Committee named to study Cedar Rapids enrollment

CEDAR RAPIDS - Cedar Rapids Superintendent Dave Benson wanted to district enrollment committee that could serve all district demographics.

He wanted balance between all district schools, racial groups and  gender.

Board member Melissa Kiliper-Ernst said she was asked by a parent if she thought the committee, presented to board members at the meeting Monday night was balanced.

“Looking at the names, I can say yes,” she said.

The committee is comprised of parents, teachers, administrators and community members. Together, this group of 23 will evaluate the findings of the enrollment and facility studies, ultimately making recommendations to administrators that will determine the future of district facilities.

Benson stressed that no one on the committee comes to the process with any preconceived notions regarding district facilities.

“We are going to look at the data and be driven by what's best for the school district for the next 20 years,” Benson said.

Julie Grotewold, from Grant Wood Area Education Agency, will be the committee's facilitator.

All committee meetings will be publicized so media can attend. Notes following each meeting will be posted on the district Website.

The committee's first meeting will be held in August. There isn't an official timeline, but Benson said the committee's recommendations will be made to the board on or about January.

Committee members

• Early childhood parent: Michelle Bumpus, Cleveland Elementary
• Elementary school parents: Jen Neumann, Johnson Elementary; : Bryan Johnson, Kenwood Elementary;  Karen Knox, Pierce Elementary
• Middle school parenst: Rob Riley, Harding Middle School;  Kim Malcolm, Taft Middle School
• Special education parent: Elaine Jordan, Washington High School
• High school parents: Jim Craig, Kennedy High School;  Sorina Abernathy, Washington High School;  Candy Jacobson, Jefferson High School
• Local government representative: Karl Cassell
• Non-parent community members: Greg Reed,  Ryan Schlader
• Chamber representative: Ralph Russell
• City PTA representative: Shellie Pike
• Elementary teacher: PJ Wyatt, Hiawatha Elementary
• Middle school teacher: Jen Phelan, Wilson School
• High school teacher: Dave Smith, Washington High School
• Special education teacher: Jim Bryant, Garfield Elementary
• Elementary administrator: Ellen Daye-Williams, Grant Wood Elementary
• Middle school administrator: Gary Hatfield, Taft Middle School
• High school administrator: Scott Kibby, Jefferson High School
• Cedar Rapids Education Association representative: Sue Clapp