Cedar Rapids school board says ‘no’ to proposed changes to central office staff ‘responsibilities and pay’

CEDAR RAPIDS — The Cedar Rapids school board did not approve a personnel report in a 4-3 vote Monday, so that it can further consider proposed changes in central office staff “responsibilities and pay.”

Jennifer Borcherding, Nancy Humbles, Marcy Roundtree and Kaitlin Byers voted “no” — without additional comment — on a personnel report that included title changes and compensation for some district leaders who planned to take on expanded roles beginning July 1.

“The personnel report was not approved because the board needed more time to consider the best path forward regarding our central office reorganization and the associated adjustments to responsibilities and pay,” board President Cindy Garlock said in an email Wednesday to The Gazette.

Garlock voted in favor of the personnel report.

A special board meeting will be held Monday, July 21 at 5:30 p.m. to vote on a revised personnel report. The meeting will be at the Educational Leadership Support Center, 500 Edgewood Rd NW, Cedar Rapids.

In a statement from the district shared with The Gazette Wednesday afternoon, it said it is “committed to working with members of the board to find a path forward.”

“While we may not always agree on the path, I do believe we share the same destination: doing what’s best for students, staff, and this community,” Garlock wrote in the email. “The delay reflects the serious consideration that the board is taking on our structure moving forward, and we look forward to moving to a better resolution quickly.”

Proposed positions and compensation for building level teachers and staff also were on the personnel report.

District spokeswoman Heather Butterfield in an email to The Gazette said the district does not anticipate any delay in onboarding or start dates for staff.

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,” Superintendent Tawana Grover told The Gazette in May.

“This realignment and the associated cost savings have led to the current staff being asked to take significantly more responsibilities. We continue to evaluate and consider options to ensure we proceed in a fair, equitable, and fiscally responsible manner,” Garlock said.

Positions eliminated include chief data officer, chief academic officer, chief of staff, and executive director of behavior supports, a cost savings of $585,000.

One position proposed to be added is district deputy, a person who will act as “second in command” to Grover, Grover said.

The person in this role will be Karla Hogan, who also will maintain her current title of chief financial officer.

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.

Chad Schumacher, the district’s operation director, is adding technology to his role. 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 is absorbing some responsibilities of the chief data officer and will continue to serve as principal of City View Community High School.

The restructuring of job roles in the central office was “driven by our belief that a more focused, efficient organization will better meet student needs,” the district stated.

“As we navigate this peak personnel season, our team is working diligently to finalize a report that reflects our values, supports our strategic priorities and strengthens the system that serves our students every day,” the district stated.

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