Cedar Rapids schools Superintendent Noreen Bush named Iowa Superintendent of the Year

CEDAR RAPIDS — Cedar Rapids Superintendent Noreen Bush has been named 2021-22 Iowa Superintendent of the Year by the School Administrators of Iowa.

“This honor is truly a reflection of our committed staff members, families and community,” Bush said. “I am humbled to accept this award on behalf of our district to represent Iowa’s schools. Thank you to School Administrators of Iowa for the support they provide district leaders and our school districts.”

Bush was nominated by her peers and selected for the award by a committee of Iowa superintendents. She will be honored at the School Administrators of Iowa annual conference in summer 2022.

Bush also will represent Iowa in the National Superintendent of the Year Program, sponsored by The School Superintendent Association, from which she received the 2021 Woman in School Leadership superintendent award.

School Administrators of Iowa Executive Director Roark Horn said Bush is a “leader of leaders” and has an inspirational “passion for learning.”

“She lives her values — to lead with moral purpose and ignite hope,” Roark said. ”Every action that she takes is through the lens of what is in the best interest of the entire Cedar Rapids learning community, and to reach her decisions she listens actively to input from all stakeholders.“

The School Administrators of Iowa is a statewide organization representing more than 1,800 educational administrators.

Bush has worked as the Cedar Rapids Community School District superintendent since 2019, and also served as deputy and associate superintendent of the district. She began her career in education as an English and drama/forensics teacher in Clayton, Mo.

Bush graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with a bachelor’s degree in English education. She earned her master’s in educational leadership administration and superintendent’s certification from Drake University.

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