Author Archives: Nadia Crow/SourceMedia Group News

VINTON- After seven months of debate, state lawmakers finally made a decision about the future of education.  Now local districts are weighing in.  Upon election, Governor Terry Branstad promised to overhaul the state’s school system. He released a blueprint back … Continue reading →

MAQUOKETA- Governor Terry Branstad says in the coming days he’ll sign a new state law mandating all school bus drivers undergo a background check before being hired.  TV9 and the Gazette conducted an investigation last fall that found most bus … Continue reading →

CEDAR RAPIDS- It’s costing more and more to fill up at the pump.  But rising fuel prices also mean big changes for school bus budgets.  And experts say this won’t be easing up anytime soon, especially with the summer driving … Continue reading →

MARION-  The Iowa House took the next step in overhauling Iowa’s public school system Wednesday.  The Republican-controlled House voted on its version of Governor Branstad’s school reform bill.  The bill says eleventh graders can choose from a variety of exams … Continue reading →

CEDAR RAPIDS-  Polk Elementary School is closing, but the Cedar Rapids building will now serve a new purpose.  Despite emotional pleas from parents and children, the Cedar Rapids school board voted Monday night to close Polk. But the building will … Continue reading →

SOLON- Learning online.  It’s a way for high school students to get their education with the click of a mouse.  Governor Terry Branstad says he wants more Iowa students to take advantage of internet-based education.  To fund it, he’s asking … Continue reading →

CEDAR RAPIDS- The school and community connection.  People are still weighing in on how closing some Cedar Rapids schools will affect the district and neighborhoods.  Monday, Superintendent Dave Benson recommended shutting down Monroe’s early childhood center and Polk Elementary School.  … Continue reading →

CEDAR RAPIDS- More students who can’t speak English attend Cedar Rapids Schools than ever before.  The Cedar Rapids Community School District leads the state in the fastest growing population of these students, known as English language learners.  State wide the … Continue reading →

CEDAR RAPIDS- Sunday marks the start of Catholic Schools Week were schools across Eastern Iowa will hold open houses to promote their faith based education.  It’s also the 175th year since the founding of the Archdiocese of Dubuque. It’s the … Continue reading →

CEDAR RAPIDS- Making math and science fun.  31 middle school teams from across Eastern Iowa  gathered at Prairie Point Middle School to compete in this year’s Future City Competition.  The students create their own cities made out of reusable materials. … Continue reading →

CEDAR RAPIDS- It’s the first chance for parents and concerned community members to speak out about possible school closures in Cedar Rapids.  Harrison, Polk, Madison, and Monroe elementary schools are the schools that could be shut down.  The district says … Continue reading →

IOWA CITY- Graduating from college is supposed to give you an edge in the job market.  According to a recent Bureau of Labor Statistics report, only 4.2% of people with at least their bachelor’s degree are unemployed.  Some 795 University … Continue reading →

VINTON- Results from an education survey released Monday show mixed opinions when it comes to the state of Iowa schools.  About 600 people responded to a Blueprint for Education survey this summer.  85% say they’re not satisfied with the state … Continue reading →

IOWA CITY- Six months after a tornado devastated a small city in Missouri some Eastern Iowa high school students are lending a hand. On May 22nd, an EF5 tornado flattened much of Joplin, Missouri.  Saturday morning, City High students held … Continue reading →

CEDAR RAPIDS- Tuesday hundreds of Iowans, including Governor Branstad marched in cities across Iowa today for the IJAG program.  They want state lawmakers to restore $1 million in state funding cuts.  IJAG is designed to give at-risk students time in … Continue reading →