At the Learning Counsel’s Learning Futures & Tech Media Meeting, attendees were given an inspiring look into the innovative work happening in Mason City Schools, thanks to a presentation by Dan Little, Learning Experience Designer – Futures and Innovation. Little opened by noting that his talk would serve as a “surface overview” of the many initiatives the district is undertaking to ensure organizational adaptability—a theme that would anchor his presentation.

Little shared a short link and QR code that attendees could use to explore resources, tools, and examples in greater depth. “There’s some fun stuff in here,” he said, “and I’m excited to share our story with you.”

A Diverse, Global District Focused on Human Beings

Little began with a snapshot of his district.

“Mason City Schools is a suburb near Kings Island—probably what we’re most famous for,” he said with a smile. “Any rollercoaster friends out there, you know the spot.”

But beyond geography and amusement parks, Little emphasized the unique identity of Mason City Schools as a culturally rich international hub.

“We have over 100 languages spoken in our school district,” he said. “We have a lot of international business families, and we are all about human beings at Mason City Schools. I’m really proud to be part of an organization like that.”

This commitment to people—students, families, and staff—was the bridge into the district’s vision.

A Vision Centered on Purpose and Potential

Little displayed the district’s vision statement, which centers on the idea that each and every Comet—Mason’s mascot—discovers purpose and potential.

He underscored how timely and essential this vision is as artificial intelligence transforms industries, workflows, and future careers.

“In the age of AI, we’re navigating job changes, automation, entire industries potentially shifting,” he said. “I believe we’re on the cusp of a potential purpose crisis in our world.”

Little explained that for people whose personal identity is tied primarily to their job, dramatic changes in the nature of work could create uncertainty and loss of meaning.

“That’s why I love our vision statement,” he said. “Helping our kids see meaning in every interaction, in every relationship, and in every opportunity to make a positive impact—that’s huge.”

He hinted at several “fun things” the district is doing to help students develop exactly that sense of purpose.

A Bigger Question Than AI: Ensuring Organizational Adaptability

While much of the national conversation has centered on how districts should navigate AI, Little shared that his superintendent pushed the conversation further—and earlier.

“I’m blessed to work for a superintendent who asked an even bigger question,” he said. “Two years ago, Dr. Cooper challenged us: How do we ensure organizational adaptability in an age of change?”

Little noted that AI is just one of many disruptive forces. Districts must be prepared for shifts far beyond new technologies.

“Ohio is facing huge legislative changes,” he said. “We have debates around school choice, voucher programs, and the restructuring of systems we’ve relied on.”

With so many forces converging—technology, policy, demographics, competition—Mason City Schools is thinking proactively about how to stay strong, agile, and student-centered.

“The challenge wasn’t just ‘How do we navigate AI?’” Little reiterated. “It was How do we remain the best choice for families, no matter what changes or offerings exist? That framing changes everything.”

A District Preparing for the Future—Not Reacting to It

Little’s presentation offered a glimpse into a district that refuses to play defense. Instead, Mason City Schools is building systems, mindsets, and experiences aimed at preparing for constant change.

Their work is grounded in purpose, elevated by innovation, and guided by the belief that every student deserves the chance to discover their potential in a world that is rapidly transforming.

As Little concluded, Mason’s journey is not simply about adopting new tools—it’s about rethinking what schools must become to thrive in an era defined by disruption.

Tune in below for the full presentation.