CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) - The Cedar Rapids School District says it is facing staffing cuts and the possibility of combining schools as it faces the financial fallout from declining enrollment and a failed bond vote.

In an exclusive interview with KCRG-TV9, Superintendent Dr. Tawana Grover said the district is now working on a plan for the district’s finances.

On Thursday, the district announced its enrollment had declined by 622 students from last school year. Dr. Grover pointed to increased competition from charter schools and private schools fueled by the state’s voucher program. However, the Cedar Rapids district’s enrollment has been declining for years, losing 1,800 students over the past 5 years alone.

The loss of 622 students this school year means a loss of nearly $5 million i

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