Cedar Rapids Jefferson High School names Derek Dixon as new activities director

Cedar Rapids Community School District has selected Derek Dixon as the next activities director at Jefferson High School, the district announced April 4. The appointment is effective July 1 and is subject to board of education approval.

Dixon succeeds Chris Deam, who is leaving after 14 years to become activities director at Pleasant Valley Community Schools. Dixon will collaborate with Deam this spring to ensure a smooth transition, the district said.

Dixon has worked at Jefferson for six years and has 13 years of education experience. He began his career as a 7–12 social studies teacher and coach, and later served as assistant activities director and instructional coach at Jefferson, according to the district. A native of New Boston, Illinois, Dixon previously worked in the South Tama and English Valleys school districts, The Gazette reported.

“I'm incredibly excited and humbled to be chosen to lead this important work for our Jefferson community,” Dixon said in a district news release. “My vision is simple: Together We Soar: Every J-Hawk, Every Day, Whatever it Takes.”

Jefferson Principal Sam Hostetler said Dixon’s passion extends to both arts and athletics. “What excites me most is that Derek will be an Activities Director for all of our students,” Hostetler said in the release. “He brings the same passion and commitment to the arts as he does to athletics.”

In an interview with The Gazette, Dixon said his priorities include increasing student engagement and multi-sport participation. “I've kind of got this mantra that I'm trying to instill, which is this idea of together we soar,” Dixon told The Gazette. “Really trying to focus on increasing participation, our multi-sport participation, and then really building on some of those.”

The district featured Dixon as a guest on its “Future Ready Today” podcast on April 9, according to the district.