At the Board of Education meeting, the Cedar Rapids Community School District (CRCSD) reaffirmed its commitment to stabilizing and advancing its vision of “Every Learner. Future Ready.” While addressing the realities of declining enrollment and evolving financial challenges, CRCSD outlined a proactive and strategic plan to ensure a strong foundation for the future.

Superintendent Dr. Tawana Grover emphasized the district’s proactive approach:
“While these challenges test us, they also provide an opportunity to innovate. CRCSD is relocating resources strategically by optimizing staffing in ways that will never compromise the quality of educational excellence. Let me be clear—there are no plans to cut staff. We remain steadfast in our mission of excellence and our commitment to Every Learner, Future Ready, working collaboratively to fulfill our strategic anchors and ensure everyone is engaged, empowered, and equipped to excel. Together, we are building a stronger, future-ready district for Cedar Rapids.”

Key Enrollment and Budget Highlights

  • Enrollment Decline: Certified enrollment for the 2024-2025 school year decreased by 337 students, a 2.2% drop from the previous year. This reflects increased open enrollment out, decreased open enrollment in and the impact of Educational Savings Accounts (ESAs).
  • Budget Implications: With per-student funding at $7,826, the enrollment decline has contributed to a projected $9.65 million budget deficit for FY25. Additional pressures include the ESSER funding cliff and legislative impacts such as Senate File 2368, which redirects funds to follow open-enrolled students.
  • Charter School Impact: Charter enrollment increased significantly from 5 students in Fall 2023 to 112 in Fall 2024, costing the district $855,120 in FY25. Two more charter schools are slated to open in Cedar Rapids in Fall 2025.
  • Growing Diversity: Despite the challenges, CRCSD welcomed 111 new English Learner students, highlighting the district’s commitment to serving an inclusive and evolving community.

Karla Hogan, Chief Financial Officer addressed the fiscal outlook:
“This is a pivotal moment for CRCSD. By leveraging data-driven solutions, we aim to align staffing and facilities with enrollment trends while maintaining the quality of education our families expect. Our focus remains on innovation, efficiency, and equity. These strategic initiatives for educational excellence ensure that we are meeting the needs of our students and preparing for a stronger future.”

Strategic Initiatives for Educational Excellence to Address Challenges

Staffing for Impact:

  • Maintaining proper staffing levels through strategic management, including leveraging attrition to align resources with student needs without direct reductions.
  • Prioritizing the recruitment and retention of high-quality educators to ensure students receive the support and instruction needed to thrive.
  • Expanding professional development opportunities to equip staff with the skills to address evolving educational needs, including behavioral and special education support.
  • Ensuring staffing levels in high-need areas, such as special education and English Learner programs, to provide equitable learning opportunities for all students.

Right-Sizing for Sustainability:

  • Conducting a comprehensive review of facility usage to align building capacity with current and projected enrollment, optimizing operational costs while maintaining safe, innovative learning environments.
  • Planning facility usage to support high-quality programming and equitable resource allocation across the district.

Cutting-Edge Programming:

  • Implementing the CKLA literacy curriculum in elementary schools to improve literacy outcomes and prepare students for future academic success.
  • Providing Instructional Empowerment implementation to our staff.
  • Expanding College and Career Pathways programs to provide students with real-world skills and opportunities for post-graduation success.
  • Embracing innovative programs and technologies that position CRCSD as a leader in education, attracting families and fostering student engagement.

Community Partnerships and Advocacy:

  • Building and strengthening partnerships with local businesses, organizations, and community leaders to expand resources and opportunities for students.
  • Advocating for equitable funding to address disparities caused by ESAs and charter schools, ensuring that all students have access to high-quality public education.
  • Enhancing communication and engagement with families to raise awareness of district programs and build trust within the community.

Equity-Focused Resource Allocation:

  • Allocating resources to ensure that every learner has access to safe, secure learning environments and tailored programs to meet their unique needs.
  • Addressing growing behavioral and special education demands with targeted investments and expanded support staffing.
  • Prioritizing diversity and inclusion efforts to foster an equitable learning environment where every student can thrive.

Strategic Budgeting for Excellence:

  • Conducting a deep-dive analysis of district finances to align spending with high-impact priorities and ensure long-term sustainability.
  • Transparency in budgeting processes to build community trust and ensure that resources are effectively supporting student success.

A Commitment to the Future

Dr. Grover concluded with a message of hope and determination:
“Despite the obstacles we face, CRCSD is unwavering in our mission to deliver the highest quality education. While these ratings show where we need to grow, they also reinforce our commitment to student success. We are committed to stabilizing our district while breaking down barriers to ensure every learner thrives. Together, with our families and community, we will chart a course for a stronger, future-ready district.”

Dr. Grover also extended gratitude to the Board of Education for their steadfast support, as well as to staff, parents, and community business partners:”Thank you for believing in us and for your dedication to building a stronger, brighter Cedar Rapids for everyone. It is this collective commitment that will allow us to overcome challenges and create lasting opportunities for all.”