K-12 Education

Also in this week’s Government Notes, the Cedar Rapids school board approved a calendar for the 2026-27 academic year

Despite the reports of higher attendance and calmer classrooms, education researchers say the evidence tells a more complicated story.

Amid a surge of illnesses including whooping cough and influenza, several school districts across the state have had to cancel classes in recent weeks.

Nearly 100 community members attended the first meeting of a volunteer community coalition Thursday to learn more about the budget challenges facing the Cedar Rapids school district, and the options being considered to cut $10 million in spending next year.

The Iowa City school board is considering prohibiting student cellphone use during all school hours as data indicates positive outcomes of banning phones during class time.

College Community School District’s volunteer coordinator works to match volunteers with their skill sets and the time they can dedicate.

The Iowa City Community School District is exploring piloting its own before- and after-school program next year at four schools in an effort to provide consistent, equitable and engaging experiences for families.

Closing schools “is necessary” as the Cedar Rapids Community School District examines how to reduce its annual budget by more than $10 million after a decade of declining enrollment.

Also in this week’s roundup of local government news, a Cedar Rapids trails project has received $200K in state grant funding.

A fourth charter school — called Horizon Science Academy — is seeking approval from the Iowa State Board of Education next month to open in Cedar Rapids.

The program aims to put juniors and seniors on a path to earn a Federal Aviation Administration mechanic certification.

More Iowa high school students are graduating with industry recognized credentials as the state homes in on work-based learning.