On March 7, 2023, the CRCSD was expected to pose a vote for bonds to improve the district as a whole. The bonds would cover a new aquatic center, middle school and building improvements on the surrounding schools.

The vote has been rescheduled to sometime in September of 2023. Since the CRCSD has asked and received one bond since 2000, the money this future vote would provide is past overdue.

The struggle to receive bonds often falls on the superintendents. Requests can become political and result in school elections turning against them. Despite that, schools still have a need for this funding. All the district can do is wait with no guarantee if the vote will be passed.

The plans in place for what the funds would be used for aren’t simple fixes, most will take years to get off the ground and be completed.

“Even if the bond vote happens in September, it’d take at least three to four years until we started seeing any changes,” said Kennedy Principal Jason Kline. “I don’t think any of the students at school right now would actually be able to be part of it.”

The bond money would prioritize elementary and middle schools and put high schools on the back burner. Kennedy is in need of a new cafeteria, library and other remodels around the building, and we once again have to wait our turn.

But with an upgraded facility, students are able to do better things. It allows a school to offer more programs and provide more collaboration space.

“Cedar Rapids is not a fast growing community, population wise, it’s hard for us to sell the facilities that we have to those families,” said Kline.

With neighboring districts receiving regular upgrades because of community growth and location, it’s difficult for other schools to compete.

“We don’t look as good as what’s around, because our facilities have not been updated since 2000…we might out pace all these schools when it comes to our academics, but unfortunately families look at how beautiful a building is,” said Kline.