First CR school bond in over 20 years will improve ADA, special ed accommodations

I am in favor of the upcoming bond issue for the improvement of our Cedar Rapids Public schools. In August 2022 I attended an information session about the proposed school improvements. I was impressed with the thinking behind the proposals.

I have three stepchildren who attended Washington High School and three children who attended Jefferson High School. One of my children is a young man with special needs who participated in a Level II special education program throughout his time in school. I am pleased to see that the district’s plan includes improved ADA accommodations and other updates for special education students.

Because technology moves quickly, I am also pleased that the plan includes improvements for Career and Technology Education.

Things don’t last forever and populations change. It has been over 20 years since the district’s last bond issue request. I believe that if you expect excellence you must fund it. Keeping our public schools operating well, adding new facilities, and enhancing facilities that can be improved is necessary for students to thrive, to retain staff, and to keep our community desirable for potential new employees who relocate to our area.

I encourage voters to attend an information session and look at the information published at https://build.crschools.us/. I support a strong public school system.

Amy Belice

Cedar Rapids