Cedar Rapids Community School District

10/19/2026

Congrats to Arefat Ali of John F. Kennedy High School - Cedar Rapids, Iowa on being a Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation semifinalist!

We are excited to announce our 2027 Program Semifinalists - see the list at Cokeurl.com/2027SF!

Out of 113,000+ applications submitted from across the country, 1,227 exceptional students have advanced to the next stage of our selection process. Representing just 1.08% of applicants, these young leaders have demonstrated outstanding academic excellence, leadership, and service in their schools and communities.

We are grateful to The Coca-Cola Company and Coca-Cola bottlers throughout the US for investing more than $93 million in the education of generations of changemakers through the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation since 1986.

Next, Semifinalists will submit Phase 2 applications for review, after which 250 Finalists will be selected in January, followed by 150 Coca-Cola Scholars in February. Upon completion of Scholars Weekend in Atlanta, each Scholar will receive a $20,000 scholarship and join a lifelong community of visionary leaders.

Congratulations, Semifinalists!

10/19/2026

Congrats to Mark Groteluschen & his team at METRO STEAM Academy for winning a Storytelling Standout social media award from the communications department! Other award winners:

Video Visionary
Maple Grove Elementary School
Harding Middle School CR
Washington High School

School Spirit Superstar
Kenwood Leadership Academy Magnet School
McKinley STEAM Academy Magnet School
John F. Kennedy High School PTSA

Storytelling Standout
Hoover Elementary School
Roosevelt CCBA
Metro STEAM Academy

Community Connector
Cleveland Elementary School

Little Learners, Big Moments
Truman Early Learning

10/19/2026

Meet Paul Behrend, both a bus driver and a linguist. He wants to help students succeed before they reach the classroom; he also speaks four languages.

“We’re the first ones the students see when they start their school day,” Behrend said. “We’re the ones that set the tone, in a lot of ways, for how their day goes.”

He joined the district in October 2022 and brings seven years of school bus driving experience, including time in Iowa City. He returned to driving after a job opportunity on the East Coast fell through. Already holding a commercial driver’s license, he found an opportunity in Cedar Rapids that felt like a good fit.

What keeps him behind the wheel is the opportunity to build relationships and watch students grow.

One student’s progress has been especially meaningful. Over several years on the same route, Behrend has watched the student become more independent and increasingly able to communicate with those around him. Being part of that journey, alongside the student’s family and school staff, gives his work purpose.

“That’s the difference between me doing this and driving something else that pays a lot more money,” he said.

Paul encourages anyone considering school bus driving to understand the responsibility, and the opportunity, that comes with it.

“Foremost, it’s part of the education community,” he said. “Kids and families depend on us to get their loved ones to and from school safely and happily.”

Behrend finished high school in Fairfield, Iowa, after living in several places across the United States. He also spent 11 years in Spain from 2010-2022. Outside of work, he enjoys reading and keeping his language skills sharp, including Spanish, Portuguese and Galician. He can speak all three in addition to English.

Each day, Paul brings that curiosity and commitment to his route, helping students begin and end their school day with someone who cares.

10/19/2026

Thank you, Inside Edition!

10/17/2026

Thanks to everyone who made America Reads a special day for students and guest readers!

10/16/2026

TUNE IN TODAY AT 4:30 PM! 📺✨ We are so proud to share that Inside Edition is featuring a very special story from right here in our district!

Bella, a 5th grader at Viola Gibson Elementary, recently received a Commendation of Heroic Action from the Board of Education for her quick thinking and heroism in getting help for her bus driver, Ms. Christine, during a severe asthma attack. 🚌

Inside Edition interviewed both Bella and Ms. Christine to share their remarkable story with the nation. Catch the story TODAY (10/16) on KWWL (NBC) at 4:30 PM! 👏

10/16/2026

10/15/2026

We're celebrating TWO outstanding members of our district staff!

Janessa Carr, Safe and Secure Learning Administrator, and Charlie Goetzinger, Principal at Wilson Middle School, have been named to the Corridor Business Journal's 2026 Forty Under 40 class!

This prestigious recognition honors 40 young professionals who are making a significant impact through their leadership, professional achievements, and commitment to their communities.

Janessa and Charlie exemplify the dedication, innovation, and leadership that help make CR Schools a place where students can learn, grow, and thrive.

Please join us in congratulating Janessa and Charlie on this well-deserved honor!

10/15/2026

Congrats to Jaxon Davin, an 8th grader at Harding Middle School CR! Jaxon was recently recognized at a board meeting.

His cheerful “Good morning!” can brighten anyone’s day. From showing sportsmanship in PE and encouraging classmates in Computer Science to bringing the excitement for Trivia Tuesday, Jaxon makes Harding a more welcoming place.

He takes pride in helping teachers and tackling classroom responsibilities, and represents Harding on the cross country and track teams.

Thank you, Jaxon, for leading with kindness and heart!