An investment in our schools Is an investment in our community

The recent decision by the Cedar Rapids Community School District’s Board of Education to approve petition language for a proposed bond referendum is a crucial step toward investing in our students, staff, and community. This decision reflects a solid commitment to creating the best learning environments for our students and staff. It is now our opportunity to mobilize the community and collect the necessary signatures to put the petition on the Nov. 7 ballot. The 6,319 collected signatures will allow the CRCSD residents to be a part of changing the lives of future generations.

It has been 23 years since the Cedar Rapids Community School District sought a bond from the taxpayers. This conservative and fiscally responsible management of funds shows the Board of Education’s ability to maximize its resources. While the district has attempted repairs over the years, several buildings still require proper HVAC management, additional ADA improvements, and appropriate learning and community convening spaces. As our facilities continue to age, the cost of upkeep will continue to rise, and the longer we wait, the more it will cost as construction costs continue to outpace inflation.

We ask for a $2.70 per $1,000 assessed taxable value increase in the district's property tax levy rate. Despite this increase, our rate would still be comparable to neighboring districts. We aim to have all buildings in our inventory either renovated or new by 2037.

We are inspired by the prospect of expanding our college and career readiness courses, which will enhance our efforts in increasing advanced placement, dual credit, and career and technical education (CTE) classes. These higher-rigor courses will empower our students to graduate college- and workforce-ready. We hope this will continue to allow us to maintain our positioning as a highly competitive educational institution that attracts and retains students and staff.

During my time here, it has been heartwarming to see the community's unwavering support for public education and the many partners who stand to elevate our student’s plans, pathways, and passions. This commitment has been evident in the active involvement during and after school. I'm ecstatic about how CRCSD has been actively involved in providing top-notch educational experiences for many years.

This proposed bond referendum language outlines the projects to fund Phase 1 of the district’s comprehensive Facilities Master Plan:

• A new land acquisition.

• Building a new sixth through eighth grade middle school.

• Making renovations for Franklin Middle School.

• Career and technical education additions to three high schools.

• Installing new turf fields at three high schools.

• Kennedy cafeteria/kitchen renovations.

• Updating Metro High School’s gym.

Our students and staff deserve the latest safety and security amenities, modern ADA accommodations, reliable HVAC systems, and enhanced practice and competition spaces, allowing the fine arts and athletics to practice and compete in safer and more conducive environments. Our community deserves flexible spaces to gather and access support through community schools.

This bond referendum is about more than facilities — it's about ensuring every student has access to a high-quality education while staying fiscally responsible. Thank you for the many ways you have helped secure a legacy of supporting public education. It's a testament to how much you, as taxpayers, care about our schools.

It is an honor to be on this journey with you, where we know that an investment in our schools is an investment in our community!

Dr. Tawana Grover is CRCSD superintendent.