The Cedar Rapids Community School District’s School Board has taken another step towards investing in the students and facilities within the district by approving the petition language for a proposed $220 million bond referendum. The 5-1 decision, reached during the August 7th special board meeting, marks a crucial milestone in the district’s commitment to providing students and staff with the best possible learning environments.
The proposed bond referendum, slated for November 7th, addresses critical infrastructure needs and facility improvements across the district, ensuring ALL students have access to a high-quality education. It will also help give the district a competitive edge in attracting and retaining students and staff while also helping to develop a future-ready workforce.
“The District is paying attention and listening to the concerns and needs of our schools, staff, and community. There is still more work to do, but we believe this is the right plan and the right path forward,” commented CRCSD Board President David Tominsky.
The funds generated through the proposed bond referendum will be used to fund Phase 1 of the district’s comprehensive Facilities Master Plan, which will address several key priorities, including:
- A new land acquisition
- Building a new 6th-8th grade middle school
- Making renovations for Franklin Middle School
- Career and technical education additions to three high schools
- Installing new turf fields at three high schools
- Kennedy cafeteria/kitchen renovations
- Updating Metro High School’s gym
CRCSD Superintendent Dr. Tawana Grover and Chief of Operations Jon Galbraith first shared details of the district’s proposed 2-phase Facilities Master Plan with the board at the July 17 board meeting. The comprehensive plan would improve and consolidate the district’s school building facilities, create a feeder school system, and add career technical education (CTE) opportunities. When the entire plan is completed in 2037, all school facilities in the district will be new or recently renovated, providing access and opportunity for all students to safe, secure, and conducive learning environments.
“I appreciate the board’s support and commitment to our comprehensive two-phase facilities master plan that will benefit our students, staff, and community,” states CRCSD Superintendent Dr. Tawana Grover. “ Ultimately, this decision cements our legacy of supporting public education and ensuring that ALL students have access to high-quality education and the opportunities they deserve.”
With the bond language approved by the school board, the community will now need to collect 6,319 signatures for the petition by September 22nd in order to have the bond referendum placed on the November 7, 2023, ballot. This bond would be the district’s first since 2000, or 23 years.
If the bond is approved and passed by the voters, the district’s property tax levy will increase by $2.70 per $1,000 of assessed taxable value. Even with this increase, the district’s property tax levy rate would remain comparable to neighboring districts.