Hoover Elementary still alive and well

The following letter to the editor by Kristine Lumb and Erin Kaufman appeared in the May 9 Press-Citizen:

The Press-Citizen recently reported that the Iowa City Community School Board approved schematic design documents for the new elementary school located on the east edge of Iowa City.

The article referred to the new school as Hoover, not “Hoover East,” the name the board has agreed to use to differentiate the new school from the Hoover that already exists and that has served Iowa City's children for six decades.

While the construction of new schools marks an exciting time for the district, it is important to remember there is already a Hoover Elementary, alive and well.

Despite possible closure in 2019, Hoover Elementary remains at the center of a thriving community. Students and families have spent the year celebrating the school’s 60th anniversary. We have marched in a parade, taken field trips, and welcomed members of a presidential family. We have learned about the world and how to be caring, courageous, honest, respectful, and responsible citizens. We have welcomed incoming kindergarteners and will see sixth graders transition to junior high. In short, we are still here.

In fact, many want to see Hoover thrive beyond 2019. The Save Hoover Committee (http://savehoover.blogspot.com) is working to make known the good reasons for keeping Hoover open, with the ultimate goal of preventing its closure. Save Hoover will work to get the word — and the vote — out in the upcoming board election.

Hoover is a tight-knit community of students, families and neighbors that will not be replaced by simply transferring its name to a new school.