10/23/2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Top RANK Issues Statement Regarding Contract with Cedar Rapids Community School
District
To the Cedar Rapids Community and CRCSD Teachers and Staff:
In the 2022–2023 school year, Top RANK was engaged by Cedar Rapids Community School
District (CRCSD) to conduct a comprehensive culture assessment. Over 30% of district staff
participated in this process, providing honest and invaluable feedback that helped us identify
critical issues affecting organizational culture and climate.
Following the assessment, Top RANK collaborated closely with new district leadership to plan a Phase 2 implementation aimed at addressing the concerns raised by staff. This included multiple meetings, the development of draft action plans, and invoicing for the first portion of the implementation work. After the district publicly announced a continued partnership with Top RANK to address these concerns, and even as we were instructed to begin meeting with additional buildings, we were abruptly terminated in January 2023 without prior warning or notification.
We had requested that the district issue a public statement acknowledging that Top RANK
would no longer be working with CRCSD to protect the reputation and trust we had built with staff throughout this process and to make clear that this separation was through no fault or choice of our own. While such a communication was agreed to and expected by district leadership, it was never released.
As a result, some members of the CRCSD community understandably believed our work was still ongoing. We also declined a request from the media for comment as part of their larger story about the district. The lack of communication has caused confusion and impacted trust in our organization, trust that we value deeply. We sincerely regret the delay in addressing this publicly and thank those who have continued to extend their trust in our team.
Top RANK is currently involved in ongoing litigation with CRCSD. Accordingly, we will not be making further public comment on this matter while it is before the courts.
While Top RANK no longer serves as a vendor or consultant to the Cedar Rapids Community
School District, our respect and support for its students, educators, and staff remain
unwavering. Our commitment to the well-being and success of this community continues,
grounded in our belief that strong schools and empowered educators are essential to a thriving
Cedar Rapids.
Thank you for your understanding and continued dedication to creating a thriving environment for students and families.
Media Contact:
Top RANK
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.toprankculture.com 
