Cedar Rapids schools superintendent asks voters to show up for Sept 10 PPEL vote

Cedar Rapids, Iowa – The Physical Plant and Equipment Levy for the Cedar Rapids Community School District is up for renewal, and voters in Cedar Rapids will soon have to make that decision.
(PPEL) The PPEL gives millions of dollars to support the upkeep and modernization of the CRCSD’s older schools, many of which have outdated HVAC systems or ADA issues.

The superintendent of the Cedar Rapids Community School District, Dr. Tawana Grover, stated, “With PPEL, we’re able to take care of some basic needs for our students, we’re able to ensure that our students are here, that they’re safe, and that they’re in a comfortable learning environment.”

The district has been using PPEL monies for fifty years, and only every ten years is there a vote on renewal. Over $100 million was given to Cedar Rapids schools under the most current PPEL, which was passed in 2014. The 2014 PPEL ends in the summer of 2015.

Grover claims that the district will be short of vital funding if voters choose not to extend the PPEL next month.

Grover stated, “There’s a lot of funding that we won’t have available to us if we’re not able to renew PPEL.” “Not to mention all the other needs that our schools face, that would hardly even cover roof expenses at one or two of our schools.”

Less than a year has passed since Cedar Rapids voters rejected a $220 million bond proposal for school renovations. This is the time of the PPEL vote. The PPEL won’t raise property taxes, in contrast to that bond.

Superintendent Grover believes the PPEL scheduled for next month will pass, despite the bond failure in November of last year. After examining data from a study of almost 10,000 people about PPEL, she expressed optimism.

This vote will prolong the present PPEL plan, which means that property tax rates will not be raised. Homeowners in Cedar Rapids have been paying $1.34 for each $1,000 that their property is worth since 2014.

Documents titled “PPEL Promise” are available on the district’s website, outlining all the projects that PPEL monies have funded in the past ten years.