Government Notes: Cedar Rapids schools begins work to create next 7 year strategic plan

Staff, families and community members will have opportunities in the coming months to shape a new seven-year strategic plan, Superintendent Tawana Grover said in a newsletter to the public Thursday.

The work began Friday in a Cedar Rapids school board work session where board members reviewed strategic priorities for the 2025-26 school year, enrollment, finances and the district’s strategic plan.

Last month, the district announced a decline of 622 students this year, resulting in a loss of about $5 million in revenue for the 2026-27 school year. They are preparing to address budget and enrollment challenges through the development of a “stronger, community-driven strategic plan,” Grover said.

“Like many districts across Iowa, we are experiencing declining enrollment and financial pressures,” Grover said. “We view this moment as an opportunity to realign our resources, elevate programming and ensure long-term success for our students and staff. Our commitment remains the same: to provide high-quality, future-ready learning experiences that make CRCSD a district of choice.”

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The district’s last three-year strategic plan, approved by the school board in September 2023, focused on improving student achievement, closing opportunity gaps and decreasing physical aggression of students.

A districtwide virtual meeting is being hosted Dec. 9, to engage staff in the work. Community members are invited to join a coalition that is holding its first meeting Dec. 11. A strategic plan executive committee will convene to guide conversation between current needs and long-term goals of the district.

“No decisions have been made. We are focused on listening, learning and collaborating to shape thoughtful solutions. Surveys and additional engagement opportunities will be shared soon to gather input on priorities and future planning,” Grover said in the newsletter.

The board — which appointed a new president and vice president last month and welcomed three new members — also discussed communication, trust and transparency and goals at its Friday work session.

In August, district leaders presented to the school board a multiyear strategic communication plan aims to build trust in the Cedar Rapids Community School District between the district and schools, and the district and the community.

New board president Jennifer Neumann is promising “accountability” and establishing trust with the community.

For more information about joining the Cedar Rapids districts’ community coalition, visit crschools.us.

Cedar Rapids trails project receives $200K in state grant funding

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An effort to connect the Grant Wood Trail with the busy Cedar Valley Nature Trail just got a nearly quarter-million-dollar boost from the Iowa Department of Transportation.

The $200,000 grant was part of a larger DOT distribution of roughly $3.1 million awarded to nine trail projects across the state through the department’s annual State Recreational Trails Program.

The project aims to connect two popular Linn County trails. Currently, the Grant Wood Trail runs from the city of Marion to Council Street in Cedar Rapids — stopping less than 1 mile from the popular Cedar Valley Nature Trail.

The plan is to add a paved trail connection between the two to increase accessibility, connectivity and pedestrian safety. Work on the project will begin in 2026 or 2027, pending easement negotiations with the nearby railroad.

City of Cedar Rapids opens FY27 budget survey to citizen feedback

The city of Cedar Rapids is seeking citizen feedback as it kicks off its fiscal year 2027 budgeting process.

Community members are invited to submit their comments and questions using an online form at CityofCR.com/BudgetSurvey. The survey is open now through Jan. 1.

All survey responses are anonymous, although respondents are able to fill out an optional section with demographic information to help city analysts best understand the communities reached by the survey.

Per a city posting, the feedback will be used to ensure that the city’s budget reflects the needs and desires of Cedar Rapids residents.

There will be additional opportunities for public comment prior to the budget’s adoption, but the survey allows a chance for citizens to share their thoughts early on in that process.

The budget will be discussed at several public meetings next spring before being formally adopted in late April. Additional information about the city’s budgeting process can be found online at CityofCR.com/Budget.

Metro Library Network to part ways with CloudLibrary service

Citing funding limitations, Metro Library Network has announced its intent to discontinue CloudLibrary service effective Jan. 1.

The network announced the update last week via social media. The change will affect readers at the Cedar Rapids, Marion and Hiawatha public libraries, all of whom fall under the broader Metro Network.

CloudLibrary is an app and website that allows users to check out electronic books (e-books), audiobooks and digital magazines for free using their library card. It is one of several such services offered through the Metro Library Network catalog.

In the announcement, network leaders cited “increased pricing and limited funding“ as the reason for discontinuing service.

The network will maintain its contracts with Hoopla and Libby, both of which also offer e-books, audiobooks and other digital content for library cardholders.

Marion food drive collects 1,500 pounds of food

A citywide food drive overseen by the Marion Fire Department brought in approximately 1,500 pounds of food for Iowans in need.

Throughout the month of November, the city collected food donations at several public buildings to donate to the Hawkeye Area Community Action Program, which runs a regional food reservoir in Hiawatha.

Per City Manager Ryan Waller’s weekly community update, residents donated roughly 1,500 pounds of food during that time frame — all of which will be distributed to those facing food insecurity during the holiday season.

“Without a doubt, this response will make a real difference for families in need right here in Marion. To everyone involved in coordinating donation sites, managing food pickups and keeping this effort running smoothly, thank you,” Waller wrote.

In addition to the food drive, the city last month also donated a combined $15,000 to five Marion food pantries.

Robert A. Lee Recreation Center pool to temporarily close Dec. 15

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Iowa City’s Robert A. Lee Recreation Center pool and locker rooms will be temporarily closed beginning Dec. 15 to Jan. 30, 2026 to facilitate a flooring project.

Community members are directed to use the Mercer Park Aquatic Center pool, which is open 6:15 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday through Saturday. The pool is open on Sundays 11:15 a.m.-8 p.m.

The Mercer Park Aquatic Center pool will be closed the following days: Dec. 20, 24, and 25, and Jan. 1, 17 and 18.

Additionally the Mercer Park pool will close early at 4 p.m. on Dec. 8, 18 and 31, and Jan. 20. The pool also will open later, at 11 a.m., on Dec. 26.

Iowa City offering free road salt for residential use

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The City of Iowa City is offering free road salt and sand mix for residents at the Streets Division parking lot, located at 3901 Napoleon Lane

Residents are encouraged to bring their own buckets and shovels. The salt is meant to be used for sidewalks and driveways near residences.

Under city ordinance, residents are required to clear sidewalks within 24 hours after the end of a snowstorm.

U.S. Cellular donates $5K worth of equipment to Boys & Girls Clubs

U.S. Cellular is donating $5,000 worth of electronics, furniture, art supplies, sports equipment and games to Boys & Girls Clubs of the Corridor youth.

The donation will help the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Corridor fulfill the organization’s mission to inspire and enable all young people to reach their full potential as productive, caring and responsible citizens, according to a press release from U.S. Cellular. This is the third year in a row that U.S. Cellular has provided a holiday donation to the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Corridor.

Last summer, the Boys & Girls Clubs opened a new facility named the Busse Unit in the Wellington Heights neighborhood in Cedar Rapids.

Government Notes is published Mondays and contains updates from area governmental bodies. The Gazette’s Grace King, Grace Nieland and Megan Woolard contributed.