Former GIPS superintendent Grover takes job in Iowa

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA — Dr. Tawana Grover has been named superintendent of schools at a large Iowa district as the Cedar Rapids Community School District announced the former Grand Island school leader will take over there effective July 1 according to NTV's sister station Iowa News Now

“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," said David Tominsky, Board President. "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.”

Grover resigned from GIPS effective January 11.

Grover had served as the GIPS Superintendent since summer 2016. Prior to her current position, she served as Chief Human Resource Officer of DeSoto Independent School District in DeSoto, Texas.

GIPS said Grover’s accomplishments include the launch of the Academies of Grand Island Senior High, the development and launch of the district’s strategic plan, transforming the former Shopko building into the O’Connor Learning Center and launching Nebraska’s first registered apprenticeship program.

Grover said she is proud of her accomplishments as GIPS superintendent.

“In many ways GIPS has defeated the odds, raised the bar, and set a path for innovative programming, transformational leadership, and steadfast commitment to students,” she said. “I thank all of our incredible students, staff, parents, and community for the opportunity to serve our great district. This was the venture of a lifetime and I am incredibly grateful.”

She guided a district of 10,000 kids through the pandemic. Some schools across the nation of similar size did not reopen with in-person learning in the fall of 2020, while Grover took pride in having kids back in the classroom.

She faced criticism from some for mask mandates and policies limiting visitors during the pandemic while she received praise from others for opening schools and keeping them open.

As Nebraska's first black superintendent, she also took a vocal stand in support of racial justice, calling education the great equalizer.

She has faced criticism for that including racist comments online from some.

She was also subject to criticism from a political action committee that successfully got three candidates elected to the school board. The group known as Chaperone has been highly critical of Grover and her leadership team. They have taken issue with student behavior, staff resignations, and student performance.

But while Grover has faced pushback locally she has been recognized across the state and nation. She was a finalist for a superintendent position in a large metro area and GIPS has been honored for its career academy model and efforts to prepare a diverse student body for college and career.

Nebraska Education Commissioner Matt Blomstedt previously told NTV that Grover is among the best superintendents in the state.

“I’m so impressed with what Dr. Grover has accomplished at Grand Island Public Schools and her commitment to the community and students is unmatched among superintendents across the state of Nebraska. I and the whole state will miss her and wish her nothing but the best," he said.