Vote to support Kirkwood Community College's bond issue

As we in the Cedar Rapids Community School District continue our mission to develop 21st century learners and productive, responsible citizens, we appreciate the efforts of a valued partner in that essential endeavor: Kirkwood Community College. Kirkwood's success as a model of education and innovation is evident through the many graduates that work in and the programs that serve our community.

Close to home, we are proud of the many cooperative projects between the Cedar Rapids schools and Kirkwood that support our mutual efforts. Project Lead the Way - a science, technology, engineering and math initiative - has become a well-established collaborative learning program in our secondary schools. The programs of the Workplace Learning Connection continue to provide students from elementary through high school levels with real-world insight into workplace readiness and available career options.

Kirkwood's work with dual-credit programs continue to provide value to area students and their families. Last year, students earned the equivalent of some $170,000 in college credit in Cedar Rapids while completing high school requirements. That figure grows to more than $2.4 million across Kirkwood's seven-county service area.

Kirkwood will soon ask voters to support their ongoing efforts by continuing a bond issue. I strongly encourage everyone in Cedar Rapids and the Corridor to exercise the right to vote in this upcoming election.

Dr. David Benson, Superintendent

Cedar Rapids Community School District