Marion, Mt. Vernon realtors and information about school systems (Cedar Rapids: house, purchase)

[hockeymomma8]

Any information on schools in Marion (Marion Independent School District) especially Emerson vs. Starry or anyone with some good information on Mt. Vernon Schools, please post good and bad experiences, we are still trying to decide between these to cities as a place to live. Any other communities close to Cedar Rapids with their own school district that we could consider would be welcome as well. Anyone who has firsthand knowledge of a good realtor in Marion or Mt. Vernon Please respond. Thanks!

[MtVMom]

We have lived in Mt. Vernon for 7 years now. Grew up in CR and moved to the Quad Cities for 15 years. LOVE Mt. Vernon. Great small town and close to bigger towns like IA City and Cedar Rapids. The Mt. Vernon high school was recently awarded the National Blue Ribbon award for excellent schools. We have 4 kids, one graduated from Mt. Vernon and 3 still in school here, middle & elementary. I am in my 4th year as an officer in the PTA so I have had experience with all of the schools here.
For a realtor I would recommend Wendy Votroubeck with Iowa Realty. She is also currently the President of the Cedar Rapids Ass. of Realtors. She helped our son purchase his first home recently and even though he wasn't spending a fortune on a house she still worked like a "dog" to find him the right home. Good luck!

[hockeymomma8]

Thanks for the info, do you know if there are any kids in hockey (in cedar rapids) from mt. vernon?