As students return to the halls of Mason High School (MHS) in just a few weeks, they will see a new friendly face. Ready to bring Comet Culture to life and take on the role of lead learner, Ben Brown will start the school year as the new executive director of high school experience/principal.
Mr. Brown’s proven leadership was clear following multiple rounds of interviews with nearly 100 stakeholders at Mason City Schools (MCS), including students, staff, families and community members. A seasoned educator, Mr. Brown comes to Mason from Lakota, where he most recently served as principal of Lakota West High School since 2020. Numerous leadership roles and notable achievements have marked his 19 years of administrative experience.
“We are thrilled to welcome Mr. Brown to our Comet community. We admire his commitment to connection and visibility, proven experience leading a large high school and enthusiasm for sustaining and enhancing extraordinary experiences and opportunities for our community’s teenagers,” says MCS Superintendent, Dr. Jonathan Cooper. “He is a humble, student-centered instructional leader who builds strong, collaborative relationships, and we look forward to the bright future ahead for MHS under his leadership.”
We caught up with Mr. Brown on the eve of beginning his journey at MHS to help the community get to know him better.
What originally drew you to a career in education?
I come from a family of educators and I have always valued the noble profession of education. Like so many educators, I want to make a positive impact in the lives of students and their families. I am motivated by creating positive change in the world, making a difference and working with youth and people in general. I want to contribute to the community through servant leadership.
What have you enjoyed the most about your career thus far?
The relationships established with everyone within the school community are at the heart of everything we do. It has been the thing I enjoy the most. Seeing our students thrive both during the school day and in their extracurricular pursuits and passions is what brings me joy.
What are you most proud of?
I am most proud of being part of teams doing great work that improves student learning experiences while creating systems that sustain success and opportunities for our learners. Education is an interdependent profession and there needs to be great collaboration within the school community to take new ideas, develop them and bring them to fruition. Sustaining good work that empowers students and staff motivates me as a leader.
Who have been your greatest mentors?
I have been very blessed to have a long list of mentors on my journey, but first and foremost are my parents. They had long careers in education. My father spent most of his career in school administration, serving as high school principal and then assistant superintendent at Mt. Healthy. My mom was a teacher, working with students with special needs as an intervention specialist and later as an elementary classroom teacher at Finneytown.
What are your goals for your new role and what are you looking forward to most?
My goals are centered around listening, learning and leading. I want to build relationships and establish trust. I will be very accessible and observant, soaking up the culture of Mason and seeking opportunities to set the tone and lead in a positive, inclusive way that helps celebrate all of the excellence here in Mason. I will also explore pathways and opportunities for Mason Momentum on our journey to 2030!
What else would you like MHS students and parents in the community to know about you?
I want to thank everyone I have met in the Mason community for being so kind and welcoming. I want to assure the families and students that I will work tirelessly to support our students to ignite their passions and interests and to personalize their educational experiences.
What are some of your interests outside of education?
When I have time outside of work, it is focused on spending quality time with my family: my wife Lynette, who is also an educator and my son Isaac, who is 10 years old. We enjoy doing things as a family; supporting Isaac’s extracurricular activities, making memories and finding things that inspire and recharge our spirits.