Coach urges board to revisit athletic open-enrollment waiver; resident highlights value of Ruby Van Meter program

At the Des Moines Independent Comm School District board meeting June 2, two members of the public used the forum to raise separate concerns and commendations.

Josh DeWard, who identified himself as head football coach at East High School (ZIP 50316), said he was asking the board to reconsider a district practice related to athletic open enrollment. He described a policy in which a varsity athlete who open-enrolls is normally required to sit for a specified number of days, but said that a district employee had told him the sit period is typically waived when both sending and receiving schools agree. "I just ask that as a board, we look at that policy," DeWard said, urging trustees to consider potential impacts on retention, team culture and fairness when transfers are made.

Julie Powell (ZIP 50312) used her time to highlight the Ruby Van Meter program, which serves students with disabilities. Powell described how program participants have learned work and social skills by supporting community sites — including cleaning and practicing alphabetizing name tags — and shared an anecdote about students holding a small funeral for a bird they found, underscoring the students' emotional engagement. "That program is so valuable," Powell said, and she asked the board to recognize its importance when evaluating district programs and supports.

Under the board's rules, trustees do not engage in extended discussion during the public forum; both comments were recorded for the board's consideration. Clerk Rosie Rios had noted procedural requirements for speakers, including sign-up by email and time limits.