Cloverdale School Board appoints Dr. Stacy Mason as new superintendent

In a move that signals both continuity and a fresh perspective for local education, the Cloverdale Community School Corporation (CCSC) Board of School Trustees officially hired Dr. Stacy Mason during its meeting on May 11.

Dr. Mason, a veteran educator with three decades of experience, will succeed outgoing Superintendent Greg Linton. The board’s decision comes after an extensive search process aimed at finding a leader capable of maintaining Cloverdale’s unique identity while navigating the evolving landscape of Indiana education.

When asked to provide a snapshot of her professional journey, including where she earned her degrees and the key career stops that led her to CCSC, Dr. Mason highlighted a career dedicated to service in her home region.

“I am a lifetime Vigo County resident. I left to go to college at Indiana University Bloomington and returned,” she said. “All my 30 years in education have been at the VCSC (Vigo County School Corporation). I have been lucky enough to teach or lead at all levels including elementary, middle, high school and in district level positions. The majority of my career was spent at Terre Haute North Vigo High School where I was a teacher, dean, special education PAR, assistant principal and then principal. I then moved to the district level where I served as the Director of Secondary Education and Assistant Superintendent.”

Cloverdale is a district with a very distinct identity. When asked what the “selling point” was that convinced her this was where she wanted to lead, Dr. Mason noted the district’s reputation and its potential for growth.

“Cloverdale has a strong reputation in the education sector. The district is known for solid leadership by both Mr. Linton and the board with excellent educational, athletic and extra-curricular opportunities for students,” she said. “I was intrigued by the size of the district and the community. After working my whole career in a district the size of VCSC, I felt this would bring a new perspective and offer a welcome challenge. I felt due to the nature of the experiences I have had to this point in my career and my skill set, CCSC would be a good fit.”

Regarding how she plans to get the “lay of the land” and understand the specific culture of Cloverdale’s schools, Dr. Mason emphasized immediate engagement.

“I have already met with the principals and started tours of the facilities,” she explained. “Once I am in the office in July, I will offer ‘Meet and Greet’ times for students, staff and parents. I, too, plan to go out into the community to begin making acquaintances.”

When asked what tangible change or improvement residents can point to a year from now because of her vision, Dr. Mason pointed toward a collaborative roadmap.

“With the board’s guidance, together, we will develop a ‘Strategic Plan’ that will outline goals for the district spanning the next five years,” she said. “In developing the plan, we will seek feedback and input from all stakeholders inside and outside of the district. An example of one goal that has been shared is to increase our marketing footprint so that we are highlighting our students, staff and all the good things happening at CCSC for all to see. I would love to grow the ways in which we communicate with families and the community through social media and other means as well as to offer a website that is user friendly and inviting.”

With shifts in state-wide educational standards and funding, Dr. Mason was asked how she plans to protect Cloverdale’s local interests while navigating broader political and financial pressures.

“Students are the key to funding stability. CCSC must offer innovative programming to attract new students,” she said. “By expanding athletic, extra-curricular, dual credit or advanced placement programming, we are offering something that others around us don’t, making CCSC the exception. Getting feedback from our students at all levels will tell us what students want. While CCSC has taken the steps that other corporations haven’t with their very successful virtual school, we can investigate what other adaptive learning models might be attractive to students. Career center and CTE offerings that truly expand on the new graduation requirements and pathways will be a way to attract students. Finding time to send teams to visit other schools and districts to see how they implement new or varied programs is always a way to spark new ideas. Our students have to have a big voice in this initiative; they know what they want and listening to them will allow us to think outside of the box.”

When asked what she sees as the biggest challenge facing Cloverdale students today and how her administration plans to tackle it, Dr. Mason focused on the balance of life and academics.

“For Cloverdale students and all students, I believe helping them to focus on the rigors of school while balancing the challenges of society and life in general is tough,” she explained. “Ensuring that students and families have the resources they need to support student achievement and well-being is important. Understanding what our families need and how we can help outside of what CCSC is already doing is something we will study.”

The relationship between a superintendent and the community is vital. On the topic of building trust with parents and taxpayers who might be skeptical of new leadership, Dr. Mason pledged high visibility.

“For me, developing relationships with civic groups, community organizations, businesses, local government leaders and nearby higher education institutions is imperative as the superintendent of CCSC,” she said. “Superintendents must immerse themselves in the fiber of the community in order to gain the trust and respect of those around them. That immersion means active attendance at community and school events. Students, staff and parents need to see their superintendent. Being present and engaged at school functions both during the school day and in the evening is top priority. Visibility and approachability come with being where everyone else is. Active listening and interactions with all stakeholders at school functions will help me to keep a pulse on the heartbeat of the district.”

In her experience, when asked what the key is to maintain a healthy relationship with the school board and the faculty, and what “collaboration” looks like in her office, Dr. Mason spoke to the power of shared goals.

“I believe that good communication with the board and with staff ensures a smooth working environment,” she said. “Whether the communication is coming directly from me to faculty or through the principals, timely and consistent messaging is vital for everyone to be on the same page. I often like to get feedback from those that I am working with to understand what they need from me. Collaboration is important to me and an area of strength in my leadership practices. We are all better and smarter when we are working as one.”

For those in the community who don’t have children in the school system, Dr. Mason explained why they should be excited about her appointment and how a strong school corporation benefits Cloverdale as a whole.

“Strong schools attract families,” she emphasized. “If our schools grow, Cloverdale grows and so does business.”

Beyond her professional resume, Dr. Mason shared a look at the person behind the desk and what she and her family do in their free time.

“My husband and I have three grown children. My oldest daughter lives in Cleveland, Ohio and is an entrepreneur working to grow a small business,” she said. “My son is an accountant at Thrive West Central in Terre Haute and my youngest daughter just finished her sophomore year at IU Southeast in New Albany. All my kids were athletes playing multiple sports, so we have spent our free time on the ball fields or the court. Our lives have slowed a bit as we are now down to just watching one daughter on the court as she plays volleyball at IU Southeast.”

When asked if there is a particular book, mentor or piece of advice that has shaped her approach to leadership, Dr. Mason credited her upbringing.

“My parents were educators, and I grew up in a household that valued education and treating others the way you want to be treated,” she said. “I am a product of their love and guidance. My ultimate hope is to lead with kindness and heart, always remembering that students are at the center of everything we do in this field and that if the adults around them are not happy or taken care of, whether the issue is big or small, students lose out. My parents and several other strong, caring leaders I have had the privilege to work with over the years have helped to shape me into the person I am today.”

Starting a new position in a new town is a big step. When asked what she and her family are most looking forward to exploring in the Cloverdale and Putnam County area, she already has a destination in mind.

“I have never been to Lieber State Park,” she said. “I think that is one of the first places we will explore. I hear it is a treasure!”

Finally, when asked what direct message she would send to every student walking into a Cloverdale classroom on their first day this fall, Dr. Mason offered a hand of partnership.

“I would like CCSC students to know that I am here for them,” she said. “I am ready to listen and learn from them so that we can work collaboratively with staff, parents and the community to make school the absolute best place for them every day!”

Following the appointment, CCSC Board President Ms. Vivian Whitaker described the rigorous process the board went through during the search and what she anticipates Dr. Mason will bring to CCSC.

“We used the University Search Team, led by Dr. Terry McDaniel, to screen the 19 applications and make a recommendation as to the ones they felt we should interview. As a result, we offered interviews to seven people, five of whom accepted,” Ms. Whitaker said. “Following those interviews, we selected two finalists with whom we felt comfortable. Each candidate was to prepare a 10-minute presentation on something they feel passionate about that would improve the quality of our schools.”

Ms. Whitaker noted that Dr. Mason stood out immediately during the final stages.

“Dr. Stacy Mason’s presentation knocked it out of the park,” she said. “It was obvious she did her homework in learning about our school corporation. Her vision aligns with everything we are doing now. I believe she will continue the excellent leadership set by Mr. Greg Linton. I’m so very pleased that Dr. Mason is now part of the Clover family.”