The Cedar Rapids Community School District (CRCSD) is excited to announce its acceptance into the 2024-2025 League of Innovative Schools, a national network of forward-thinking school districts organized by Digital Promise. Digital Promise is a global nonprofit that aims to expand opportunities for every learner by bridging research, practice, and technology to enable groundbreaking educational solutions.
Cedar Rapids Community School District was selected from a competitive pool of national applicants based on its educational leadership, commitment to equity and excellence, innovative vision for learning, key achievements, and collaborative spirit. The district is one of only 150 nationwide—and one of only two in Iowa—chosen to join this elite group.
As a member of the League of Innovative Schools, CRCSD will gain access to a network of leading educators, researchers, and technology experts from across the country. This will position the District at the forefront of cutting-edge educational practices and bring innovative strategies, resources, and technologies into our schools. This will help to create a learning environment that continually adapts to the latest advancement, where students will be empowered to “Be You. Be CRCSD.”—celebrating their individuality while being equipped for success in an ever-evolving world.
“This is a remarkable achievement that reflects our commitment to making every student future ready,” shared Dr. Tawana Grover, CRCSD Superintendent. “This membership gives us access to cutting-edge insights and progressive strategies in technology advancement. As we prepare to launch our Future Ready College and Career Academies and Pathways, this membership will provide essential support in areas like AI, biotechnology, engineering, and more, benefiting both students and educators. We will benefit from learning best practices that can help us remove barriers, transform our students’ learning experiences, and strengthen our schools. Together, we are transforming what’s possible for the students of Cedar Rapids and shaping a future where every learner is equipped, empowered, and engaged to excel.”
This membership also strengthens the District’s commitment to creating a PK-12 system that helps equip students for college and careers, empowers them for life, and engages them in our community. CRCSD will be able to contribute to the national conversation on educational innovation and bring back new ideas, technology, and practices to benefit our students, staff, and community. It will empower teachers with the latest tools and practices, helping them better meet the diverse needs of the classroom and stay at the front of educational innovation. As the District aligns its educational
practices with the demands of the 21st century, graduates will leave school better equipped for the workforce.
“We are excited to join the League and continue our work to stay at the cutting edge of the K-12 space. We look forward to learning from other leaders, contributing to the broader national conversation, and bringing these ideas and practices back to CRCSD,” added Adam Zimmermann, Executive Director of Innovation. “But we will also be able to share the incredible work underway at CRCSD with the rest of the country.”
The League of Innovative Schools officially welcomed CRCSD at its fall convening in Lindsay, California, where district leaders engaged in high-level discussions on the future of education. Joining this community affirms CRCSD’s commitment to staying ahead of the curve and making a lasting impact—locally and nationally.