Executive leadership positions removed from Cedar Rapids schools personnel report

CEDAR RAPIDS — Several executive leadership positions were removed from a revised personnel report approved by the Cedar Rapids school board Monday.

Those district administrators already have assumed interim responsibility for the affected executive leadership roles, ensuring no disruption to daily operations, the district stated in an email to The Gazette Monday afternoon.

This was the second time the school board considered the report after defeating it in a 4-3 vote last week. A special session was held Monday for a vote on the revised personnel report.

The rest of the personnel actions remain unchanged.

“Future decisions about when or if to place these positions back on the personnel report for a future vote will be made collaboratively and thoughtfully,” the district stated.

Cedar Rapids school board President Cindy Garlock — who voted “yes” on the initial personnel report last week — said the split vote reflects the school board’s desire to further consider proposed changes in central office staff “responsibilities and pay.”

“In a time of financial caution, we are making choices that reflect both fiscal responsibility and a deep commitment to our students and staff,” Garlock said in a news release Monday.

“The board is exercising due diligence to ensure that any expenditures align with the district’s long-term goals and our commitment to fiscal responsibility. These are not easy decisions, but they reflect our focus on stability, strategic investment, student success, and improving how our central office supports students and staff,” Garlock said.

“This is a time for reflection, refinement, and realignment, ensuring our structure meets the moment,” Superintendent Tawana Grover said in a news release. “Our leadership team is already operating under the proposed model, and our focus remains on building a system that is responsive, equitable and mission-driven. We are committed to strengthening school-level support, preserving resources for what matters most, and continuing to partner with our board to make thoughtful, transparent decisions moving forward.”

What are the executive leadership positions?

The proposed executive leadership positions include a district deputy who will act as “second in command” to Superintendent Tawana Grover.

Karla Hogan has been chosen to be the district deputy and also would remain in her current position as chief financial officer if approved by the school board.

Chad Schumacher, the district’s operation director, would add technology to his role if approved by the board. This previously fell under the role of the chief data officer, a position that is being eliminated.

Adam Zimmermann, the district’s executive director of innovation, also would absorb some responsibilities of the chief data officer and will continue to serve as principal of City View Community High School. His proposed new title is chief of innovation and research.

The Office of Academics is being restructured to continue to meet the needs of students, families and staff. Many responsibilities will be absorbed by the district’s three chiefs of schools.

Maura Hobson’s proposed title is chief of schools Area 1 & chief of curriculum, Instruction and Assessments. In her expanded role, she would oversee mentoring and induction; professional learning and training teachers, principals and other school leaders; and magnet programming, which is specialized, theme-based learning in some schools.

Ryals Parker’s proposed title is chief of schools Area 2 & behavior supports. He is currently executive director of behavior supports and would replace Linda Reysack — who retired earlier this summer — as chief of schools for Area 2.

Parker would be chief of behavior supports and supervise the executive director of special education and oversee early childhood education, safe and secure learning environments and behavioral supports.

Mark Timmerman’s proposed title is Chief of Schools Area 3 and Personalized Programming. His new role would include supervising the executive director of student services and oversee parent engagement, federal programs like Title 1 and Title 3, Gifted and Talented, athletics and activities, counseling services and health services.

The district reduced staffing at the leadership level by 11 percent beginning July 1, in an effort to “keep our resources where they matter most — at the classroom level with our students,” Grover told The Gazette in May.

Positions eliminated — approved by the school board earlier this year — include chief data officer, chief academic officer, chief of staff, and executive director of behavior supports, a cost savings of $585,000.

Comments: (319) 398-8411; grace.king@thegazette.com