DES MOINES, Iowa — Five Des Moines metro school districts have spent months making the pitch for multi-million dollar bond referendums, and Tuesday, residents get the chance to weigh in on the measures at the ballot box.

The largest bond referendum is in Des Moines — $265 million. Des Moines Public Schools would use the money to renovate nearly every school, expand early childhood education programs, and add career training programs.

The measure requires 60 percent approval to pass. If the referendum fails, district leaders say they would likely return to their 10-year overhaul plan. That plan includes closing 10 or 11 buildings and schools, likely leading to overcapacity issues at the schools that remain open.

Enrollment at several programs at Central Campus could also be limited and the district says retaining high-quality staff would be a challenge.

If approved, the referendum would increase property taxes for the average homeowner by about $200 a year, which is roughly $16 a month.

Meanwhile, a $51 million bond referendum in the Southeast Polk School District would mean a ninth elementary school.

Enrollment has increased by seven percent over the last five years, and in the next four years, the district expects to add some 500 more students.

Voters did pass a referendum in 2020 that was supposed to build a new elementary school. However, because of the pandemic and inflation, funds from the bond did not go as far. Instead, the money was used to purchase the land where this new school would be placed.

There are other metro districts with bond referendums on the ballot. The West Des Moines School District is asking voters to approve a $135 million proposal, the Ankeny School District has one for $130 million, and the Dallas Center-Grimes School District is trying to pass an $88 million bond.