Meet student needs and focus on their futures

A year ago, I wrote to you about how the Cedar Rapids Community School District was working to meet our promise of 'Excellence for All.” This promise continues but is also being viewed through the lens of each student and their unique interests, abilities and needs to ensure we educate them in a holistic way to be prepared to take the next steps beyond high school, whether that be four-year college, two-year college, job training program, certifications, or military service.

One way the district is working to meet the challenge of having all our students ready for their futures, is through the yearlong Master Facilities Planning Process, which we're calling, 'Re-Imagine, Re-Envision, Re-Invest.” Nearly 100 community members from all walks of life are taking part in this committee process to help identify key values and guiding principles for the district. The subcommittees of this process are evaluating and putting forth recommendations for: District finances, educational program offerings, and grade configuration. Additionally, building-level processes are being considered which will help guide the district when considering to build new, renovate or close old, or repurpose existing school facilities.

To this end, three public input sessions and an online survey for broader feedback have been conducted. As we move through the remainder of the process, more information will be shared at board meetings, online and at several more public input sessions later this spring and early next fall. This proactive approach will help us solidify our strategic vision for educating students and the facilities and financial needs of the district align for many years to come.

We continue to develop educational opportunities which allow choices for students and their parents. The Johnson STEAM Academy and Kenwood Leadership Academy provide options at the elementary level; the Roosevelt Creative Corridor Business Academy and Franklin KITE program for middle schoolers. At the high school level, we have even more pathways for students, including the Metro STEAM Academy, Jefferson BlendEd program and the ProStart Culinary program at Washington. These high school-level options are in addition to the numerous Advanced Placement and college-credit courses offered.

We also have 17 career and technical education teachers who oversee 70 classes of over 1,000 students in areas such as business and marketing, family and consumer sciences, industrial technology, and Project Lead the Way engineering courses. To provide even more options, we're collaborating with other area school districts to offer Iowa BIG, an entrepreneurial project-based learning option which engages our high school students in authentic community projects. Iowa BIG students collaborate with business executives, community leaders and social service agencies in Cedar Rapids and Marion.

The challenge to meet the needs of our diverse student population and maintain a focus on their futures requires significant effort. But with community and stakeholder support in the successful outcomes of our students today, the future in Cedar Rapids looks bright!

' John Laverty is president of the Cedar Rapids school board. More information: www.cr.k12.ia.us