Des Moines Public Schools Shuts Down Student-Run KDPS

RADIO ONLINE | Monday, June 9, 2025 | 4:24pm CT

KDPS-FM in Des Moines

After seven decades on the air, student-run KDPS-FM (Edge 88.1) in Des Moines has gone silent. The Des Moines Public Schools (DMPS), which owns and operates the station, announced the closure as part of a broader shift in educational priorities and the retirement of longtime station overseer Kirk Johnson.

KDPS officially signed off on June 5. The station had been a fixture since its debut in 1953, serving as a launchpad for generations of aspiring broadcasters and a hands-on training environment for high school students interested in radio.

"For more than 60 years, KDPS has offered students hands-on experience in radio broadcasting and contributed to the cultural and educational fabric of the community," the district said in a statement.

But maintaining the station has grown increasingly difficult. Johnson, who for the past 33 years handled station operations and ensured compliance with FCC regulations, is retiring. His departure marks the end of an era for KDPS and was a key factor in the district's decision.

"[Johnson] really went above and beyond to manage not only the curriculum, which had been morphing, but managing the aspects of the radio station," said Neil Schroeder, Chief Information Officer for DMPS.

DMPS cited rising operational demands, limited staff resources, and a shift toward more flexible and cost-effective media formats like podcasting and streaming. The change follows a comprehensive review of the district's educational media strategy and is part of a larger overhaul that includes school closures and realignments.

The district has retained Media Brokers to facilitate the sale of the station, which has been formally appraised at $750,000. The FCC has granted permission for the station to remain silent for 180 days while DMPS searches for a buyer.