The Dubuque Community School District will recommend the appointment of Phil Kramer as the district’s next executive director of human resources. Kramer will begin transitioning into the position over the next few months and will assume the position full-time on July 1, pending approval by the district Board of Education at its May meeting. Kramer will succeed Rick Colpitts, who is leaving the position to become the superintendent of the Western Dubuque Community School District.
As executive director of human resources, Kramer will oversee all human resources operations for the over 1,800 employees in the district. This includes district-wide planning and coordination of staff recruitment, the performance evaluation system, employee relations and personnel management.
“Phil brings a wealth of experiences in educational administration and I believe his relationship skills and philosophy align strongly with the district’s needs,” said Superintendent of Schools Stan Rheingans. “This combination will be a very positive addition to our senior leadership team.”
Kramer is currently serving as principal of Jefferson Middle School, a position he has held since 2006. Prior to that, he was an elementary school principal for 10 years in the Western Dubuque Community School district.
An educator for over 30 years, and an experienced administrator, Kramer has also served as a facilitator of gifted and talented education, a coach, and a teacher in every grade between first and eighth. Throughout his career, he has been responsible for staff hiring, supervision, professional development and evaluation. He also has experience with union negotiations as well as budget management and reporting.
“I am truly honored to have this opportunity,” said Kramer. “I have always been someone who has embraced new challenges – and it is wonderful to accept a new challenge in a district that I feel very fortunate to work in.”
Kramer holds a bachelor of arts degree in elementary education from the University of Northern Iowa, a master of arts degree in K-8 administration from Loras College and an Ed.S. (Superintendency) from the University of Northern Iowa. Professionally, he is a member of School Administrators of Iowa and the Association of Middle Level Education.