CRCSD classes will dismiss 1 hour earlier than the normal early dismissal schedule Friday, March 31st due to the forecasted weather conditions. Elementary students will dismiss at 1:20; middle school will dismiss at 12:20, and high school will dismiss at 12:20.
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About

About

Innovative Education
6Theme-based magnet schools
West Willow exterior 1

“The Why” Behind the Facilities Master Plan

CRCSD is eager to deliver on its promise of Every Learner. Future Ready. It is evolving its teaching practices, workforce, and facilities to most effectively meet the needs of our 21st century learners. While CRCSD will always honor the past, it is important to plan for the future in a progressive and fiscally-responsible manner.

After Many Years, It’s Time

  • Most CRCSD school buildings were built before the 1950s, and some are more than 100 years old
    • Older compartmentalized designs don’t support open, collaborative learning
    • Repairs and maintenance are expensive on older buildings
    • ADA compliance is not being met
  • It’s been 22 years since CRCSD has asked the community for a bond vote
    • Surrounding school districts have benefited from several successful bond votes over the same time period
    • Cedar Rapids students should have the same opportunities as their surrounding area peers

CRCSD Needs to Catch Up

  • CRCSD kids deserve the best facilities to prepare them for the future so they can be competitive as they move forward and seek career readiness
  • Extracurricular and activities spaces are not currently equivalent to the surrounding school districts

Enrollment Assessments Affect Change

  • Facilities decisions are based on enrollment data within geographic areas
    • Uneven enrollment in certain schools does not align with best practices. For example, the cost per student in a small CRCSD school is $11,000 versus a larger CRCSD school where it is $7,000 per student
    • Projected capacity can determine the best fiscal use of existing or potentially-new facilities

Progress Supports CR Economic Development

  • New school facilities help drive businesses and families to the Cedar Rapids community
  • A modern school district creates economic appeal

CRCSD Facilities Master Plan Community Open Houses

The public is invited to community open houses to learn more about the Cedar Rapids Community School District’s facilities master plan and ask questions. The focused discussion involves middle school and high school renovation, additions, new build, and repurposing. Please note that all sessions will be an open house style event, where you can arrive any time in the two hour timeframe to visit informative stations.

There are three, in-person options and one virtual offering.

Monday, August 29th
4:00 – 6:00 pm
Jefferson High School – IMC

Virtual Session: Thursday, September 1st
Please sign up by 5:00 pm Wednesday, August 31st, and a link will be emailed to you the morning of September 1st to join.
12:00 – 2:00 pm

Thursday, September 1st
6:00 – 8:00 pm
Kennedy High School Cafeteria

Wednesday, September 7th
6:00 – 8:00 pm
Washington High School Cafeteria

Virtual Open House: Wednesday, September 21
Please sign up by 5:00 pm Tuesday, September 20th, and a link will be emailed to you the morning of September 21st to join.
5:00 – 7:00 pm
Sign Up Here

For reference material, please visit the Future Ready Facilities webpage. To view the board presentation regarding middle school and high school concepts, see Facilities Master Plan Updates.

In addition to the community open houses, CRCSD will be holding feedback sessions with CRCSD staff at all middle schools. Additionally, CRCSD is conducting coffee community sessions with business leaders, City of Cedar Rapids and City of Hiawatha officials.

CRCSD looks forward to receiving feedback from many different stakeholders. Thanks, in advance, for your time and consideration.

Facilities Master Plan Funding Sources

Different “buckets” help build the future.

Buckets Help Build the Future with logo RGB