Some areas saw more than an inch and a half of rain at a time when Iowa is once again facing drought conditions.

A dozen Des Moines Public Schools (DMPS) were among the state's lowest performing in a list released this week by the Iowa Department of Education. Why it matters: This is the first year the online report cards have used a new state system that includes indicators like proficiency in core academics and chronic absenteeism.

A new report from the Iowa Department of Education grades each school's performance in subjects like math and science, while taking chronic absenteeism into account.

Thirty-five Iowa schools are in need of assistance, and 12 of them are in the Des Moines Public Schools district, a new report shows.