Grace King

Nearly 100 community members attended the first meeting of a volunteer community coalition Thursday to learn more about the budget challenges facing the Cedar Rapids school district, and the options being considered to cut $10 million in spending next year.

The Iowa City school board is considering prohibiting student cellphone use during all school hours as data indicates positive outcomes of banning phones during class time.

College Community School District’s volunteer coordinator works to match volunteers with their skill sets and the time they can dedicate.

The Iowa City Community School District is exploring piloting its own before- and after-school program next year at four schools in an effort to provide consistent, equitable and engaging experiences for families.

Closing schools “is necessary” as the Cedar Rapids Community School District examines how to reduce its annual budget by more than $10 million after a decade of declining enrollment.

Also in this week’s roundup of local government news, a Cedar Rapids trails project has received $200K in state grant funding.

A fourth charter school — called Horizon Science Academy — is seeking approval from the Iowa State Board of Education next month to open in Cedar Rapids.

The program aims to put juniors and seniors on a path to earn a Federal Aviation Administration mechanic certification.

More Iowa high school students are graduating with industry recognized credentials as the state homes in on work-based learning.

Also in this week’s roundup of government news, Cedar Rapids gathers input from 700 residents about adding green spaces to the community

Also in this week’s Government Notes roundup, the Cedar Rapids City Council has given its OK for historic landmark designation of a former school site.

Prairie Hill Elementary in the College Community district in Cedar Rapids saw a steep drop in chronic absenteeism after focusing on relationships. This year it was named a Blue Ribbon School.

New Cedar Rapids school board President Jennifer Neumann spoke about taking “accountability” and establishing trust with the community before being appointed Monday by fellow board members in a 4-3 vote.

Also in this week’s roundup of local government notes, the Iowa City school district will replace an Iowa City High turf soccer field and football practice field with turf.

Marissa Moore, a language arts teacher at Clear Creek Amana High School, inspires career pathways, builds confidence and shows “genuine care” for her students. She says high school students today get a bad reputation, but they are what she loves about her job.