Cedar Rapids school district offices moving to new location

The Cedar Rapids school district's support and administrative service facilities will have a new address.

Board members on Monday unanimously approved Superintendent Dave Benson's recommendation to build new facilities to replace those damaged by the June 2008 flood. The facilities will be built at 2933 Ellis Rd. NW, next to the district's transportation center.

The district bought the land in April for $145,000.

Last night's decision came after months of discussion and open houses to gather public input on the process. No one from the public spoke for or against the project.

“I think it means a great deal to the district and the community that we are moving forward,” Benson said.

The price tag of the new facility is expected to be $35.05 million. Federal Emergency Management Agency funds will cover $12.466 million of the cost. The remaining balance will be covered by school infrastructure local-option sales tax proceeds.

“We will borrow against future SILO revenues,” Benson said.

Steve Graham, the district's executive director of business survives, stressed that this decision won't alter SILO projects.

“We will maintain all the original commitments, what was promised to voters on Feb. 13, 2007,” Graham said.

The Education Service Center, the ESC Annex, the carpenter/paint shop, the main warehouse and the food service warehouse were damaged in the flood. The services have been operating out of temporary facilities in the parking lot at Kingston Stadium and in leased space at 931 Blairs Ferry Rd. NE.

Taylor Elementary School also had flood damage but was rehabbed and reopened in August.

Site design for the land at 2933 Ellis Rd. NW will begin immediately.

The project timeline calls for the district to begin moving into its new facilities in January 2012. If the district doesn't complete construction by May 27, 2012, it runs the risk of forfeiting FEMA and state recovery financial assistance.