational quality through classroom renovations, locker room updates, roofing replacements and site improvements for athletic facilities. Learn more.

Murray Community School District

The bond would be used to update the district’s oldest building, built in 1924, to address safety hazards, accessibility barriers, outdated systems and more. Learn more.

Panorama Community Schools

The bond would fund infrastructure improvements and other projects at the elementary and secondary schools, including HVAC, expanding the middle school gym and updating CTE spaces. Learn more.

Southeast Polk Community School District

The bond would fund the district’s facilities plan, including a new elementary school, upgraded playgrounds and renovating the junior high school. Learn more.

West Des Moines School District

The bond would be used to fund HVAC improvements, build a multipurposed student facility, improve school playgrounds, build a new auditorium at the junior high and improve athletics and performing arts facilities. Learn more.

West Marshall Community School District

The bond would be used to update the elementary school with expanding learning space, flexible modern classrooms, enhanced safety, improved accessibility and efficient infrastructure, and add a career and technical education addition to the middle school and high school. Learn more.

The Partnership's Public Policy team engages with local, state and federal officials to create public policy that generates economic growth, business prosperity and talent development in Greater Des Moines (DSM). Learn about state and federal legislators advocating for the region and how you can become involved by attending an upcoming state policy or advocacy event. The Partnership is a nonpartisan organization.

Ryan Moon, IOM

Ryan Moon, IOM is the Director of Government Relations and Public Policy at the Greater Des Moines Partnership.