Believe in CR Schools Announces Endorsements for Cedar Rapids Schools Referendum
July 17, 2025 | Community Development, Economic Development & Workforce, Live Here
Believe in CR Schools today announced an initial slate of endorsements in support of the upcoming Cedar Rapids Community School District (CRCSD) bond referendum. The bond referendum has received wide-ranging support from labor, civic, education partners, and local elected officials in the Cedar Rapids community.
“Momentum is building across our community in support of this vital initiative,” said Ron Corbett, Vice-President of Economic Development at the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance. “Local organizations, businesses, and families from across all political spectrums are rallying behind the shared belief that our schools are foundational to the success of our kids, our local families, and the greater community’s economic success. This bond reflects our collective investment in Cedar Rapids’ future.”
“With passage this November, we will ensure that students and teachers can enjoy safe, comfortable, welcoming, and accessible learning environments. The bottom line; the plan is focused, affordable, and prioritizes student safety,” said Barbra Solberg, Public Policy Strategist with the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance and Chair of Believe in CR Schools.
Key endorsing organizations now include:
• Brucemore
• Cedar Rapids Education Association
• Cedar Rapids Mayor Tiffany O’Donnell
• Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance
• Hawkeye Area Labor Council AFL‑CIO
• Hiawatha Mayor Steve Dodson
• Linn County Board of Supervisors
• Linn County Historical Society AKA The History Center
• NAACP – Cedar Rapids
• Palo Mayor Eric Van Kerckhove
• Tanager
• YPN
• Zach Johnson Foundation
Rick Moyle, Hawkeye Area Labor Council AFL‑CIO:
“The school district is in desperate need of facility improvements. The can has been kicked down the road for far too long. The bond referendum is overdue. Our kids deserve a better learning environment.”
Eriece Colbert, President, Cedar Rapids Education Association:
“After careful consideration and engagement with our members, the Cedar Rapids Education Association is proud to endorse the CRCSD bond initiative. This bond is an investment in our students’ future, providing them with the modern, safe, and equitable learning spaces they deserve. It will directly impact the daily lives of our students and the educators who serve them, allowing us to prepare them for success.”
David A. Janssen, CEO, Brucemore:
“As historians, we know each generation is judged by what they pass on to the next. There is no better investment in our future than providing our children with the best education and best facilities possible.”
Okpara Rice, CEO, Tanager:
“Every day, I see the positive impacts when our children know that we care about and support them. I’m proud to endorse this vital referendum, which will help equip local students for bright futures.”
A full listing of current endorsements can be found here: https://believeincrschools.com/endorsements/
Paid for by Believe in CR Schools.