Cedar Rapids schools’ Karla Hogan, district’s chief financial officer, retiring next year

CEDAR RAPIDS — Cedar Rapids schools’ chief financial officer and deputy Karla Hogan is retiring in January 2027.

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A search for a new chief financial officer will begin soon with a goal to have someone in place by July, according to a press release issued by the district on Tuesday. Hogan has committed to assisting with the transition process to ensure the next leader is prepared to build on the work she has done in the district.

During her tenure, Hogan has overseen critical budget cycles and long-term financial planning that have directly supported student achievement and staff resources, school officials said.

“Karla’s leadership has been a cornerstone of our district’s success over the past several years,” said Superintendent Tawana Lannin — previously Grover. “Her dedication to transparency and her strategic approach to school finance have left an indelible mark on our community. While we will miss her expertise on the executive leadership team, we wish her the very best as she moves into this next chapter of her life.”

Hogan joined the district in 2017 and was promoted to serve as the district’s financial lead in 2023.

Hogan has helped the district trim millions from its budget over the last few years amid declining school enrollment. In Iowa, enrollment is a driving factor of how much state funding a district receives.

The Cedar Rapids district is working to reduce the budget by almost $19 million over the next several years after an unexpected enrollment dip of 622 students this year.

Since 2020, the district has used federal pandemic relief dollars to supplement expenses and expected an uptick in enrollment based on demographic studies. But year after year, competition for students between public, non-public and charter schools has increased as birth rates across the state decline.

The Cedar Rapids school board on Monday unanimously approved a resolution authorizing administration to implement almost $12.9 million in cost saving measures for the 2026-27 school year.

School leaders are exploring a plan to save up to $7 million by closing and consolidating schools.

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