Tara Estep selected as District's Executive Director of Enrichment and Special Programs
Earlier this school year Mr. Dan Conrad, Director of Secondary Education, announced his retirement effective June 30, 2019. Following a careful review of the District’s organizational structure, a new PK-12 Cabinet position was created, Executive Director of Enrichment and Special Programs. This position, along with the Associate Superintendent for Instruction and Learning, Ms. Pam Zeigler, and the Executive Director for Student Services, Ms. Jill White, will provide district level leadership for all PK-12 Programs effective July 1, 2019.
A thorough search process led to five candidates from outside and inside the district being selected for interviews. Following interviews with teams comprising of secondary and elementary teachers and administrators, district staff representing PK-12 programs and Cabinet, we are pleased to announce the selection of Ms. Tara Estep, Principal of Hansen Elementary, to fill this new leadership role.
Earlier in her career, Tara taught at Orchard Hill Elementary for six years, subsequently accepting her first administrative position as Principal at Wapsie Valley Elementary School. She rejoined the Cedar Falls District in 2010, to become Principal of Hansen Elementary. During her tenure, Hansen has received both state and national recognition. In 2016 the school received a National Blue Ribbon of Excellence and in 2017 the Iowa Department of Education selected the school for a Breaking Barriers Award. Tara was also recognized as a leader in the Cedar Valley, in 2017 she was selected as one of The Courier’s “20 Under 40” recipients.
During the 2019-20 school year, Ms. Savannah Swestka will serve as the Interim Principal of Hansen Elementary. She has served as Associate Principal in support of Hansen and Southdale during 2018-19 and previously in support of Hansen and Lincoln. Prior to joining the Cedar Falls District, Savannah held building level and district level administrative positions in the Iowa City Community School District.
Please join me in congratulating Tara on her new position.
