The Cedar Rapids Community School District Board of Education voted unanimously to appoint Dr. Tawana Grover as the district’s new superintendent of schools, effective July 1, 2023. Dr. Grover succeeds Interim Superintendent Art Sathoff following the passing of former superintendent Noreen Bush in October 2022.

“I firmly believe that it takes an entire community to ensure the success of our public schools. Cedar Rapids Community School District’s commitment to placing students first is undeniable. As your next Superintendent, I will work to ensure students will graduate with more than a diploma. I’m excited to meet the students in the district, hear and elevate their voice, and be inspired by their interests and passions. I am ready to hit the ground running, listening, learning, and leading for the most immediate needs and long into the successful future of Cedar Rapids and focus on the importance of investing in quality education so Every Learner is Future Ready.” – Dr. Tawana Grover.

Trailside Elementary School Announced

Opening in August of 2024, Trailside Elementary School is the third elementary school opening under the district’s facility master plan. The Board of Directors unanimously approved the new name during the board meeting on Monday January 23rd. 

In total, there were 80 student and staff submissions and 16 submissions from the community and the list was narrowed to six names. Arthur Elementary Principal, Jennifer Nurre and Garfield Elementary Principal, Joy Long received student input by visiting each classroom. Staff at each building voted on the final six names and ultimately decided on Trailside Elementary.

“Their reasons were all so cute. It was fun to read the submissions and why the name was important to them. A delightful experience,” - Jennifer Nurre, Arthur Elementary Principal.

New Student Registration Open on February 1st

Registration opens on February 1st, for all new students attending CRCSD next school year (2023-2024). This is for preschool students, kindergarten students, or any new CRCSD student joining at the elementary, middle or high school level. 

Truman Early Learning Center On-Site Registration

When: Friday, February 3, from 8:00 am - 12:00 pm 

Where: Truman Early Learning Center

441 West Post Rd. NW Cedar Rapids

What: Preschool registration is for students turning 3 or 4 on or before September 15, 2023. (There are limited spots for qualifying 3 year olds) 

Staff will be present to help families with registration. Parents will need to bring documentation to be used for registration (birth certificate and proof of residency). Interpreters will be available in Swahili, Spanish and French.

Jefferson High School Becomes a Kirkwood Community Class Center

Jefferson High School is considered an additional site location for Kirkwood Community College due to the number of Kirkwood classes that Jefferson offers onsite. Jefferson currently offers 25 Kirkwood concurrent enrollment courses, which means students can earn BOTH college credit and high school credit upon successful completion of the course. This offers our students many advantages in terms of college/career development and cost savings all without having to leave the building and we are honored to partner with Kirkwood on this. 

Mississippi Valley Conference honors for High School Boys Swimming

Congratulations to the 19 swimmers who were awarded 2022-23 Mississippi Valley Conference boys swimming all-division honors!

Magnet School Lottery Now Open

The magnet school lottery for the 2023-24 school year is now open. Online applications for the magnet school lottery will be accepted until Friday, Feb. 24, at 11:59 p.m. Learn more about our magnet schools

Cedar River Academy

Cedar River Academy provides a hands-on approach to learning, where students understand their impact and are empowered to make the world more sustainable. Community partnerships provide authentic connections both locally and globally. Students at Cedar River Academy are driven to make a difference! We are learning today, sustaining tomorrow!