Polk is a positive influence in community

There seems to be a pattern emerging with the poor decisions made by the Cedar Rapids Community School District leaders that cause long-term affects on children, families, neighborhoods and the community as a whole.

Polk Elementary, an excellent example of a neighborhood school, evidenced each morning and afternoon by the number of parents, children, Boys and Girls Club staff, and grandparents walking to and from school. The Polk staff are truly dedicated as shown by being one of only three city schools that is no longer on the “watch list.” Polk is a school of true diversity which in and of itself is an anomaly in Cedar Rapids.

Children need the opportunity to attend a neighborhood school where community activities take place, they attend school with kids in their neighborhood and the neighborhood is invested in their school. Polk enriches the entire community physically, emotionally and financially.

Polk is providing Cedar Rapids with educated, respectful, eager learners who are taught by teachers who love them, love their jobs and embrace the families of these students.

Why would it make sense to shut down such a positive thing in our community?

Connie Mitvalsky

Cedar Rapids