The Cedar Rapids Community School District embraces community-driven school design.
Staff, parents, and families are shaping the future of the new Hoover and Van Buren elementary schools in the growing southwest side of Cedar Rapids.
Through engaging discussions, collaborative meetings, and hands-on participation, grassroots groups celebrate what makes their schools unique, welcoming, and impactful. Staff, parents, and families build on this foundation and share aspirations as they provide input on new learning environments.
Voice of Hoover Elementary School Parents
On January 14, 2025, Shive-Hattery presented to Hoover’s Parent Advocacy Committee, an invested and diverse group of parents and community members who braved the cold night to provide input on the future of their school. Parents learned about the design process, work completed to date, and the next steps.
What truly set this discussion apart was the direct input from parents—those who experience the school’s culture and functionality every day. One of the most powerful sentiments expressed was that Hoover “feels like a big family.”
Parents appreciate how Hoover fosters a sense of belonging and connection, and they want to ensure that this warmth and unity are not lost in the transition to a new, larger building. Community-driven themes included:
- Central Hub: The importance of a central hub where the community can receive access to resources and support.
- Space for Services: There is a need for flexible spaces for services, such as ELL (English Language Learners) and SPED (Special Education), designed for accessibility and efficiency.
- Sensory Considerations: Consider students with various sensory needs, ensuring spaces that promote their learning and well-being.
- Accessibility. Consider parking, equity of access to sapces, and other accessibility challenges for after-school events and community gatherings.
- Traditions. Continue beloved traditions, such as the Hoover sign for first-day-of-school photos, and create new traditions to reflect the evolving school community.
Additionally, concerns about safety, construction access, and how the transition would affect students were addressed. The design team clarified how the new school will be built while the current one remains operational and the measures in place to ensure student safety.
Voice of Teachers at Hoover and Van Buren
On January 17, 2025, some staff members from both Hoover and Van Buren chose to tour the district’s three newest elementary schools as part of their Teacher Directed Day. This professional development day allows educators to choose how they spend their time, and the response to this optional activity was overwhelming. The turnout demonstrated the staff’s deep commitment to ensuring the success of their new school buildings.
The tours provided teachers with existing floor plans, provided by Shive-Hattery, and comment sections to mark up their thoughts—whether in notes, doodles, or even emojis. The feedback collected from these walkthroughs was invaluable, as it gave designers direct insight into what works well and what could be adjusted in the new buildings.
Two standout examples of teacher feedback illustrate the depth of engagement:
- Music Room Design at Van Buren: The music teacher went above and beyond by attaching a checklist titled “Essential Features of the Perfect Music Room.” This level of specificity is incredibly beneficial, to tailer the new music space as much as possible to the needs of both educators and students.
- ELL Classroom Considerations at Hoover: The ELL teachers collaborated to provide detailed input about their daily operations and how specific designs could enhance or hinder their ability to support students effectively. Their feedback covered everything from space layout to logistical challenges, offering a perspective that only those working in the environment daily could provide.
Many educators expressed gratitude for having a voice in the process and seeing that their insights were truly valued. The design team was equally honored to receive such thoughtful, in-depth feedback. Teachers and staff are the best collaborators an architect can have as they are the ones who will be using these spaces every day. Their input is not just helpful; it is essential to creating functional and inspiring schools.
A Collaborative Path to New Schools
The journey to designing and constructing the new schools on the Hoover and Van Buren sites is far from over. Still, the foundation we have built with our community ensures that these schools will be spaces that truly serve their students, staff, and families. The insights gained from parents, teachers, and other stakeholders shape every element of the design, from classroom layout to community-oriented spaces and cultural traditions.
As we move forward, we remain committed to ongoing engagement and transparency, ensuring that the final designs reflect the collective vision of those who call these schools home. The result will be more than just new buildings—vibrant, inclusive learning environments where students thrive, teachers are supported, and families feel welcome.
Continuing Engagement and Next Steps
In-person workshops with the principals and five advocate staff members from each school will provide an opportunity to review the concept plan and design progress and allow for additional feedback from those who know the schools best in the following weeks.
Once we reach the end of the schematic design phase and have a clearer picture of the buildings, we will present the updated plans to the school board. Additionally, we plan to meet with neighbors and community leadership to provide information and gather further input. This continued engagement ensures that every partner remains involved as we bring these schools to life.
The voices of our community are not just being heard; they are shaping the future.
