Support C.R. bond for our future

Nov. 4, Cedar Rapidians will have the opportunity to invest in the future of the Cedar Rapids community through its schools. I implore every voter to support the bond issue regardless of their anxiety about the cost, preconceived notions about the school district, and frustration with district leadership.

I attended McKinley Steam Academy from 2019-2022. It had its 100th birthday a year after I left. Every day I saw the beauty of the marvelous building adorned with Grant Wood frescoes. But I also acknowledge that paint is chipping in every classroom and windows let in the cold. After all, three of the four buildings planned for renovation are over 100 years old. District students like me deserve historically rich buildings and safe places to go to school.

Currently the CRCSD has the lowest tax levy of any school district in Linn County at $13.90 per $1,000 of taxable value. This amount is also just barely above the state average of $13.21. At this current levy the district has to decide where to allocate precious state funds and the PPEL levy to maintain functioning HVAC in classrooms and a roof over students heads, let alone building modern classrooms to stay competitive with neighboring districts. Passing this bond would still keep Cedar Rapids’ property levy one of the lowest and most affordable in the county (adding only $7.47 per month for a resident with a $200,000 home).

The CRCSD serves some of the most vulnerable children in the state and hasn’t had a successful bond referendum in two decades. With the endorsement of the entire Cedar Rapids City Council, school board, mayor, and Metro Economic Alliance, many still appreciate the value education provides to our community. But CRCSD doesn’t receive the same support it has had from past generations. Regardless of whether or not you have children in the district or a connection to relatives or business, remember that not only do your tax dollars provide for the success of thousands of children you will never meet but the generations before you who invested in your quality of education.

Lastly, if you believe that voting for this bond is also a vote of approval in the district administration, I challenge that. Last spring I had the honor to participate with the district's bond task force committee. I saw the level of engagement from community members, teachers, and administrators of all backgrounds. I also vividly remember the final meeting in which a district survey was discussed along with a revision of the bond. Everyone agreed that $220 million was unpopular, so the bond was revised. It was revised with the input of dozens of community members including myself. I understand that district leadership may not always seem very transparent. However I believe that it is disingenuous to say that this proposal was made behind closed doors and without the interests of the community. From the task force to the petition collection, this process has been a community initiative. A Yes vote pledges support for quality public education.

Support the bond for a stronger future for our community.

Nicholas Arnold is a student in the Cedar Rapids Community School District.