School closures hurt their neighborhoods

The proposed closure of four elementary schools would affect far more than the students, teachers and families directly involved. Locking the doors on any of these schools would have an adverse affect on the community for years to come.

You see it in the real estate ads all the time. One of the biggest selling points of any neighborhood is its proximity to schools. And now it's some of the areas that have struggled the most that would bear the brunt of what we hope is a short-term decline in enrollment. Once the schools are gone, any hope of significant investment in those neighborhoods will be dashed. What family with children wants to settle down in a place that's been written off by its own leaders?

I urge the Cedar Rapids school board and the people of this community to find a way to keep Harrison, Madison, Monroe and Polk open. Consider it just as important as flood protection to the future of these neighborhoods.

Craig Hlas

Cedar Rapids