School committee set to wrap up discussion on district changes

The Cedar Rapids Community School District will take a big step forward in its plans to deal with low enrollment numbers.

A special enrollment committee will hold its final meeting Tuesday night, and will make a recommendation to the superintendent.

The committee has been working for months on several proposals. Declining enrollment has forced the district to make some changes, which could include closing schools.

Parents and teachers have recently rallied together in light of the proposed changes. They are concerned about the future of the district.

"I think this is always a difficult community discussion to have. It is emotional, but periodically every school district needs to go through this if you're in a declining enrollment situation as we are,” Cedar Rapids Community Schools Superintendent Dr. Dave Benson said.

Madison Elementary is among the schools that the district could close. The committee is also considering recommending the closure of Harrison, Polk and Monroe schools.

The Madison PTA is one group working around the clock to gather support. They now have a petition with about 650 signatures.

“It would be a devastation for Madison to close, so we have been going door to door. We have been getting signatures on a petition that we plan on submitting to the superintendent later today (Tuesday),” said Madison PTA co-president Jen Kovach.

The superintendent will eventually make his recommendation about the changes to the school board, but Dr. Benson said he would consider the public as he makes up his mind.

"Regarding final boundary and any school closure recommendations, I'll actually wait until after the public input sessions in February to make my final recommendation, because I want that input,” Benson said.