Mason City Schools leaders outline funding challenges in critical state budget discussions

The Mason Board of Education convened on June 17, 2025, to discuss critical funding changes that could significantly impact the Mason City Schools. The meeting began with a presentation from Superintendent Dr. Jonathan Cooper and Treasurer Sean Bevin, who outlined the potential implications of House Bill 96 and House Bill 335, both of which are currently under consideration at the state level.

Dr. Cooper emphasized the importance of community advocacy in influencing local legislators, noting that Mason City Schools has a strong reputation for fiscal responsibility and educational excellence. He highlighted the district's reliance on local property taxes, which constitute the majority of its funding, and the need to protect these resources to maintain high-quality educational experiences.

Treasurer Bevin provided a detailed overview of the state funding landscape, revealing that the governor's proposal for the upcoming budget includes a reduction of nearly $700,000 in state funding for the next fiscal year. In contrast, the House version of the bill suggests a modest increase, while the Senate version proposes a more favorable increase of over $2 million. However, the House version also introduces a cash reserve cap of 30%, which could restrict the district's financial flexibility and potentially lead to a loss of $24 million in operating funds.

The discussion also touched on House Bill 335, which proposes the elimination of inside millage, a crucial funding source for the district. This bill could result in a loss of approximately $17 million annually, significantly affecting the district's ability to maintain staffing levels and educational programs.

The board members urged community members to engage with local legislators, emphasizing the importance of respectful communication and sharing real-life impacts of potential funding cuts. They stressed that the financial stability of Mason City Schools is at stake, and continued advocacy is essential to ensure that the district can provide quality education without frequent levy requests.

As the meeting concluded, the board expressed gratitude for the community's support and reiterated their commitment to advocating for the district's needs at the state level. The outcome of these legislative discussions will be closely monitored, as they hold significant implications for the future of Mason City Schools.