Don’t lose school bond momentum in Cedar Rapids

It’s always challenging to get support from 60% of voters to approve a school bond issue. Many referendums fall short.

But coming tantalizingly close to passage, only to fall a little short, is an excruciating disappointment.

That’s what happened to the Cedar Rapids Community School District and its $117 million bond issue to pay for needed renovations at middle schools and Kennedy High School. When the dust settled Tuesday night, unofficial results showed the bond issue was supported by 59% of voters.

It missed the 60% threshold by less than 200 votes.

The good news is that the district’s latest bonding plan received far more support than a proposal sent to voters last year, which failed in a lopsided vote.

The bad news is the district must now wait until the 2026 general election to try again.

But the prevailing reaction among bond supporters seemed clear — Don’t give up.

“We’ll try again. Our kids deserve it,” said Cindy Garlock, president of the Cedar Rapids school board.

“Times are tough right now. No one wants to pay higher taxes; nobody wants to pay more for anything. It’s hard to dissect what voters are thinking right now. There will be time for that,” said Barbra Solberg, chair of the Believe in CR Schools campaign.

The results show that the district’s efforts were not in vain. Coming so close to passing is not a signal to overhaul the plan massively. It would be smart to survey voters again and figure out what can be done to make any necessary changes.

Many issues may have led to Tuesday’s defeat, including the unstable economy. But the key now for supporters is not to lose momentum or support.

Also on Tuesday, voters elected three new, capable school board members. The new members will need to work transparently and rebuild some lost trust in the board. One of the new members should be elected board vice president to show that the newly elected board members have a voice.

Supporters could also try to motivate other elected officials in Cedar Rapids to become bigger champions of the bond plan.

The board needs to focus on student outcomes and can't spend a year essentially on pause, figuring out the bond referendum. A committee can help that plan come to life — whether it’s voted on in 2026 or 2027 — but only the board can work relentlessly on improving student outcomes and building trust among voters.

There were 56 bond issues on the ballot across Iowa, mainly for schools. Some failed, such as proposals in Dubuque, Decorah and Williamsburg. So, Cedar Rapids is not alone.

In Des Moines, a $265 million bond issue was approved by 74% of voters.

So clearly. Cedar Rapids can gain approval for its school bond. It will take listening to the community, operating transparently, and rebuilding trust.

That way, after coming so close this time, the next vote will be a reason to celebrate.

(319) 398-8262; editorial@thegazette.com