Cedar Rapids schools’ Darius Ballard to return to Washington High School as principal

CEDAR RAPIDS — Darius Ballard, former principal of Washington High School and current Chief of Human Resources for the Cedar Rapids district, will return as the school’s leader this spring.

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The announcement follows the sudden departure of Washington High Principal Theresa Hall, who began the role July 1, 2025. Hall will remain with the district through the end of the academic year to provide administrative support in other areas, according to a press release issued Friday.

Washington High Associate Principal Julie Cain will serve as acting principal effective immediately until Ballard takes the helm later this year.

"I’ve always been a cheerleader for the southeast side," Ballard said. "Washington means so much to me. I’m excited to build on the incredible traditions and legacy the school has. Today is a great day to go home, because ‘It’s Always A Great Day To Be A Warrior.’”

Ballard served as assistant principal of Washington High from 2016 to 2020 and as principal from 2020 to 2023.

His current role as Chief of Human Resources is being eliminated effective June 30, as part of nearly $13 million in budget reductions in the Cedar Rapids district approved by the school board earlier this month.

"In Mr. Ballard, we are bringing back a leader who is deeply invested in the success, safety and future of every student who walks through our halls," Superintendent Tawana Lannin — previously Grover — said in a message to families Friday. "Because Mr. Ballard already has deep relationships with many of our families and staff, we are confident this transition will be seamless."

In an email to families Thursday — that was shared with The Gazette — Hall said the decision to step down from her role as principal at Washington was “not made lightly.”

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Hall said Cain and other associate principals will be “expert support” in leading the building’s daily operations.

“They have my full confidence and are already working to ensure staff and students feel supported during this window. They are deeply committed to ensuring a seamless transition and maintaining the high standards of the Warrior community,” Hall said.

She did not say why she was leaving after about seven months as the school’s leader.

Hall was “chosen through a rigorous selection process by an interview committee of more than 40 stakeholders, including students, parents, and teachers,” according to a press release from the district in March 2025. Before being hired as Washington High’s principal, Hall worked for the district as a school leadership coach and lead for Instructional Empowerment.

Hall’s predecessor, Ian LeMaster, served as principal of the school for two years between 2023 and 2025. He resigned from the district effective June 30, 2025.

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