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We have great news to share with you. Several positions have been filled at the Educational Leadership and Support Center. Please help us welcome these new staff members to CRCSD!
Darius Ballard (internal hire) has been named the new Chief of Human Resources, effective July 1st, 2023, pending board approval. Ballard has served as Principal at Washington High School for the last 3 years and previously Associate Principal since 2016. Ballard also previously served as a teacher and instructional coach at Jefferson High School from 2007- 2016. “It is bittersweet to depart from Washington High School. What we have accomplished at WHS is nothing short of amazing. WHS will remain near and dear to my heart. I am overjoyed at the opportunity to make all of our staff feel more supported. If there is a chance to get all 31 schools to feel the same way Washington does, we have to aim for it.”
Sarah Kruse will serve as the Director of Behavior Supports effective July 1st, 2023. This role was created as part of the settlement with the Department of Justice. Kruse is currently serving as Interim Director of Behavior Supports since September 2022. Kruse previously served as the IDEA Compliance and Support Manager and Special Education Consultant at Grant Wood Area Education Agency since 2017. Kruse previously worked at CRCSD from 2010 to 2017 as a Facilitator, Special Education Teacher and Special Education Instructional Strategist. “I am looking forward to being able to continue the work that has begun to improve our practices and processes in doing what is best for all kids. We have a rare opportunity to have a system wide impact and the progress we have already seen is only the beginning of what is to come for CRCSD. It is an honor to be part of this journey.”
Ryan Rydstrom (internal hire) has been named Chief of Staff/Board Secretary. Rydstrom began in the role April 17th and is training with Laurel Day, who is retiring June 30th. Rydstrom most recently served in the Digital Literacy Department at CRCSD and previously worked at College Community Community School District as a teacher, associate principal, and curriculum coordinator.
Dr. Sandy Schmitz will be the new Executive Director of Behavior Supports effective July 1st, 2023. This role was created as part of the settlement with the Department of Justice. Schmitz is currently serving as the Director of Special Education at Waterloo Community School District and previously served as Executive Director of Special Education at Davenport Community School District. Dr. Schmitz has served as an Area Education Agency Director of Special Education, a Special Needs Consultant with the Iowa Department of Education, and has worked with numerous state settlement agreements in her role at national Office of Special Education Programs funded centers. “I am very excited to be a part of the CRCSD leadership team in meeting the requirements of the settlement with the Department of Justice. Equally important, I appreciate that the CRCSD leaders view the settlement as an opportunity to wrap our arms around all students in Cedar Rapids particularly those with IEPs. I can’t wait to get started!”
Mark Timmerman has been named the Executive Director of Elementary School Education effective July 1st, 2023 - pending board approval. Timmerman currently serves as the Director of Staff Services at Western Dubuque Community School District and previously served as PK-5 Principal at Emerson Elementary and K-12 ESL Director with the Indianola Community School District. Timmerman is stepping into the role following Eric Christenson’s retirement on June 30th. “My wife and I are very excited to be joining the Cedar Rapids community. I am eager to begin my new role serving the students, staff, and leaders of the district as we all work to provide the highest quality education for our students. It is our mission to enable the success of our people in order to prepare our students to be Future Ready!"
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