The Cedar Rapids Community School District (CRCSD) is thrilled to announce the successful renewal of the Physical Plant and Equipment Levy (PPEL) following today’s special election. With 72% of voters supporting the renewal, the district exceeded the required majority of 51%, securing critical funding for the ongoing maintenance and improvements of district facilities.
CRCSD extends its heartfelt gratitude to the families, staff, and community members who participated in the voting process and shared their valuable perspectives. The district also recognizes the tireless efforts of its staff, including teachers, support staff, and administrators, who work diligently every day to create a positive learning environment for students. A special thank you goes to Chad Schomaker, Director of Operations, for his dedication in educating the community about the importance of PPEL and its impact on the district’s facilities and students’ learning experiences.
PPEL, currently set at $1.33 per $1,000 of assessed taxable property valuation, serves as a critical funding source for CRCSD. It supports urgent and ongoing maintenance, repairs, and upgrades to district facilities, along with the purchase of essential equipment and vehicles. This levy has been instrumental in maintaining safe and modern learning environments for students across the district.
CRCSD Superintendent Dr. Tawana Grover expressed her gratitude to our families and community members for their unwavering trust and support for public education. “They have been supporting PPEL for 50 years and tonight that tradition continues. The renewal of our district’s PPEL is more than just a funding mechanism; it’s a reaffirmation of our community’s commitment to public education and the future of Cedar Rapids.”
Chad Schumacher, Director of Operations, further emphasized the impact of the renewal, stating, “With the renewal of PPEL, we can execute on a 10-year plan to upkeep our facilities, expand opportunities, and provide transportation to ensure our students are able to attend school daily. We are committed to being good stewards and will deliver on our PPEL promise.”
CRCSD’s tax rate remains one of the lowest among Linn County school districts, and the renewal of the PPEL reflects the community’s confidence in the district’s ability to manage its facilities responsibly. This ongoing support will allow CRCSD to focus on providing innovative, secure spaces where students and staff can thrive.
Superintendent Grover added, “The renewal of PPEL is more than just a funding mechanism; it’s a reaffirmation of our community’s commitment to public education and the future of Cedar Rapids. It enables us to continue providing high-quality, equitable learning environments for all our students, and supports our dedicated staff in their mission to educate and inspire. As we move forward, we’ll continue to work closely with our community, maintaining transparency and accountability in our use of these vital funds. Together, we’re not just maintaining buildings – we’re building futures.”
Board President Cindy Garlock emphasized the far-reaching community benefits of well-maintained schools. “Our schools are such an important part of our community. PPEL helps us ensure equity across our district, creating consistent, quality learning environments for all our students. But the benefits extend beyond our school walls. Well-maintained schools attract new families to Cedar Rapids, support property values, and help develop the skilled workforce that will drive our local economy in the future.”
The successful PPEL renewal is a powerful testament to the shared values and aspirations of the Cedar Rapids community. It enables the district to continue living its core mission of equipping, empowering, and engaging everyone to excel. With this strong foundation of community support, CRCSD is poised to reach new heights in creating inspiring learning environments where students thrive, educators excel, and the entire community takes pride in its schools.
For more information about how PPEL funds are used, visit crschools.us/PPEL.