7 Cedar Rapids Schools Could Shut Down Under New Budget Plan

The Cedar Rapids School District needs to save just over $10 million. One proposal the district is considering is closing up to seven schools in Cedar Rapids.

How Much Money Would the Closings Save?

The Cedar Rapids Gazette reports that the Cedar Rapids School District has once again voiced support for a budget proposal that would close seven schools and also move to an intermediate model that would serve 5th and 6th graders. Closing and refiguring schools could result in the district saving $6 million.

Which Schools Would Be Closed?

The Gazette reports that leaders are looking at several factors, including attendance boundaries, socioeconomic demographics of students, equalizing enrollment, condition of buildings, building capacity, and operational savings, before they make any decisions. A list of which schools could close will be presented to the school board next week, according to the Gazette.

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What Would an Intermediate Model Look Like?

Under the proposal to move to an intermediate model, the Gazette reports that the following would happen.

• 12 elementary schools would serve K-4th grade
• 3 intermediate schools would serve 5th and 6th grades.
• 3 middle schools would serve 7th and 8th grades.
• 5 high schools would serve 9th - 12th grades.

The move would be phased in over several years.

The Gazette reports that 16 of 29 school buildings in the Cedar Rapids District are currently at less than 80% capacity. Three schools are between 50 and 60% capacity, and two schools are below 50%. The district reported in November that it had experienced a decline of over 600 students for the current school year.