RUSD Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

RUSD has 5 executives leading key functions including administration, information technology, financial management, operational logistics, and board governance.

Committed to academic excellence for all students, RUSD fosters a supportive learning environment while driving district-wide initiatives to improve educational outcomes across the entire Racine County region.

Leadership Roles at RUSD

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

    Jeffrey Serak, the Chief Financial Officer at RUSD, manages the fiscal health and budgetary planning for the entire district. Serak oversees the allocation of funds to ensure that resources reach classrooms and support essential educational programs. By monitoring revenue streams and expenditures, the Chief Financial Officer maintains the financial stability required to serve preschool through 12th-grade students. Jeffrey Serak also provides critical data to the board to inform long-term planning and capital investments. This leadership role involves rigorous auditing and compliance reporting to ensure transparency in all fiscal matters. By optimizing the budget, the Chief Financial Officer supports the district's mission to provide high-quality education across Racine County. Through strategic financial management, Serak enables the implementation of new initiatives and the maintenance of existing facilities. Ultimately, the Chief Financial Officer secures the necessary funding to sustain academic excellence and operational efficiency throughout the entire school district.

    Pastor Hargrove - President

    Pastor Hargrove, the President at RUSD, leads the board in setting the strategic vision and policy framework for the district. Hargrove facilitates governance processes that ensure accountability and transparency in all educational decisions. By presiding over board meetings, the President guides the development of policies that impact preschool through 12th-grade students across the entire Racine County area. Pastor Hargrove also fosters community engagement and represents the interests of families to the district administration. This leadership role involves collaborating with the superintendent to align district goals with the needs of the local population. By maintaining a focus on academic achievement and equity, the President drives the long-term success of the school system. Through the establishment of clear objectives, the President ensures that the board remains dedicated to the mission of providing quality education. Ultimately, Hargrove provides the necessary oversight to maintain public trust and institutional excellence throughout the district.

    Emily DeBaker - Chief of Staff

    Emily DeBaker, the Chief of Staff at RUSD, coordinates high-level administrative functions to ensure alignment with district goals. DeBaker manages internal communications and facilitates collaboration between the superintendent and various departments to streamline decision-making processes. By optimizing organizational workflows, the Chief of Staff supports the delivery of quality education to preschool through 12th-grade students. Emily DeBaker also monitors the execution of strategic initiatives, ensuring that all administrative actions remain consistent with the mission of the district. Through rigorous oversight of daily operations, the Chief of Staff maintains the efficiency of the central office. This leadership role requires constant interaction with the board and other executive leaders to address complex challenges within the educational landscape. By fostering a culture of accountability, the Chief of Staff drives the operational success necessary for academic growth across the entire Racine County student population.

    Tim Peltz - Chief Information Officer

    Tim Peltz, the Chief Information Officer at RUSD, architects the digital infrastructure required to support modern classroom learning. Peltz manages the deployment of educational technology and ensures the security of student data across the entire district. By overseeing the integration of digital tools, the Chief of Information Officer enables teachers to deliver curriculum effectively while maintaining robust network stability. Tim Peltz also directs the procurement of hardware and software solutions that align with the specific needs of preschool through 12th-grade students. This leadership role involves collaborating with the finance department to allocate resources for long-term technology upgrades. By implementing scalable systems, the Chief of Information Officer facilitates seamless communication between schools and the central administration. Through the continuous improvement of digital assets, Peltz ensures that the district remains at the forefront of educational technology, ultimately enhancing the learning experience for every student within the Racine County area.
    Tim Peltz

    Peter Reynolds - Chief Operations Officer

    Peter Reynolds, the Chief Operations Officer at RUSD, directs the maintenance and logistics of all district facilities. Reynolds oversees transportation services, food programs, and building safety to ensure a secure environment for preschool through 12th-grade students. By managing the physical infrastructure, the Chief Operations Officer supports the daily needs of schools throughout the Racine County region. Peter Reynolds also coordinates with external vendors and internal teams to execute facility upgrades and maintenance projects. This leadership role involves balancing operational costs with the requirement for high-quality service delivery. By streamlining supply chains and facility management, the Chief Operations Officer ensures that schools remain functional and conducive to learning. Through the implementation of safety protocols and efficient logistics, Reynolds maintains the operational integrity of the district. Ultimately, the Chief Operations Officer provides the foundational support necessary for the academic success of every student within the entire school district.

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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 Emily DeBaker (Chief of Staff).
    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), Emily DeBaker (Chief of Staff) 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 of Staff, Chief Information Officer, Chief Operations Officer.