District Receives Two Work of Progress Honors
The District received two 'Work of Progress' honors as part of the community's Signs of Progress Celebration on Jan. 22. The flood recovery event, held at Theatre Cedar Rapids, recognized community leaders and organizations in the categories of arts and culture, business, human services, education, neighborhood revitalization, community heroes, and overall community impact.
The District was recognized both for the repair of Taylor Elementary School and the immediate response to locate and support displaced students and families. The honors were accepted by Superintendent Dr. Dave Benson, Board of Education members John Laverty and Mary Meisterling, Taylor Principal Brian Christoffersen, and Homeless Liaison Support Team members Slayton Thompson and Betsy Huston.
Total damage to the school district from the June 2008 flood exceeded $33 million. The flood displaced more than 1,800 students and forced the relocation of some 200 staff members. Taylor Elementary School – flooded with three feet of water - was closed for one year for repairs, reopening for the 2009-10 school year. District support offices continue to operate from the ESC at Kingston campus and from leased work space while the new Educational Leadership and Support Center is built. Construction of the new facility is scheduled to be complete in 2012.
The Cedar Rapids "Signs of Progress" campaign is intended to illustrate the local flood recovery and economic development progress accomplished to date across the community. More than 36 projects are featured, summarizing initiatives and overall funding towards project completion. Project maps, displaying both geographical locations and summaries of each project, are available for download at www.SignsOfProgressCR.com
The "Signs of Progress" project is financed by donations from AEGON USA, Alliant Energy, Cedar Rapids Downtown District, City of Cedar Rapids, CRST Inc., Source Media Group, Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation, Hall-Perrine Foundation, Lil Drugstore, Linn County Board of Supervisors, Mainstream LLC, Rockwell Collins, and Skogman Companies.