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DMPS marks start of construction on maker space at Mcomes Middle School
Summary
Des Moines Independent Comm School District leaders marked the start of construction on a new maker space at Mcomes Middle School, saying the facility will provide hands-on learning and that work will begin during summer break as part of the district's Reimagining Education initiative.
Acting Principal Mark Lee welcomed the crowd and announced that construction crews will begin work over summer break to build a new maker space at Mcomes Middle School. "Construction teams will begin working to build them a better future," he said.
The project is part of the Des Moines Independent Comm School District's Reimagining Education initiative, officials said. DMPS School Board Chair Kimberly Marterano said the effort represents "years of planning and community support" and reflected a commitment to keeping district schools ready for the future. Marterano noted interim Superintendent Matt Smith was unavailable for the event and introduced DMPS Chief of Academics Brenda Colby to describe the project in more detail.
Brenda Colby told attendees the maker spaces are designed to give middle school students hands-on opportunities to explore interests and apply technology to problem-solving. "The new maker spaces coming to Mcomes Middle School will give students more chances to explore those questions in hands-on ways," Colby said, adding that the spaces are meant to connect classroom learning with real-life experiences.
Bilingual family liaison Francisco Hernandez spoke in Spanish and English about the role families played in shaping the plans. Hernandez said he participated in community feedback sessions and credited families for helping refine the project: "Your voices helped shape the work we are celebrating today." Dr. Becca Harris, the lead project manager for Reimagining Education, described the work as "about more than a maker space" and framed it as a community investment in opportunity and innovation.
District officials did not announce a contractor, final budget or exact timeline for completion at the event; they said only that construction would begin while students are on summer break. No votes or formal board actions occurred during the ceremony. The ceremony concluded with thanks to partners, staff and families as work commences.
