Four new principals named for Cedar Rapids middle, alternative schools

Several Cedar Rapids schools will see new leadership next year as the district replaces retiring administrators and re-organizes some of its existing buildings.

The district named new principals for Metro Alternative High School and Wilson and Harding middle schools, as well as named a leader for the new Polk Alternative Center, which will occupy the building currently used for Polk Elementary School, according to a press release from the district.

David B. Brown, currently a special education strategist in Iowa City, is the new principal at Metro. He is replacing Kathy Green, who is retiring.

Andrew Eley, a facilitator at Jefferson High School, will take the lead role at Wilson Middle School, which is restructuring following the elimination of its elementary grades.

Linda Reysack, the current principal of Harrison Elementary School, will be moving to Harding to replace current principal Randy Krejci, who is retiring.

Deb Scott, who will lead the new Polk Alternative Center, will also become the district's associate direct for special services. She currently teaches as a special needs facilitator at Viola Gibson Elementary.

Here's the district's full press release:

Cedar Rapids Community School District Names New Secondary Administrators

The Cedar Rapids Community School District is pleased to announce the appointment of new administrators at Harding Middle School, Wilson Middle School, Metro High School, and the Polk Alternative Center. All will begin their new duties on July 1, 2012.

DAVID BROWN

Dr. David B. Brown will serve as principal of the Metro Alternative High School. He joins the District after serving as secondary special education teacher strategist with the Iowa City Community School District. He has also previously served as assistant director of the Institute for Higher Learning.

Brown holds a bachelor's degree in history, a master's degree in African American World Studies, and a PhD in educational leadership and social policy.

At Metro, Brown says he will focus on facilitating collaboration with stakeholders, and fostering an environment where all students learn and the staff grows to develop skills.

“I am anxious to build on the positive things my predecessor has done in providing students with rigorous and relevant programming as we work to bring Metro recognition as THE alternative alternative school.”

Brown replaces Kathy Green who is retiring.

ANDREW ELEY

Andrew Eley will serve as principal of Wilson Middle School. He currently serves as facilitator at Jefferson High School. He previously led the Jefferson vocal department.

Eley has a bachelor's degree in music education and a master's degree in educational administration.

Wilson School is transitioning to a 6-8 middle school with the start of the 2012-13 school year.  As principal, Eley plans to provide vision for the school community and support for staff, and will communicate with all stakeholders to develop common goals and expectations for student achievement.

“I am looking forward to developing a strong team in working for our students and rebranding Wilson Middle School,” he said.

LINDA REYSACK

Linda Reysack will serve as principal at Harding Middle School, moving from her current role as principal at Harrison Elementary School.  Reysack spent five years in the classroom before becoming a principal. She joined the Cedar Rapids District following principalships in the Elk Horn-Kimbalton, West Marshall, DeWitt, and Davenport school districts.

Reysack has a bachelor's degree in elementary education, an master's degree in educational administration, and a superintendent endorsement.

Transitioning from elementary to middle school administration, she expects many of the responsibilities to remain the same, including providing leadership for teachers, working to improve student achievement, increasing academic rigor, and supporting  learning for all students.

“I am grateful to have the opportunity to serve as the next Harding principal,” she explained. “I attended Harding as a student and believe I received an outstanding education.  I look forward to returning and working with the staff, students, and parents to make Harding a model school. “

Reysack replaces Randy Krejci who is retiring.

DEB SCOTT

The newly-established Polk Alternative Center will become home to multiple secondary special services programs beginning in the fall of 2012. Deb Scott will serve as principal of the Center. As Associate Director for Special Services, she will also assume leadership responsibilities for other selected programs in the District.

Scott is currently a special needs facilitator at Viola Gibson Elementary School. She previously taught within the District at Franklin, Harding, and at the Bertram/Tanager Place site. She earlier held positions with Grant Wood AEA, the Linn county Juvenile Detention Center, Oakdale Classification Center, and AWARE Program.

She earned her bachelor's degree in elementary education and special education, a master's degree in special education, and an EdS. in educational leadership.

“I am looking forward to working with the Polk neighborhood and community partners to help provide outstanding programming for students.”