RUSD Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

RUSD has 5 executives leading key functions including financial strategy, information technology, administrative operations, facility management, and board governance.

Committed to academic excellence, RUSD fosters student success through comprehensive educational programming and community-focused initiatives across Racine County, ensuring every learner achieves potential within a supportive environment.

Leadership Roles at RUSD

  • Chief Financial Officer - Jeffrey Serak
  • President - Pastor Hargrove
  • Chief Information Officer - Tim Peltz
  • Chief of Staff - Emily DeBaker
  • Chief Operations Officer - Peter Reynolds
  • Jeffrey Serak - Chief Financial Officer

    Jeffrey Serak, the Chief Financial Officer at RUSD, manages the fiscal health and budgetary allocations for the entire district. Overseeing long-term financial planning, the Chief Financial Officer ensures resources align with educational goals for preschool through 12th-grade students. This role involves rigorous oversight of state funding, local tax levies, and federal grants to maintain operational stability. By implementing transparent accounting practices, Jeffrey Serak secures the necessary capital for classroom technology and infrastructure improvements. The Chief Financial Officer collaborates with the Board to present accurate financial forecasts, enabling data-driven decision-making across the organization. Through meticulous audit management and cost-control measures, Serak optimizes the distribution of funds to support diverse learning needs. This financial leadership directly impacts the ability of the district to provide high-quality instruction while maintaining fiscal responsibility within the broader Wisconsin educational landscape.

    Pastor Hargrove - President

    Pastor Hargrove, the President at RUSD, leads the Board of Education in setting policy and defining the strategic vision for the district. Overseeing governance and community representation, the President ensures that board decisions reflect the diverse needs of students and families. This role involves presiding over public meetings, facilitating consensus among board members, and maintaining accountability for district performance. By championing inclusive educational policies, Pastor Hargrove drives the long-term success of the district's academic programs. The President works closely with the superintendent to align district goals with community expectations and state mandates. Through active engagement with local stakeholders, Hargrove fosters a culture of transparency and collaborative governance. This leadership role provides the essential oversight required to maintain public trust and ensure that every policy decision prioritizes the well-being and academic advancement of students across the entire district, ultimately shaping the future of education in the region.

    Tim Peltz - Chief Information Officer

    Tim Peltz, the Chief Information Officer at RUSD, directs the digital transformation and technological infrastructure supporting the entire student body. Overseeing network security, hardware deployment, and software integration, the Chief Information Officer ensures seamless access to modern learning tools. This role involves architecting scalable systems that facilitate remote and in-person instruction across all district facilities. By managing data privacy protocols, Tim Peltz protects sensitive student information while fostering an environment of digital innovation. The Chief Information Officer coordinates with instructional leaders to implement curriculum-aligned technology, enhancing classroom engagement and administrative efficiency. Through strategic investment in cybersecurity and robust connectivity, Peltz maintains the integrity of the district's digital ecosystem. This leadership role drives the modernization of educational delivery, ensuring that every student possesses the necessary tools to succeed in a technology-driven world while maintaining operational continuity across the entire Racine County region.
    Tim Peltz

    Emily DeBaker - Chief of Staff

    Emily DeBaker, the Chief of Staff at RUSD, coordinates executive communications and streamlines administrative workflows to support district-wide objectives. Overseeing the alignment of departmental goals, the Chief of Staff facilitates collaboration between the superintendent and various leadership teams. This role involves managing complex projects, drafting policy initiatives, and ensuring the efficient execution of strategic priorities. By fostering clear communication channels, Emily DeBaker enhances organizational transparency and internal cohesion. The Chief of Staff monitors progress on key performance indicators, providing actionable insights to the executive team to improve operational outcomes. Through the management of high-level administrative functions, DeBaker ensures that daily operations remain focused on the core mission of student achievement. This leadership role serves as a central hub for organizational planning, enabling the district to respond effectively to evolving educational demands while maintaining a unified approach to community engagement and stakeholder relations.

    Peter Reynolds - Chief Operations Officer

    Peter Reynolds, the Chief Operations Officer at RUSD, manages the physical infrastructure, transportation logistics, and facility maintenance for all district schools. Overseeing capital improvement projects, the Chief Operations Officer ensures that learning environments remain safe, functional, and conducive to academic success. This role involves directing custodial services, food service operations, and fleet management to support the daily needs of students and staff. By optimizing facility usage, Peter Reynolds reduces overhead costs while maximizing the utility of district assets. The Chief Operations Officer collaborates with safety committees to implement rigorous security protocols across all campuses. Through proactive maintenance scheduling and vendor management, Reynolds maintains the physical integrity of the district's real estate portfolio. This leadership role drives operational efficiency, ensuring that the logistical backbone of the organization supports the educational mission and provides a stable foundation for student growth throughout the entire Racine County area.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding RUSD Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads RUSD?
    RUSD is led by Jeffrey Serak (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Pastor Hargrove (President) and Tim Peltz (Chief Information Officer).
    Who is part of RUSD’s executive team?
    The executive team of RUSD includes leaders such as Jeffrey Serak (Chief Financial Officer), Pastor Hargrove (President), Tim Peltz (Chief Information Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does RUSD have?
    RUSD has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in RUSD’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of RUSD includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, President, Chief Information Officer, Chief of Staff, Chief Operations Officer.