For generations, the Cedar Rapids Community School District has been the heart of this city, a place where children’s dreams take root and futures are shaped. Today, we stand at a defining moment. This is not a moment of despair, but a moment of disclosure, a time for honesty, collaboration, and shared purpose.

Since 2020, our district has experienced a steady decline in enrollment, a total reduction of more than 1,800 students over the past five years, including 622 this year. This is not unique to Cedar Rapids, districts across Iowa and the nation are experiencing similar trends due to shifting demographics, school choice, and smaller incoming student populations. Still, we must address what this means for us locally. Because enrollment directly impacts funding, this decline affects how we staff, plan, and allocate resources. We must plan carefully as we seek to become the district of choice for our community.

This is a call for awareness, unity, and collective action as we work together to strengthen our schools and support every student. Our focus is on a path forward that right-sizes our organization while ensuring every student continues to have access to high-quality instruction, innovative programs, and the support they need to thrive.

How Can You Help?

  • Engage District and School Leaders: Initiate conversations with campus administrators to implement the staffing model that was developed for the 2025-26 school year and identify efficiencies across the organization.
  • Create Strategic Planning & Community Coalition: The launch of a coalition of parents, educators, and community partners, working alongside the Board, to co-design a multi-year plan that aligns facilities, staffing, and student needs with our district’s long-term vision.
  • Launch a Unified Enrollment Campaign: A comprehensive marketing initiative funded primarily through grants to inform families of our programs and offerings in CRCSD.
  • Advocate: Continued work at the state and federal levels to secure funding that truly meets the needs of public education.

Your voice is critical. We invite families, staff, and community members to join our Community Coalition to help develop a strategic plan for increasing enrollment and ensuring CRCSD continues to be a district of choice.

CLICK HERE to join the coalition

Together, we can ensure Cedar Rapids schools remain a place where every student is known, challenged, and cared for, and where families and staff feel valued and empowered as partners in shaping our future.

Sincerely,
Dr. Tawana Grover
Superintendent
Cedar Rapids Community School District