Listening, leading, and building forward together

Guest Column | Dr. Tawana Grover

The Cedar Rapids Community School District is at a pivotal moment — one shaped by listening, learning, and leading with purpose. As we plan for the future of our schools, we remain deeply committed to ensuring that every voice matters, every perspective helps guide our path, and every investment leads to educational excellence, safety, and access for every student, in every neighborhood.

That’s why we say thank you to the 7,874 staff, families, and community members who took the time to share their feedback through our recent survey. Your voices have helped us better understand the priorities, pressures, and possibilities before us. When combined with polling conducted by the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance, the message is clear: we need a bond proposal that is focused, financially realistic, and responsive to the needs of today, while still planning for the promise of tomorrow.

The survey served its purpose. It wasn’t just about gauging support — it was about inviting the community to help shape the next version of our plan. The consistent theme across all feedback is this: cost matters. It’s not just about lowering the number; it’s about understanding what people are truly asking. Are there ways to phase the work? Prioritize certain buildings? Strengthen communication around the long-term return on investment? These are the questions guiding us now.

We also acknowledge the broader economic landscape. Families, businesses, and school systems alike are navigating inflation, uncertainty, and tighter budgets. While a $200 million bond may have once felt possible, it’s clear that a different approach is needed today. That doesn’t mean we scale back our vision — it means we move forward with discipline, transparency, and alignment with community values.

We’ve begun sharing these early findings with our Facilities Task Force and are preparing to engage more deeply through focus groups with staff, families, and broader community members. What emerges from these discussions will inform the revised bond proposal presented to the Board of Education later this spring.

This is a collective effort — and your engagement is making a real difference. Whether or not you have a student in school today, strong public schools benefit all of us. They anchor neighborhoods, attract families and businesses, support property values, and prepare the next generation of leaders, workers, and citizens. Your participation ensures that the plan we bring forward is not only needed, but truly community-built.

We are proud to be part of a city that shows up, leans in, and helps shape the future with care and clarity. As we continue this work, we invite you to stay engaged, stay informed, and stay hopeful. The strength of our school system reflects the strength of our community — and together, we’re building something that lasts.

What’s Next: Bond Planning Timeline

April 1 — Bond Task Force Meeting – Discuss survey insights and draft bond plan

April 3 — Finance & Facilities Core Committee – Review of financial adjustments

April 5–20 — Stakeholder Engagement – Focus groups with staff, PTAs, students, community

April 7 — Special Board Meeting – Informational update (survey data + draft plan)

April 28 — Board Meeting with Formal presentation of proposed bond package

Dr. Tawana Grover is superintendent of the Cedar Rapids Community School District.