CEDAR RAPIDS — An inclusive playground swing that gives kids with different abilities the same access to play as their peers will be installed this summer at Hiawatha Elementary School — just one example of a school improvement made possible by a capital projects fund likely to come before Cedar Rapids school district voters this fall.
The Physical Plant and Equipment Levy fund finances dozens of projects each year at every school building in the Cedar Rapids Community School District, keeping kids “warm, safe and dry,” said Chad Schumacher, the district’s director of operations.
The property tax, a current levy that expires June 30, 2025, must be renewed by district voters every 10 years. The school board is expected to approve a resolution Monday ordering the question of an extension be put on a Sept. 10 ballot for district voters.
The question will ask voters to consider approving the maximum PPEL of $1.34 for every $1,000 of assessed property valuation. If the levy is renewed, it would not increase the property tax levy rate for schools — the levy would simply continue. The levy requires a simple majority to pass.
Beginning July 1, the tax rate for homeowners in the Cedar Rapids school district — which includes the current PPEL — will be $13.90 per $1,000 of taxable valuation, a decrease of about 83 cents from the current rate. For a homeowner with a $200,000 home, the property tax bill for schools would be $1,288 per year, or $107.33 a month.
Renewing PPEL would raise over $145M
In the next 10 years, this fund — if approved by voters — is estimated to bring in almost $146 million in revenue to the district. About $19 million would be spent on transportation costs, $86 million would be spent on yearly projects and $30 million would be spent on new college and career pathways and academies at Kennedy, Jefferson and Washington high schools.
The yearly projects include routine maintenance, but the bigger expense is for unexpected repairs to buildings. Other large annual expenses include improvements for safety and security, door and window repairs and replacements, roof replacements, concrete repair and replacement, upgrades to schools’ heating and cooling system and playground repairs.
If voters do not approve extending the levy, the school board itself can levy 33 cents for every $1,000 of assessed valuation without voters approval.
“That would dramatically decrease the amount of money that comes in, so take 80 percent of the projects and say we can’t do those,” Schumacher said.
Before 2014, the voter-supported PPEL remained at 34 cents, combined with the 33 cents levied by the board. Combined, that generated only about $4 million a year
The proposal going before voters calls for a rate of $1.34, total.
“Without PPEL, we would be back to Band-Aids and bubble gum to keep our buildings together. Over the last 10 years, we’ve done an amazing job allocating funds to where they need to go. We still have more to catch up on. That funding is vital to making sure we have what we need to keep our buildings operational,” Schumacher said.
Why PPEL and a bond referendum?
Cedar Rapids school officials also hope to take a bond referendum to district voters in November 2025 to “right-size” the district, which could include:
- Closing buildings to reduce operating costs and eliminate maintenance expenses
- Consolidating operations to improve efficiency and provide more opportunities for students
- And renovating or building new schools to create more modern and supportive learning environments
Schumacher said voter approval of both PPEL and a bond referendum are needed to “prepare for the future of our kids.”
“The bond allows us to provide the best educational facilities possible, and PPEL allows us to make sure they stay the best educational facilities possible,” he said.
‘Our schools are an investment’
Hiawatha Elementary Principal Stephen Probert said the addition of the adaptive swing is just one of many projects over the years that have kept the 60-year-old school building in “top shape.”
While the school has other equipment at recess like adaptive tricycles for students with disabilities, it’s “really special” for some of these kids to be able to “swing right alongside their peers,” Probert said. Other projects include security features like upgrades to door and fire alarms, new carpet and tile, new dry erase boards in classrooms and masonry repairs, Probert said.
“Our schools are an investment, and whenever we invest in facilities it allows for the learning experience to be enhanced for our students,” Probert said.
New elevator at Kennedy High with PPEL funds
At Kennedy High School this summer, PPEL is funding the addition of a small elevator to give students with mobility needs easier access to the wood shop classroom.
Sarah Remerowski, Kennedy High associate principal, said the need was brought to the attention of school administrators this year after a student who cannot use the stairs showed interest in enrolling in the class.
“Who knows if we had a student who wanted to sign up but didn’t because they thought they couldn’t get into the classroom,” Remerowski said. “It’s quite possible, and I’m thankful this was brought to our attention. We try to be proactive and think through accessibility for students.”
While the classroom can be accessed through another door outside to avoid stairs, Remerowski said it’s important to provide the same accessibility to the building to all students. “There’s a piece of this that makes sure all areas of the building are set up in a way that students are empowered to choose any class they’re interested in and pursue their passions,” Remerowski said.
Viola Gibson getting new lockers
Viola Gibson Elementary is getting new lockers this summer with funding from PPEL.
Principal Tammi Kuba said the current lockers are no longer sufficient with a growing student body, especially during the winter when kids bring larger coats, snow pants and boots to school. It leads to items being “chronically lost,” Kuba said.
Improvements like this wouldn’t be possible without PPEL, Kuba said. These funds are specifically allocated to provide funding for school facilities, equipment, repairs, technology and security improvements.
“When we invest in kids, we invest in our community,” Kuba said. “I really believe as a graduate of our schools, as a parent of children who went to our schools and have graduated and as an employee of our schools, when we put that investment into our students, it’s an investment into our economy.”
Laura Zimmerman, who is a part of the Parent Teacher Association at Erskine Elementary, is working with school officials to create a districtwide parent organization. Zimmerman said she hopes it can lead to better engagement of families. She invites any families who want to be involved to join.
Right now, she’s focused on educating families about the importance of saying “yes” to PPEL, she said.
“It’s keeping the lights on,” Zimmerman said. “We know if you’re a homeowner, a window might break or the heat might go out. This fund ensures stuff like that is fixed, so our kids thrive in school.”
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