Voters back $265M school bond, elect Rob Barron as first Latino council member

DES MOINES, Iowa —

Des Moines voters made history Tuesday night, overwhelmingly approving the largest school bond in Iowa history and electing the city’s first Latino city council member. The results mark a major shift for Iowa’s capital city.

Voters in Iowa’s largest school district approved the $265 million bond referendum with nearly 74% support, far surpassing the 60% threshold required under state law. The plan will fund sweeping new educational options, early learning programs and construction and upgrades across Des Moines schools. Homeowners with properties valued at $200,000 will pay about $188 more per year in property taxes over the next 20 years.

“With this vote, we have actually changed for generations the student experience in Des Moines Public Schools,” said Interim Super