An informed decision on enrollment and boundary issues

By Dave Benson

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As the Cedar Rapids Community School District considers the possibility of facility and boundary changes in response to declining enrollment and shifting residential populations, I am reminded of an old saying: “While not everything faced can be changed, nothing can be changed until it is faced.”

As you may be aware, the District conducted studies of enrollment trends and school facility conditions during the 2010-11 school year. A major concern was whether the existing 33 schools meet current and projected student enrollment needs. Our 2011-12 enrollment of 16,367 is the lowest since 1960.

Further, the residential population of Cedar Rapids has shifted over time. These factors have resulted in a mismatch between the capacity of our schools and the number of students residing in many areas of the District, leading to either overcrowding or underutilization of space.

An Enrollment Study Stakeholder Committee was charged with reviewing the studies and advising the superintendent regarding enrollment and boundary issues. This group of parents, teachers, school administrators, community members and consultants began meeting regularly in early August. Their thorough examination of the data was intended to provide the administration with guidance in forming administrative recommendations to the school board. This was a superintendent's committee and meetings included members and a media representative. Summaries and materials were posted to the District website (www.cr.k12.ia.us) to keep the community informed. While some questioned the decision not to allow broader attendance at the meetings, it was important in preserving the integrity of the enrollment committee's work.

I was impressed by the efforts of this group in focusing objectively on their charge. The enrollment committee has now concluded its work, and I want to publicly thank each member for dedicated service on behalf of the District and community.

I will present the enrollment committee's work and related administrative recommendations to the Cedar Rapids Board of Education in January. The community will then be invited to participate in public input forums regarding potential school boundary changes and closings before any final recommendations are made. These will be held:

l Feb. 2, 4-7 p.m., Grant Wood Area Education Agency

l Feb. 9, 4-7 p.m., Kennedy High School Band Room

I recognize that closing schools and changing school boundaries are sensitive issues. The community cares deeply about the school district and any proposed changes. Community members can be confident that our first priority will be to ensure all students continue to receive a quality educational program at every District school.

Dave Benson is superintendent of the Cedar Rapids Community School District. Comments: (319) 558-2000 or dbenson@cr.k12.ia.us