C.R. school district seeks public’s ideas on possible closures

By John Laverty

----

In the years I've served on the Cedar Rapids Community School District's board of education, we've faced a number of challenges and celebrated many achievements side-by-side with our community. We've been impacted by the floods of 2008, the economic downturn, and shifts in student demographics. Board members have recognized the District's responsibility to consider these issues.

As we continue to look forward providing educational excellence for all of our nearly 16,000 students, it has become clear some imbalances have developed. Simply put, our student populations have shifted in the metro area. We have and will continue to work to address what we can to stem these trends at the same time responding with diligence, careful planning and fiscal responsibility.

To begin the process, professional consultants collected vital data about our community and district, which was thoroughly reviewed by a community stakeholder committee. This information can be accessed from the Enrollment and Facilities Study link on the District website at www.cr.k12.ia.us.

The committee's report was passed on to the superintendent, who in turn will make a recommendation to the school board - both of which are considering additional input as well.

One important aspect of the process involves financial considerations. A public school district is restricted by state law in how dollars in specific funds can be spent; this information is online at the “Budget Details” link on the District website.

A snapshot of current District budget issues includes:

l The lowest total enrollment in several decades (down 4 percent over the past three years).

l Recent 10 percent across-the-board cuts in state funding.

l Funding for the current fiscal year is down 1.34 percent

l A 1 percent mandated increase to IPERS retirement funds next year

l Zero additional state funding for the next fiscal year

Also, 80 percent of the District's budget is used to pay salaries and benefits for employees, all from the general fund.

Based on the state's collective bargaining process and as we strive to offer a competitive wage, we will see increased pressure on wages and benefits in the coming years. It is important to note that by law, funds used for staff salaries and benefits must not come from the same fund as those used to maintain or improve facilities and purchase technology.

As the school board considers boundary adjustments and closing some elementary schools, I want to be clear that we do not seek to increase the District's reserves as an outcome of this process. Any cost savings that might be yielded from closing a building would be used to help stabilize the District's overall general fund, which directly supports classroom instruction for all of our students.

The process to determine what school board decisions will best support student education, community priorities, and limited District financial resources is continuing. I encourage you to learn more, to speak up and to share your thoughts. Please join us at one of the Public Input Open House Forums, scheduled for 4 to 7 p.m. today at Grant Wood AEA, 4401 Sixth St. SW, and Feb. 9 at Kennedy High School Band Room, 4545 Wenig Rd. NE.

The community we serve can be assured the school board keenly values your participation in this process to ensure we uphold our mission: “To develop 21st century learners and productive, responsible citizens.”

John Laverty is president of the Cedar Rapids Community School District Board of Education. Comments: JLaverty@cr.k12.ia.us