Roland-Story Community School District -

Roland-Story Schools celebrates the retirement of Kevin Masemann, high school band director, and his many years dedicated to education, coaching, and supporting students. 👏

Kevin graduated from New Hampton High School in 1975 before earning his degree from Augustana University in 1979. He began his career at Flandreau Public High School in South Dakota, where he taught and coached for three years, followed by 16 years at Greenfield High School in Iowa. Kevin then spent the final 27 years of his career at Roland-Story, making a lasting difference in the lives of generations of students and athletes.

Throughout his career, Kevin became known for his commitment to character, leadership, and excellence both in the classroom and through athletics. One of his proudest accomplishments was being named the Character Counts Coach of the Year in 2021, an honor that reflected the values he consistently modeled for his students and teams.

Outside of school, Kevin enjoys attending sporting events—especially cheering on Iowa State and the Minnesota Twins—along with farming, gardening, golfing, and traveling.

We are incredibly grateful for Kevin’s years of leadership and positive influence on so many students and families. We wish him all the best in retirement! 🎉

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Today, we recognize retiree Phil Skamser, 4th grade teacher, and the incredible impact he has made throughout 35 years in education! 🍎

Phil earned his degree from Buena Vista University in 1987 and began a career that would influence countless students and colleagues. He spent 10 years at Hinton Community School District and 15 years at Storm Lake St. Mary’s before finding his home at Roland-Story, where he knew he wanted to finish his career.

Phil’s journey into education was inspired by the teachers and coaches who shaped his life, along with family friends who were educators themselves. After moving to central Iowa, he substituted in 17 different schools before discovering something special about the elementary school in Story City. Through the people he met there, he knew he had found where he belonged.

Outside of school, Phil enjoys traveling with his wife, running and working out, reading, filling out brackets, and attending baseball games, something he would remind everyone deserves to be mentioned twice. He is also incredibly proud of his children.

Our district is grateful for Phil’s decades of dedication, humor, and passion. His influence will continue to be felt for years to come, and we wish him all the best in his retirement! 🎉

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We are proud to celebrate the retirement of Jill Nerem and the incredible impact she has made on Roland-Story students, staff, and families throughout her career! 🍎

Jill earned a bachelor’s degree from Iowa State University in 1992 and later completed her master’s at Drake University in 1998. She began her journey in education as a substitute teacher for Roland-Story and surrounding schools before becoming a 3rd grade teacher, where she has inspired and supported countless students over the years.

One of the most meaningful parts of Jill’s career has been the lifelong friendships she has formed with colleagues and students, relationships she says have become like family.

Outside of school, Jill enjoys baking, spending time with family and friends, and visiting Okoboji to enjoy life by the lake. She especially treasures time with her husband and their son.

We are deeply grateful for Jill’s years of dedication to our school community. Let’s wish her all the best in her well-deserved retirement! 🎉

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Join us in celebrating the retirement of Kate Hartzler and recognizing her many years of leadership, service, and dedication! 🎉

Kate began her journey in education after graduating from New Hampton High School in 1988. She earned an elementary education degree from the University of Northern Iowa in 1993 and later completed a master’s degree in administration in 1997.

Her career started at Manson Northwest Webster, where she taught 6th and 7th grade English language arts, coached middle school basketball and volleyball, and served as head volleyball coach. Kate later became a middle school principal at MFL MarMac before joining Roland-Story in 2002 as elementary principal, where she has made a lasting impact for more than 20 years.

Inspired by her own positive educational experiences and the example set by her sisters in education, Kate felt called to serve others through teaching and leadership. Encouragement from a principal early in her career helped guide her toward administration, shaping the path she would follow for decades to come.

Outside of school, Kate enjoys camping, biking, listening to audiobooks, taking walks, and spending time with family.

Roland-Story is grateful for Kate’s years of leadership and the positive influence she has had on countless students, staff members, and families. Please join us in wishing her all the best in her well-deserved retirement!  ❤️

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Please join us in celebrating the retirement of Kim Hetland, a member of the high school food services team, and honoring her many years of service to Roland-Story Schools! 🎉

A proud Roland-Story High School graduate from the Class of 1981, Kim has dedicated her career to supporting the success of our district, students, and staff. Over the past 25 years, she has built lasting relationships and valued the opportunity to work with so many people throughout the school community.

Outside of school, Kim enjoys camping, boating, 4-wheeling, SXS riding, and spending time with family and friends. She and her husband cherish time with their children and their grandson.

We are grateful for Kim’s commitment to Roland-Story Schools and the positive impact she has made over the years. Please help us wish her the very best in her well-deserved retirement! ❤️

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The Middle School Dance is happening Friday! Get ready for a Hawaiian-themed evening filled with music, dancing, friends, and fun.

5th & 6th Grade: 6-7:30 pm

7th & 8th Grade: 8-10 pm

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After more than 2 decades serving the Roland-Story community as our principal, and 33 years in public education, Elementary Principal Kate Hartzler is set to begin a well-deserved retirement! 🌟

We invite families, staff, students, and community members to stop by the elementary school for a community farewell on Sunday, June 7, from 1:00 to 3:00pm. Kate would love to see past and present kids and families before she retires! ❤️

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