On Tuesday, November 4, 2025, the voters will be asked to consider a Bond Referendum in the Cedar Rapids Community School District.
The Bond Plan Schools
McKinley Renovation
- Investment in historic building
- Full renovation & modernization while maintaining historic exterior
- Security Upgrades and Fully ADA Compliant
- Presence in Cedar Rapids MedQuarter that aligns with existing community partnerships and high school programming
Wilson Renovation
- Investment in historic building while maintaining presence in the SW Cedar Rapids.
- Full renovation & modernization into an elementary, while maintaining historic exterior
- Security Upgrades and Fully ADA Compliant
- Wilson students move to Roosevelt. Grant & Cedar River Academy students move into remodeled “Wilson Elementary”
- Addresses under enrollment at elementary school level & being fiscally responsible with taxpayers dollars
Roosevelt Renovation
- Roosevelt Renovations to house Roosevelt and Wilson students.
- Investment in historic buildings and centrally located in the attendance area.
- Full renovation and modernization while maintaining historic exterior
- Wilson student move into Roosevelt, addressing under enrollment at middle school level & being fiscally responsible with taxpayers dollars.
- Security Upgrades and Fully ADA Compliant
- Designed for one grade per floor to better support student success, also expands resources, support, and experiences available to students.
Kennedy Renovation
- New Freshman Academy & Commons equitable to Washington and Jefferson High Schools
- Freshman Academy allows for small learning communities for 9th graders
- Renovations & expansion of commons reduces pressure on food service
- Continues commitment to high school improvements
Strong Schools Bond Plan
A Plan with Community Input:
This proposal reflects extensive feedback from parents, educators, and community stakeholders to ensure we are addressing the most urgent needs.
Smart Investment:
This bond allows us to invest in our students’ future by modernizing learning spaces and ensuring safe, up-to-date facilities.
Safety & Success:
Every project included in this bond prioritizes student safety, academic excellence, and long-term sustainability.
This is About Our Students:
At its core, this bond ensures that every student in Cedar Rapids has access to high-quality learning environments.
No Surprises – Clear Financial Planning:
The district has carefully structured this bond to ensure fiscal responsibility, transparency, and accountability.
Current Tax Rates: Lowest in Linn County
How We Compare with the Bond
Your Tax Impact with the Bond
Coming soon – Tax Calculator – so you can estimate how it will impact your financials.
Projected Operational Savings
- Annual Savings – $6.48 Million
- 20 Year Savings – $140.8 Million
- 20 Year Bond Return on Investment – $23 Million
Bond Ballot Language for November 4, 2025
“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 $117,000,000 to provide funds to remodel, repair, improve (including architectural, civil, electrical, HVAC, safety/accessibility, structural, and technology upgrades), furnish, and equip McKinley Middle School building, Wilson Middle School building (to convert to elementary programming), Roosevelt Middle School building, and Kennedy High School (including constructing, furnishing, and equipping additions to add a Freshman Academy and expand commons and kitchen areas), and site improvements?” – approved by the Board of Education – May 12, 2025
If you have questions or need more information, please reach out below.