Grace King

Also in this week’s Government Notes roundup, the Central City school district is pursuing a $7 million bond referendum.

Iowa schools — particularly those in districts with fewer than 1,000 students — are the “lifeblood” of their communities. But student numbers are declining, and data shows that trend will only intensify in the coming years. Many school leaders are turning to modern facilities, career education and innovation to attract and retain students.

Barry Wilson has been teaching at Kennedy High School in Cedar Rapids since 1972. The industrial technology and electric car teacher is the longest tenured teacher in the Cedar Rapids district. Here’s why he has no plans to retire.

Xavier Middle School to replace two 6-8th grade facilities in fall 2026.

With two data center projects under construction in Cedar Rapids, educators in the College Community School District this week learned how artificial intelligence could shape the future workforce — their students.

Also in this week’s Government Notes, Marion officials will discuss a proposed aquatics center project this week.

Sourcing fresh and local food and composting food waste remain priorities of the Iowa City Community School District as student demand for school breakfast and lunch increases.

Goal almost met with more than 5,000 signatures collected to get bond to fund facility needs placed on November ballot

Hoover Elementary School teachers and families Monday spoke about the dire need for a new facility after plans for construction were temporarily delayed last month when neighbors voiced concerns about the project.

Students and staff in Cedar Rapids and Iowa City schools who are exposed to measles and do not have proof of vaccination will be required to stay home 21 days after exposure.

The number of students in Cedar Rapids schools charged with a crime fell by nearly 50 percent last school year, the result of work by a group violence intervention program that aims to prevent crime.

More than 200 children are on a waitlist to be matched with a trusted adult through Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cedar Rapids & East Central Iowa.

Also, Fairfax will host an open house for city administrator finalists

For some families, The Arc is the only skilled care option, allowing parents to keep working

Scholars — students — at Freedom Schools say the summer program is a safe place where the love of reading is nurtured, confidence is gained, friends are made and teachers demonstrate how to regulate emotions. The program operated by Tanager Place also shows an average increase in reading scores among scholars in the program one year and five months.