The Arthur Elementary Annex, built in 1952, was demolished in December 2022 to make way for a new “mega-school” to replace Arthur and the nearby Garfield Elementary. (photo/Cindy Hadish)

The consolidation of Arthur and Garfield elementary schools in Cedar Rapids gave students and school leaders the opportunity to come up with a meaningful name for the new school, to be built on the site of the Arthur School Annex, which was recently demolished.

Joining the new West Willow and Maple Grove elementary schools on the west side of Cedar Rapids will be Trailside Elementary, named in honor of the trail that runs outside of the site of the forthcoming school, 2630 B Ave. NE.

Arthur Principal Jennifer Nurre and Garfield Principal Joy Long presented the new name during the Jan. 23, 2023, School Board meeting, noting that criteria given to students and others who made nominations included that the name should be “timeless” and have local significance.

Some members of the public had suggested naming the school in honor of Superintendent Noreen Bush, who died of cancer last fall, but her family said she didn’t want any buildings named after her.

The School Board unanimously approved the new Trailside name.

Learn more about the Cedar Rapids School District’s plan to close and demolish more elementary schools.

Arthur Elementary Principal Jennifer Nurre reveals the name for the school that will replace Arthur and Garfield, along with an architect’s rendering of the new “mega-school.” (photo/Cindy Hadish)