District Seeks Public Input on Facility Planning
The Cedar Rapids Community School District is hosting a series of public forums to gather input for its facilities planning and flood recovery. Entitled “Back and Better Get-Togethers,” the three forums are modeled after the city’s public participation process.
The first Get-Together forum, scheduled for Tuesday, June 30 from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. at the Jefferson High School Band Room, will provide information on the District’s needs, existing building conditions, the forum process, and District's flood recovery work to date.
“The District must make recovery decisions that will significantly impact how effectively we support our schools and students for decades to come,” said Dr. Dave Markward, Superintendent. “The Back and Better Get-Together forums allow us to move forward with the planning process and to find out what’s important to our staff and our community.”
Five critical District buildings were significantly damaged in the June 2008 flood, including the administrative and warehouse facilities. Administrative offices relocated to a temporary modular building campus at Kingston Stadium and continue to operate from there. Taylor Elementary School was also damaged in the flood. It has now been repaired and will reopen in August. Taylor is not part of this facilities process.
“We are very grateful to FEMA and to the Army Corp of Engineers for their support of our administrative needs by providing for temporary facilities," added Dr. Markward. "It's time now to build for our long-term future. With the insight and feedback of this resilient community we hope to fulfill our goal of being back and better than ever.”
The second Get-Together forum on August 27, to be held at Kennedy High School, will provide information on facility and programming options, and the final forum on October 20, to be held at Washington High School, will provide information on selected options.
The public participation process involves residents early and effectively in decisions impacting the community. Public feedback ensures that the final plan reflects the identified needs and interests of the entire Cedar Rapids community.