CR needs new school board members

I attended a forum by the seven Cedar Rapids school board candidates. Several points were shared by most; distrust of board and superintendent, lack of communication to residents, incomplete preparation for and speed of initiatives.

I support the bond as our buildings do need attention. We wish to keep neighborhood schools.

Many public dollars are going to vouchers, charter/magnet/ academy schools. Families want options and feel alternative programs will better provide for their child. Is that guaranteed? Public schools face reduced funding, staff layoffs, educator burnout and program elimination. All affect student learning, which is at a low, with testing scores of reading and math at 45%.

Families choosing alternative schools should ask where the oversight, standardized testing to show student growth, accountability and teacher efficacy are. Soon, we’ll have two “required” programs; Freshman Academy and the high school Career Pathways (lacking any written description)

A factor when buying or renting is the nearby high school. Will there still be family traditions of Cougars, Jayhawks or Warriors? Will 14-15 year olds HAVE to choose their professions of the next 50 years? What about transportation to Pathways and extracurricular activities? Gee, perhaps teens might change their minds? Now, which school?

All three high schools should provide similar curriculum. We need new board members, a new superintendent, and focus.

Vote Chung and Borcherding. Reclaim the pride, integrity and high performance of Cedar Rapids schools.

Nancy Stiles

Cedar Rapids