Performing a BING search, I found a lot of advise that interactive teaching is better than sitting behind a desk. I even found a survey of students who perceived mobile teachers as more effective than desk teachers. Although this advise instinctively makes sense, I could not find a study to confirm this. Opinion makes lousy science. I can recall some of my best teachers that sat at a desk or just lectured from a podium. Should my experience now be fact? Should I advocate for desks and podiums and remove smart boards?
What is hurting public education is year after year implementing the "new idea" or the "new method" without proven studies to show these gimmicks work. However, I believe most school administrations enjoy the constant change because it lowers accountability to measure their decision on curriculum and teaching methods.
I used to call it too many doctorates in Math Education. Everyone who got one had to come up with the next great idea, and then with "curriculum improvement" those ideas got imposed on others.
Teaching is both an art and a science. Teachers have the style that works best for themselves; classes develop personalities of what works for them. Some classes behave better and respond betther under the constant, watchful eye of the teacher/disciplinarian. Some are very self-motivated and do better with a teacher at the desk, and them coming forward if and when necessary. Others like a teacher who circulates around the room, watchful of the work and giving guidance.
What you said is correct. The problem is that nothing is individual and based on what works best. There's not enough creative space for teachers and students, and that includes intellectual creativity and intellectual risk-taking.
Removing the desks? I'd wager the desks aren't the only problem that administrator has!