CRSD Laverty: Keep reaching for new heights

As a parent and volunteer, it's been my honor the past eight years to serve on the Cedar Rapids Community School District board of dducation. We've faced and overcome some challenges as a community no one would have expected all those years ago: the devastating flood, one of the worst economic downturns of our times, and ever-changing and often unfunded mandates from our state and federal government.

But these challenges also provided great opportunities. We rebuilt stronger and better after the flood and worked tirelessly to support our students and families in their personal recovery. As a community, we declared that educating our students is a top priority. We supported the SILO and PPEL tax to upgrade many of our schools with improved classrooms, new energy efficient heating and cooling systems, updated technology, and $40 million back to property tax payers over 10 years.

The board has prepared for the expansion of housing and business development associated with the new Highway 100 extension, and the eventual development near the proposed Tower Terrace extension to I-380. At the same time, we've created partnerships with business, entrepreneurs and others in education to expand options for all children in our district. The Iowa BIG school offers project-based learning opportunities for students across disciplines in collaboration with those in the forefront of business development in our community. We've expanded partnerships with Kirkwood Community College, to offer classes for college credit and other programs to prepare students for technical and trades careers. We've also recognized the need to strengthen opportunities in our core neighborhoods, such as the development of the Johnson STEAM Academy and a similar project at Metro High School.

There is more progress on the horizon. The district's new superintendent, Dr. Brad Buck (a graduate of Jefferson High School), is dedicated to carrying our vision into the next decade. Together we will work to ensure all students achieve to their highest abilities. We will hire and support the best teachers and staff. We will continue to address the tough questions about curriculum, facilities, technology, personnel and budgets to meet the ever-changing needs of our students and the expectations of our community. Most of all, we will continue to listen.

Together, we can move our school district and students to new heights. I ask for your vote on Tuesday, Sept. 8.

' More information: (319) 363-9383; john-laverty@mchsi.com.