Let’s support students facing school change

By Robert F. Kazimour

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The recent decision by the Cedar Rapids school board regarding boundary changes and school closures concluded a lengthy but necessary process. I look forward to our community now coming together to support students and families affected by the changes.

While there are many personal opinions regarding the decisions made, a focus on moving ahead will best encourage the children involved.

I also hope the community will support the school district as it continues to consider and address the causes of this necessary action: declining enrollment, shifting neighborhood populations and decreased state funding. These issues were paramount concerns of the External Advisory Committee in counseling the superintendent on his recommendations to the board.

The data clearly revealed a lack of students residing in the Polk Elementary School attendance area, as well as how many of those residing in the Polk district are attending schools other than Polk.

The ongoing absorption of the area by business interests and the hazards afforded by crossing busy First Avenue were also factors. The school district's follow-up decision to relocate off-site programming into the Polk facility will provide savings over time and offer a more traditional educational setting for the students involved in these programs.

It's valuable for the district to partner with community groups for use of any remaining building space as a way to support the neighborhood.

I am also pleased that students wishing to continue on the modified year-round calendar will be transported from Polk to Taylor Elementary, minimizing the change in their learning schedule.

As we considered other possible changes, it was obvious to recommend the closing of Monroe Early Childhood Center and the realignment of Wilson into a middle school only. I am also confident that the minimal boundary changes approved and recommended for the future at the secondary level will better balance enrollments at the high schools.

Our committee recommended Harrison Elementary School remain open for now as a way to help support the city's redevelopment efforts. However, we were disappointed to note the high number of students residing in the Harrison attendance area attending other schools. Those interested in maintaining this neighborhood school will need to support it by the attendance of their children.

The External Advisory Committee's recommendations were not easy to make but were based on the realities of the school district and the community. The school board action - while not being politically popular - was necessary to address the paramount issues of enrollment, population shifts and decreased funding, and keeps the school district moving forward with the continued goal of bettering educational experiences for all Cedar Rapids students.

Robert F. Kazimour was chairman of Cedar Rapids schools Superintendent David Benson's External Advisory Committee. Comments: RFKJKL@aol.com