Cedar Rapids, Iowa – The Cedar Rapids Community School District Board of Education voted unanimously today to appoint Dr. Tawana Grover as the District’s new superintendent of schools, effective July 1, 2023. Dr. Grover succeeds Interim Superintendent Art Sathoff following the passing of former superintendent Noreen Bush in October 2022.
“The Board is confident Dr. Grover fits the leadership profile the search firm prepared and the Board approved following input from our community members, staff, parents, and students. Dr. Grover is a well-respected administrator with a tremendous amount of community leadership involvement. We are excited for her to assume this role and serve as Cedar Rapids School District Superintendent.” – David Tominsky, Board President
Dr. Grover was most recently serving in her seventh school year as Superintendent at Grand Island Public Schools in Nebraska. Named “Superintendent to Watch” by the National School Public Relations Association in 2020, Dr. Grover’s credentials incorporate managing district finances with completion of the $69.9M bond and procuring multiple state and federal grants. In her 20 years as an educational administrator she continues to be student-focused by collaborating with businesses and industry leaders to expand advance placement and certifications to enhance student achievement and partner with legislators to better support all students.
A supporter of educators, education leaders, and all staff, Dr. Grover has a human resources background from Texas, where she increased staff diversity and reduced teacher turnover by 26%. She is a champion for improving early literacy, increasing college and career pathway options, and developing In-District school choice options to ensure all students reach their highest potential. Dr. Grover is a lifelong educator. Prior to assuming the superintendency role, she served as a teacher, principal, Curriculum Director and Chief Human Resources Officer for a total of 27 years.
“I firmly believe that it takes an entire community to ensure the success of our public schools. Cedar Rapids Community School District’s commitment to placing students first is undeniable. As your next Superintendent, I will work to ensure students will graduate with more than a diploma. I’m excited to meet the students in the district, hear and elevate their voice, and be inspired by their interests and passions. I am ready to hit the ground running, listening, learning, and leading for the most immediate needs and long into the successful future of Cedar Rapids and focus on the importance of investing in quality education so Every Learner is Future Ready.” – Dr. Tawana Grover.
Dr. Grover holds numerous degrees including a Ph.D. in Special Education, Educational Specialist in Elementary Education and Educational Leadership and a master’s degree and bachelor’s degree in education.
For more information, contact the Cedar Rapids Community School District Community Relations Office at communityrelations@crschools.us