Proposed $220 million bond referendum — More homework required

As a retired Navy Rear Admiral and energy executive, education has been the center of gravity in all aspects of leadership, cultural development characterized by respect and integrity, and whether a public/private company, public servant, or military unit, one’s competitive advantage.

The United States Naval Academy’s crest has the Latin words: Ex Scientia Tridens which translates — Through Knowledge, Sea Power. Education is at the core of achieving excellence in all that we do. The experiences we encounter during our educational journey need to enrich our lives and create a passion for lifelong learning.

I have observed the joint session between the Cedar Rapids City Council, Board of Education, and the superintendent on July 26, as well as the follow-on meeting with the Board and superintendent on July 31. I have also reviewed the school district’s website.

I have not seen an updated strategic plan as the one on the website was launched in 2017 and last updated June 2021. I need to better understand, as the military frames it, the Ends (where are we going), Ways (how we will get to our destination) and Means (required capabilities in competencies, processes, programs, and technologies) to achieve our desired outcomes based on where we are today.

My only exposure to the current school district’s strategic plan was in a Sept. 27 Gazette article summarizing the district’s four-pillar plan.

During the 2022-2023 school year, the sixth-grade students were well below the 2022 proficiency target based on the Iowa Statewide Assessment of Student Progress (ISASP). Why did we not meet the original target and are we addressing the root causes as part of the strategy design?

In reviewing the district’s 2017 plan, I would like to see a report card on achieving their strategic metrics or Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). Without a status update on the prior years’ strategic plan, how are we informing the current strategic plan and determining the amount of funding required to address performance assessment gaps?

Overall school capacity for elementary, middle, and high schools range from 65 percent to 83 percent by the 2027-2028 school year. Thus, why are we investing in new schools? I would like to see the annualized operating expenses for the existing schools and compare with the capital investment for new buildings. What is the return on the investment and the payback period based on improved efficiencies and building consolidation? I have not seen the cost/benefit analysis to make an informed decision regarding the bond referendum.

Is investing $445M in "bright and shiny" new infrastructure the right path for what we are trying to fix and is it the most fiscally responsible way ahead?

Has benchmarking best practices outside the state of Iowa been conducted? Are we self-limiting in using the city of Des Moines as our main competitor?

There is homework that needs to be done before asking the public to consider a $445M two-phase bond referendum. It has not been determined that new infrastructure will close performance gaps. Declaring education as the community’s center of gravity, it becomes the primary entity that possesses the inherent capability to achieve an objective or desired end state. As a resident of Cedar Rapids, I have the strongest desire to see our community flourish in growth and prosperity. I welcome a school district bond referendum that clearly demonstrates how the educational system will overcome performance deficiencies and become a national beacon for excellence, incenting families to relocate and join our community as active members. The current proposal is just not there.

Robert L. Greene is Rear Admiral, USN, Ret. He lives in Cedar Rapids.