In a span of just three months, voters will soon have the opportunity to make a crucial decision regarding the allocation of millions of dollars towards the modernization of Cedar Rapids schools.

During a session on Monday night, the Cedar Rapids Community School District (CRCSD) School Board officially ratified the precise wording for a bond referendum.

Should this bond referendum, valued at $220 million, garner approval in November, it would serve as the financial source for an extensive revamping, replacement, and enhancement of the middle and high schools within the district. Furthermore, homeowners with a property valued at $100,000 would see an approximate annual increase of $135 in property taxes.

Notably, the bond vote does not encompass a proposed aquatic center. While it was initially part of the plan, it has since been excluded from the bond vote. According to Jonathan Galbraith, the Chief Operations Officer of CRCSD, uncertainty surrounds the inclusion of the pool project. Galbraith noted that the district has reserved funds for the aquatic center independently of the bond vote and is exploring potential collaborations with community partners for its realization.

Highlighting the urgency of the situation, the district has emphasized that numerous schools are currently outdated and being underutilized. This operational inefficiency has translated to substantial financial losses, a fact that has faced resistance from some members of the city council.

To secure the placement of the referendum on the ballot, the district must secure approximately 6,400 petition signatures by September 22.