CRCSD Announces Phased Administrative Staffing Strategy and Key Middle School Leadership Placements

As the Cedar Rapids Community School District continues foundational planning for upcoming district reconfigurations, Superintendent Dr. Tawana Lannin has announced the launch of a phased administrative placement process. The strategy is designed to fill current and upcoming administrative vacancies while prioritizing building culture stability, workforce support, and organizational agility ahead of the 2027–2028 school year transitions.

Rather than evaluating openings in isolation, CRCSD is assessing leadership needs as a unified system. This internal placement model aligns with school board feedback and the preferences of building administrators, allowing the district to strategically deploy experienced leaders where their specific strengths match unique building needs.

Phase 1 Placements: McKinley STEAM Academy and Wilson Middle School

The first phase of this system-wide strategy addresses leadership shifts at McKinley STEAM Academy and Wilson Middle School, following the departure of McKinley Associate Principal Matthew Jenkins.

• McKinley STEAM Academy: Patrick Stanek, current Associate Principal at Wilson Middle School, has been appointed as the new Associate Principal for McKinley STEAM Academy, effective July 1, 2026, pending Board approval. Stanek has spent his entire nine-year educational career within CRCSD, previously serving as a facilitator at Franklin Middle School and an 8th-grade math teacher at Wilson.

• Wilson Middle School: To fill the vacancy left by Stanek's transition, the district will immediately post the Wilson Associate Principal position as an interim internal position for the 2026–2027 school year.

"By looking first to internal leaders who already understand CRCSD's internal systems, procedures, and unique building cultures, we ensure that Wilson remains fully supported by an administrator who can hit the ground running," stated Dr. Lannin. "This interim focus is vital to minimizing uncertainty and supporting those students and staff during a transitional year."

Looking Ahead

The district extends its deepest appreciation to Matt Jenkins for his years of dedicated service and leadership within the McKinley community and wishes him the best in his next chapter.

As Phase 1 moves forward, the internal hiring strategy keeps district leadership agile, ensuring long-term organizational stability while post-reconfiguration placements are finalized districtwide.