In a defining move for the future of the Cedar Rapids Community School District (CRCSD), the Board of Education voted 6-1 on Monday night, April 27, 2026, to approve a comprehensive restructuring plan. The decision, based on final recommendations from the Strategic Plan Executive Committee (SPEC), initiates a transition to a new grade-level model, the creation of true feeder patterns, and school consolidations and closures. The Board also voted 7-0 to implement new school attendance boundaries. 

Summary of the Board’s Decision

The Board evaluated the SPEC recommendations against the criteria established in the February Board Resolution and CRCSD’s long-term goals. The approved plan focuses on maximizing facility utilization and ensuring effective resource distribution. By right-sizing the district, CRCSD can continue to offer competitive programs, maintain manageable class sizes, and invest in high-quality educators. The Board approved the following key items:

  • Grade Level Reconfiguration: To better serve students’ developmental needs, the district will adopt an Intermediate School Model. Starting in the 2027-2028 school year, the district will operate under the following configuration:
    • Elementary School: Preschool-4th grade
    • Intermediate Schools: Grades 5-6
    • Middle School: Grades 7-8
    • High School: Grades 9-12. 

Under this new structure, Roosevelt, Viola Gibson, and Franklin will transition to Intermediate Schools with Taft, Harding, and McKinley serving as Middle Schools. Also, Wilson Middle School will transition to an Elementary School.

  • Consolidation, Closures, & Transition: To address declining enrollment and under-utilized space, the Board approved consolidating several facilities. Under the plan, Wright, Cedar River Academy, Cleveland, Grant, and Nixon Elementary Schools will close at the conclusion of the 2026–2027 School Year, and students from these locations will transition into the district’s remaining elementary schools. Also, Viola Gibson Elementary will transition to an Intermediate School serving Grades 5 and 6, and Wilson Middle School will transition to an Elementary School serving Preschool through Grade 4. Truman Early Learning Center has also been identified for closure; the Board will schedule the closure after the listed elementary schools close and after full implementation of the preschool through Grade 4 grade configurations in each elementary school.
  • Consistent Feeder Patterns: The approved plan creates true feeder patterns for our three comprehensive high schools. This means students will move through the grades with a consistent peer group from kindergarten to graduation, fostering a deeper sense of community and belonging.
  • Boundary Adjustments: The Board approved adopting Boundary Scenario #2, which shifts high school boundaries clockwise across the district. This adjustment balances enrollment and provides more equitable access to specialized programming across the city. (7-0 to approve)
  • Implementation Timeline: These changes will officially take effect at the start of the 2027-2028 academic year. No changes to school assignments or boundaries will occur during the upcoming 2026-2027 school year. While these changes are significant, the district has built in a full “preparation year” before the plan takes effect. 
True Feeder Patterns - model diagram.
Map of Boundary changes for the 2027-28 school district.