Parents protest Kennedy changes

CEDAR RAPIDS - A group of parents is worried that some industrial technology programs are on their way out at Kennedy High School.

The Cedar Rapids high school is planning to reconfigure some classrooms in the southern end of the building that are now used for industrial technology. The aim is to make more space for the growing Project Lead the Way engineering classes as well as a room for a health, conditioning and personal fitness class.

There are no plans to eliminate any programs, Principal Mary Wilcynski said, but that hasn't alleviated some parents' concerns that the changes don't leave enough space for the welding, automotive and electric car programs.

Donna Thomas is one of the parents helping to organize industrial technology supporters. Her older daughter, now graduated, was involved in the electric car program throughout her four years at Kennedy - an experience that gave her confidence and helped focus her career ambitions, Thomas said. She hopes her younger daughter, an incoming freshman, will be able to participate in the program as well.

But after talking with teachers, students and other parents, Thomas doubts the reconfiguration will leave the space they need to operate.

“The kids don't believe that and the teachers don't believe that and we need to listen to the people actually doing the work,” she said.

Plans are not finalized, and Wilcynski said she is listening to parent and staff concerns regarding the changes. She is hoping the auto shop class will be able to teach two sections at once, and she's discussing alternative setups with teachers and students for the welding and electric car programs.

There also is the possibility that students could take these classes through Kirkwood Community College, which plans to build regional education centers in Linn, Johnson and Washington counties.

Thomas is concerned, though, that moving the classes off-campus will diminish their popularity among students.

That popularity already is on the decline in some areas, as there are fewer than 10 students signed up for the auto tech classes. Project Lead the Way courses, meanwhile, have more than 65 students registered for next year and need more room.

“We have to look at our preregistration numbers and make some decisions. It's difficult to continue to dedicate a particular teacher and space for just five kids,” Wilcynski said.

Thomas and other concerned parents are meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday in the Lagoon Pavilion at Noelridge Park to further discuss what they can do to ensure a future for these programs at Kennedy. Thomas said Wilcynski has been invited.