During the Cedar Rapids Community School District Board of Education meeting on June 9, 2025, community member Terry Aliff raised a heartfelt concern regarding the new site plan for the Hoover School. Aliff, who has a personal connection to the school through the memory of his late daughter, Ryan Nicole, expressed a desire to preserve a portion of the existing Hoover Trail as part of the new development.

Aliff shared that his daughter attended Hoover School in the early 1990s and tragically passed away just before her tenth birthday. In her memory, Aliff and his family had previously collaborated with the school and the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) to create a walking trail and a memorial garden at the school. This garden, marked with a memorial stone, has been a place of peace for Aliff, who has tended to it since its establishment.

With the new school construction set to begin, Aliff is hopeful that the site planners can incorporate the existing trail into the new design, allowing for the continuation of his daughter's legacy. He requested assistance in connecting with the site planners to discuss potential options for preserving this meaningful space.

The board's response to Aliff's request remains to be seen, but his appeal highlights the importance of community involvement in school developments and the lasting impact of personal stories on local educational spaces. As the district moves forward with the new Hoover School, the integration of community memories and values could play a significant role in shaping the environment for future generations.