Cedar Rapids school district ready for public input on enrollment study

The Cedar Rapids school district is seeking public input on its enrollment study through an online survey.

The survey will be available next month.

In a letter to district patrons, Superintendent Dave Benson said the survey will outline important facts about the district, and ask for input on how best to move forward in light of Cedar Rapids' declining enrollment.

“No decisions have been or will be made until we hear from our community,” Benson states in his letter.

The district's study of enrollment trends and facilities began during the 2010-11 school year. The findings are now being discussed by members of the enrollment committee.

This committee, comprised of district staff, parents and community members, has met twice a month since September to analyze various scenarios, including the changing of school boundary lines and school closings. Benson said the committee's goal is to determine whether or not the existing 33 school buildings are effectively meeting current and projected student enrollment needs.

The district's current enrollment is 15,975 students, the lowest level since 1960.

All committee meeting notes, along with PowerPoint presentations and reports from the studies, are available on the district's Web site at www.cr.k12.ia.us. The survey results also will be posted to the district Web site.

The committee is expected to make its recommendations to the school board in early 2012.