Common sense changes needed on Nov. 7

On Sept. 5, I submitted a complaint to the Iowa Ethics and Campaign Disclosure Board, regarding unethical use of taxpayer resources by the Cedar Rapids Community School District (CRCSD) in their attempt to promote the petition to bring a proposed bond issue to a vote. While the behaviors were deemed not illegal by the board, the impression was left that the CRCSD and current school board majority don't care about ethics and what is the right thing to do.

Now that the bond issue will be put to a vote on Nov. 7, the district and board members are not listening to the public and not giving the complete picture of what passing the bond issue will truly look like for the entire city. We all want the best for children's education, but the bond issue is not addressing the real barriers to learning. When asked in a recent Board meeting to share specific details of how the bond dollars would be spent, including an itemized breakdown, the board majority declined to release or review those numbers.

It is insulting to taxpayers that we are being asked to pass a huge property tax increase with no questioning of the bond issue's merits, or discussion of alternatives not previously considered. Taxpayer dollars continue to be used by the CRCSD to provide the 'facts' about the bond issue, but groups opposed to the bond issue are not afforded the same opportunities to share all of the real facts that are left out by CRCSD.

As a lifelong citizen of Cedar Rapids, I am greatly concerned about what the bond issue will do to the children and their parents, and the taxpayers in general. For instance, how will CRCSD recruit the additional school bus drivers needed, since neighborhood schools will be closed? They are having trouble finding drivers currently.

For children who wish to participate in before or after school activities at the school, how will they get to school or come home after school day is over? What will happen to the numerous neighborhoods once the current schools are closed or demolished? Why is Harrison school slated for demolition in this plan when there is no need to demolish it (land exists now at Madison Elementary that could be used)? What is the actual cost breakdown between renovating current schools and building new? How is a new building going to deal with the severe social and behavioral issues currently happening at our schools, that actually impede learning? How are taxpayers, which includes all citizens living in Cedar Rapids (even if you rent and do not own, increased rent fees will occur if the bond issue passes) going to come up with the dollars to pay for this massive plan?

It is time for a change but not at the expense of children in certain neighborhoods, and citizens. I encourage you to research each of the candidates for the school board election, and if you are tired of being ignored by current members, vote for candidates who will bring realistic, common sense planning to our school district.

Rachel Happel lives in Cedar Rapids.