CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) – The Cedar Rapids School Board voted 5-2 Monday night to advance two consolidation models after more than five hours of discussion, eliminating the plan that would have changed Kennedy High School to a junior high. The decision comes as the district works to address declining enrollment and related funding impacts. More than 20 people spoke during public comment, including parents, staff and students who explained which plans they supported or opposed. Both remaining models would close Wright, Cedar River Academy at Taylor, Cleveland, Nixon and Truman elementary schools. The first plan, called the “intermediate school” model, would send students to an intermediate school for fifth and sixth grades, then to a middle school for seventh and eighth grades. Under this model, Grant Elementary would also close. The second plan would house fifth through eighth graders together in the same buildings. This option raises complications with teacher licensing requirements, which staff cited in surveys as a reason for opposition. Under this model, Pierce Elementary would also close. The board will now conduct detailed analysis of both plans, including boundary discussions, class size considerations and athletics planning. The board also voted to keep Johnson Steam Academy open. The Wellington Heights elementary school will remain operational after community members urged district leaders to preserve the school due to the resources it provides students. The board is expected to make a final consolidation decision in April.
DES MOINES, Iowa (KCRG) – Drake University head football coach Joe Woodley resigned after one season leading the Bulldogs program. ESPN reports Woodley will join Rutgers as an assistant coach in the Big Ten Conference. “Our football program, and Drake Athletics as a whole, is thankful to Coach Woodley for his contributions as a Bulldog,” Drake Director of Athletics Brian Hardin said in the release. “Joe used his natural leadership and excellent skills as a football coach to put together another sensational season in Drake Stadium. We wish him continued success on his coaching journey.” Woodley, a Clive native, spent 17 seasons at Grand View University. Six of those were as head coach. He then accepted the Drake job in December 2024. Woodley was a standout athlete at Valley High School before captaining the Iowa State Cyclones. Drake will begin a national search for a new head coach immediately.
DES MOINES, Iowa (KCCI/KCRG) – A Des Moines police officer is suing the city, claiming she suffered lead poisoning at the police academy facility and was retaliated against for reporting the contamination. Sgt. Jennifer Grose alleges she was exposed to lead at the Des Moines Police Academy firing range, causing headaches, joint pain, and memory loss, according to a lawsuit filed January 7. A blood test in July 2024 found elevated lead levels in Grose’s blood. The lawsuit alleges additional officers at the academy also tested positive for elevated lead levels. The facility has a history of lead contamination issues, according to the lawsuit. The lawsuit claims the city of Des Moines and Kirk Robinson, the city’s facilities operation manager, failed to address the danger. It also accuses them of retaliation for moving Grose to a new assignment after she filed an exposure report. Grose is suing them for negligence and whistleblower retaliation in violation of Iowa Code §70A.29. Grose says the move resulted in a loss of income, retirement benefits, and paid time off, in addition to causing emotional distress.
MOUNT VERNON, Iowa (KCRG) – The Cornell College Board of Trustees announced Monday that President Jonathan Brand will end his term in June 2027. Brand has served as Cornell’s 15th president since began the position in 2011. During his 16-year tenure, the board shared he raised more than $200 million for academic programs. Brand oversaw the creation of a literary arts center and a summer research institute, the construction and renovation of eight campus buildings and three athletic fields. He also taught over 125 students in his politics class. The college’s Board of Trustees is starting to form a search committee and select a firm to select the school’s 16th president. The board says it plans to select the next president by the end of the fall 2026 semester.
