Cedar Rapids Community School District Board of Education and the City of Cedar Rapids City Council met for a special work session on Wednesday afternoon (July 26th). During the discussion regarding the Comprehensive Facilities Master Plan, both entities agreed they must continue to work together for better schools and a stronger community.
The Comprehensive Facilities Master Plan would ensure all remaining schools are new or renovated throughout the district was shared during a special work session on Wednesday (7/26/23)
CRCSD Superintendent Dr. Tawana Grover, and Chief of Operations Jon Galbraith, shared details with city officials on a proposed 2-phase plan that would improve and consolidate the district’s school building facilities, create a feeder school system, and add college and career and technology education (CTE) opportunities in three high schools. A representative from RSP & Associates also presented past, current, and future enrollment data. RSP has contracted with the district to provide research on historical enrollment data, birth data, development activity, and facility capacity to help provide CRCSD with projected future student enrollment information in a five-year time frame.
“What your plan does, is matching what’s happening in the city…..But we do have to work together to get this done – because what you do, impacts what we do.” – Scott Olson, City of Cedar Rapids Council Member
If the school board approves the bond ballot language, phase 1 of the plan would include a GO Bond for $220 million, which could be on the ballot for a community vote on November 7, 2023. If passed by the voters, the district’s property tax levy would add $2.70 per $1,000 of taxable value. With this dollar amount, the district’s property tax levy tax rate would be very comparable to other neighboring districts. A GO bond needs at least 60% voter approval to pass.
“I feel strongly that investment in our school is right – and it’s right now. And the investment in our schools is great for our city….I think we’re all here today because we want to move forward, make progress for this city and we want to do it together. We don’t agree 100% that is for sure, but there are certainly places for us to find some agreement. So looking at the plan we have and how we continue to make improvements, I think that’s been the design the whole time….. My hope is that these conversations continue and honestly rather frequently.” – David Tominsky, CRCSD School Board President
A video recording of the meeting is available below. The School Board will meet again on Monday, July 31st, for a special board meeting to hear the proposed bond language detailing Phase 1 of the plan.
Next Steps:
July 31, 2023 – Special Board meeting – to hear proposed bond language detailing Phase 1 of the plan.
August 7, 2023 – Special Board meeting – to vote on bond ballot language
November 7, 2023 – election