IDEA Public Schools’ Board of Directors, by a vote taken during the regular monthly board meeting Feb. 17 approved amendments to IDEA’s organizational leadership structure to continue to serve students effectively in their path to success. IDEA will seek approval of the changes from the Texas Education Agency to take effect on June 1, 2023.
As part of the adjustments, the Superintendent and Chief Executive Officer roles will be re-consolidated into one position, as was the case at IDEA as recently as 2021. IDEA’s Superintendent, Jeff Cottrill, will become CEO and Superintendent with the Board’s full support. A veteran school administrator, Cottrill joined IDEA in June 2022 with vast experience leading, supporting, and directing both traditional school districts and charter school throughout Texas.
IDEA Board Chair Collin Sewell will step away from the volunteer Acting CEO role he has filled since February 2022 as a volunteer. He will remain active in service at IDEA Public Schools, leading the Board of Directors and governing team as Board Chair.
“We have full faith in Jeff in this combined role because he is a visionary leader who leads with his heart and is laser-focused on student outcomes,” Sewell said in a news release. “Under Jeff’s leadership, IDEA will continue to harvest positive results for our students and families.”
“I am incredibly excited and honored for the opportunity to continue to serve our students and families in this new capacity,” Cottrill said. “The future is bright at IDEA Public Schools as we align our organization’s core value to drive excellence in every classroom, for every student.”
IDEA Public Schools’ Board of Directors also proposed for the CEO & Superintendent to appoint a Chief Schools Officer to oversee Area and Regional Superintendents.
In addition, a new executive position of President will be created to lead the organization’s non-instructional departments. The President will report directly to the CEO & Superintendent, serve as key thought-partner and support the CEO and Superintendent by directly overseeing Information Systems Technology, Advancement, Human Assets, Staffing, Campus Operations, Marketing, and Communications.
Cottrill will soon begin the process of identifying a President and a Chief Schools Officer, and those positions will be filled upon TEA’s approval of the proposed amendment to IDEA’s Texas charter.
