No School Tax Hike Proposed in West Des Moines, but Spending Down More than $7 Million

West Des Moines Community Schools will hold a hearing tonight on a proposed 2013-2014 budget of nearly $140 million at 7 p.m. in the Learning Resource Center, 3550 Mills Civic Parkway.

The $139,739,881 budget would not raise taxes, with a rate of $13.30 per $1,000 taxable valuation again proposed. Spending will be down about a re-estimated fiscal year 2013 figure of about $209,935,000.

West Des Moines schools have the lowest tax rates in the area.The highest rate among eight central Iowa school districts is $21.66 in Southeast Polk, and the next lowest is Johnston at $17.35.

Spending is down more than $7 million from the re-estimated budget for the current fiscal year and more than $9 million less than the school board estimated in when the 2012-2013 budget was certified.

More information about the budget is found on the school district’s web site.Related: Valley High Staffing Levels Too Low for Electives? ‘Where will these students go?’

Among the items to be settled by the school board is the budget is the staffing level at Valley High School, where teachers are worried there will not be enough teachers next year, forcing more students into study halls than into enriched learning opportunities from elective courses.

Prior to the budget hearing and regular meeting, the board will hold a workshop meeting at 5:15 p.m. on new reading materials. Items to be discussed at the regular meeting include a presentation of the Valley High School Advanced Placement Program, the board policies, and several contracts and facilities items.

What: West Des Moines Community Schools Board of Education Workshop, Regular Meeting & Public Hearing Date: Monday, April 8 Time: Workshop – 5:15 p.m.; Public Hearing – 7 p.m.; Regular Meeting – 7 p.m. Location: Community Room, Learning Resource Center, 3550 Mills Civic Parkway, West Des Moines More information: Agenda and board packet.

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