Cedar Rapids Community School District starts annual climate survey

CEDAR RAPIDS - The Cedar Rapids Community School District has begun the process of collecting input for its annual climate survey, which measures student, parent and staff opinions on Cedar Rapids schools.

The district this week sent email invitations to take the survey, which includes questions about academic preparation, parent engagement, safety and behavior, and transportation, among other topics.

Invitations went out to certified staff, classified staff, and parents, a district spokeswoman said. High school students also will participate at their schools.

A 2014 district report on that year's climate survey found respondents had concerns about safety, behavior and school food. The report also showed low parent attendance at school and district events, especially school board meetings.

More than 5,000 people took the survey last year, when the district sent out more than 21,000 invitations.