Voter Guide: Also on the Ballot
October 24, 2023 | Economic Development & Workforce, Public Policy
Voters that reside in the Cedar Rapids Community School District will be asked on their ballots whether to support a General Obligation Bond for Cedar Rapids schools. Under “Public Measure F” the school district seeks approval of a $220 million bond referendum for future investment in district schools. This is the first bond measure for the district since 2000 – 23 years ago. A strong education system that aligns with the needs of the business community is critical to meeting our region’s workforce needs. The Economic Alliance Policy Board voted unanimously to endorse the bond as it aligns with our mission to drive economic, workforce and population growth strategies in the metro area.
We urge you to vote YES to support:
- Funding for Career & Technical Education classroom additions at Kennedy, Jefferson and Washington high schools.
- Solving inefficient middle school operations (school enrollments are at 67% of the capacity of our existing building) by renovating Franklin Middle School and building a new northeast side school, which would then position the District to reduce the number of middle schools in the district from its existing six to create a stronger feeder system for students in K-12, ensuring students stay together with classmates as they move from elementary to middle to high school.
- Modernizing Kennedy’s cafeteria and kitchen and Metro High School’s gymnasium.
The proposed bond money will benefit the Cedar Rapids region by keeping pace with competing school districts, investing in our future workforce, encouraging additional economic development, and operating schools far more efficiently.
Our community’s future successes depend on our ability to grow our economy and attracting and retaining our workforce. Investing in our world-class facilities is critical in demonstrating this community is dedicated to that future success.
This is an important vote for the entire community, and the Economic Alliance urges all members who live in the Cedar Rapids school district to vote YES on November 7.
Public Measure F
Shall the following public measure be adopted?
Shall the Board of Directors of the Cedar Rapids Community School District in the County of Linn, State of Iowa, be authorized to contract indebtedness and issue General Obligation Bonds in an amount not to exceed $220,000,000 to provide funds to: a) construct, build, furnish, and equip a new Middle School building and acquire and improve the site; b) renovate, remodel, repair, improve, furnish and equip kitchen/café spaces at Kennedy High School building; c) construct, furnish, and equip Career and Technical Education additions to Jefferson, Kennedy, and Washington High School buildings and related remodeling; d) install turf fields and other site improvements at Jefferson, Kennedy, and Washington High School locations; e) construct, build furnish, and equip a gymnasium addition to Metro High Middle School building and related remodeling; and f) renovate, remodel, repair, improve, furnish and equip Franklin Middle School building and construct, furnish, and equip an addition to Franklin Middle School building and related remodeling?
This message is paid for by the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance, 501 First St. SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401.
The executive director of the Economic Alliance is
Doug Neumann. This message is not authorized by any candidate, candidate’s committee or ballot issue committee.
Economic Alliance contact information:
501 First St. SE
Cedar Rapids, IA 52401
(319) 398-5317
economicalliance@cedarrapids.org
cedarrapids.org