The Des Moines school district’s $265 million bond referendum to modernize schools and expand some academic programs has been endorsed by the Taxpayers Association of Central Iowa, the district said in a news release.

“Our endorsement reflects confidence in the district’s strategic approach to addressing critical infrastructure needs, enhancing educational environments, and responsibly managing taxpayer resources,” Michele Wilkie, the association’s chair, wrote in a letter to the district. “We were particularly encouraged by the district’s commitment to transparency and accountability, including the establishment of an independent oversight committee tasked with monitoring expenditures and ensuring that bond proceeds are used as intended.”

The district’s Reimagining Education initiative includes school building upgrades throughout the community as well as expanding programs including preschool and career and technical education. Voters in the Des Moines school district will vote on the issue Nov. 4. Passage requires 60% approval. 

This week, the district announced the creation of the Reimaging Education Bond Oversight Committee that will review financial reports, monitor construction progress and present public progress reports to the school board throughout the five-year initiative.

Committee members include Marc Ward, the group’s chair, Jeff Lorenzen, Natalie Merrill, Odell McGhee, Liz Buck, Dan Houston and Diana Hermosillo. Ward is also president of the nonprofit Taxpayers Association of Central Iowa.