Dear CRCSD Staff/Families,
As we begin the new year, I want to share an important update regarding our district’s budget planning and school configuration work, and how you can stay informed and involved throughout this process.
Our district is taking significant steps to stabilize our budget and right-size our organization for long-term sustainability. Declining enrollment, increased costs, and the end of short-term funding have created a budget deficit, projected between $10–12 million for next school year. While this challenge is not new, this year requires more decisive action.
This work is more than a one-time decision, it is about building a sustainable district for years to come, prioritizing students, protecting teaching and learning, and being responsible stewards of public funds.
Why We Are Here
Three primary factors are driving the deficit:
- Staffing Costs & Salary Increases
(Largest portion of our budget ~$9M)
- Supplemental State Aid (SSA) Projected at 2% or less
(~$845,765 or less in increased revenue)
- Open Enrollment & School Choice Impact
(Increased options → reduced revenue of ~$3.5M)
If these trends continue, our gap could reach up to $12 million, and potentially more over multiple years. Sustainability requires that each annual budget aligns with certified enrollment, staffing models, and resource prioritization.
First Phase of Budget Reductions-Presented to Board Jan. 5th
The Board will consider the first phase of budget reductions at Monday’s work session, informed by staff and community feedback. These proposed reductions focus on minimizing classroom impact and include:
- Reductions in consulting contracts
- Reductions in professional development travel
- ELSC staff reductions
Together, these items represent approximately $4.2 million in savings toward balancing the budget.
Proposal to Reorganize Schools
The board will also consider a proposal to reconfigure grade levels and consolidate schools, known as an Intermedia School Model. This proposal came from work sessions with principals and district leaders, where multiple models were considered and the intermediate model received the strongest support in a survey that went to all staff and the Community Coalition. The model would restructure schools as follows:
- Elementary: Preschool–4th grade
- Intermediate: 5th–6th grade
- Middle: 7th–8th grade
- High School: 9th–12th grade (no change)
Closing school buildings would result in approximately $1–$1.5 million in annual operational savings per building.
Please note:
- No schools have been identified for consolidation
- The Board is first considering the model, then potential implementation
- No final decisions have been made
Why This Model Is Being Considered
- Full-time specialist access at all levels
- Stronger extracurricular & co-curricular opportunities
- More consistent class sizes
- Clear feeder patterns
- Estimated $1–$1.5M savings per building annually
How You Can Share Your Input
Families are invited to complete a survey to share priorities as the Board considers this model. Your feedback will help inform upcoming Board discussions. Please complete the survey by January 7.
Timeline & Next Steps
- Board Work Session – January 5 at 4:30 PM: Review first-phase budget reductions, the Intermediate School Model, and initial staff and Community Coalition feedback
- Board Meeting – January 12 at 5:30 PM: Review second-phase reductions, potential consolidation timeline, and family survey feedback
- Board Work Session – January 19 at 4:30 PM: Vote on final budget reductions (excluding facilities) and discuss a consolidation plan
- Special Board Meeting – January 26 at 5:30 PM: Vote on facility consolidations
Our Commitment to You
Our district is committed to a transparent and inclusive process. While these conversations are difficult, this work is being approached with care, honesty, and a deep commitment to students, staff, and our community.
Thank you for staying engaged and for sharing your perspective as we work toward a sustainable future for CRCSD.
Sincerely,
Dr. Tawana Lannin
Superintendent
Cedar Rapids Community School District
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