Melissa Bly

The document outlines the "Journey to 2030" for Mason City Schools, a strategic initiative to chart the future direction over the next decade and beyond. It is guided by the core principles of Culture, Inclusive Excellence, and Personalized Learning. A central focus is the development of a "Portrait of a Learner" to articulate shared aspirations for students, emphasizing critical thinking, communication, collaboration, creativity, and other future-ready skills and mindsets. The plan aims to influence learning experiences, life experiences, facilities, and resources to ensure all students are prepared for their future and achieve their highest potential.

The Board of Education convened for a session that included a review of the BOE meeting schedule for 2026 and committee assignments for 2025, along with an athletic financial outlook and options, including a proposal related to Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) bylaws. The session also covered a behavior dashboard and future topics such as a midyear OKR review, annual state of schools, superintendent committee assignments, enrollment projections, class size/class load review, ESL numbers, and a special education update. The board recognized Mason High School student-athletes and coaches for their achievements, including the Girls Varsity Green Tennis Team and the Ultimate Frisbee Team. The Treasurer presented the current Financial Forecast. The Superintendent recommended personnel items and new course proposals for Mason Middle School and Mason High School. The board approved agreements with Warren County Education Services Center for special education services and the PowerSchool Agreement for School Messenger Communicate. The Treasurer's Report, including donations, was approved.

This strategic guide outlines the Mason City School District's long-term direction, aiming to empower every Comet to discover purpose and potential and flourish. It is built upon three foundational "Big Rocks": Culture, Inclusive Excellence, and Personalized Learning. The plan is further guided by the "Portrait of a Comet" skills, which include Integrity, Empathy, Adaptability, Critical Thinking, and Communication. Key priorities for the "Journey to 2030" include fostering Purposeful Learning, creating Meaningful Experiences, building a Connected Community, and ensuring Legacy Investments.

The Board of Education convened for a regular session, addressing various presentations, resolutions, policy changes, and personnel recommendations. Presentations included a video highlighting a student's aspiration to become a police officer, recognition of students' global travel experiences, and acknowledgment of Girl Scouts' community service. The board approved an appropriation resolution for FY2026 and reviewed several policy revisions. Personnel recommendations encompassed changes of status, appointments, additional duties, resignations, and leaves of absence for administrative, certified/licensed, and classified staff. Action items approved included agreements for special education services, nurse services, transportation, music therapy, and professional learning. The Treasurer's Report was approved, covering new funds, general fund reports, cash summary, checks written, investment report, certificate of estimated resources, and donations.

Mason City Schools' strategic plan is centered around three foundational values: Culture, Inclusive Excellence, and Personalized Learning. The plan aims to cultivate a district where every student discovers purpose and potential, fostering learners, leaders, and citizens through purposeful learning and meaningful experiences within a connected community. Priorities include purposeful learning, meaningful experiences, a connected community, and legacy investments to ensure equity, safety, and sustainability, all guided by the Portrait of a Comet skills: Integrity, Empathy, Adaptability, Critical Thinking, and Communication.