State of Education panel to discuss issues in Hamilton County

Lunch provided to public; RSVP required

The Hamilton County Growth Partnership (HCGP) is hosting its second annual State of Education event Thursday, August 27 from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Briggs Woods Conference Center, 2501 Briggs Woods Trail, Webster City.

A panel of local educators; Matt Berninghaus (Webster City), Heather Holm (South Hamilton) and Jesse Ulrich (Iowa Central Community College) will be convened to discuss progress of their school systems in the past year and future plans. A question-and-answer session will follow the panel discussion.

Jesse Ulrich, President of Iowa Central Community College, returns as a panelist at this year's event. We asked him what he might have to say about his college and its importance to Hamilton County.

"Iowa Central continues to be a strong part of the education and workforce landscape in Hamilton County," he said. "Hamilton County repeatedly ranks among our top three counties for student enrollment, and we're grateful for the community's support of the November 2025 bond. That support will allow us to make important updates to our Webster City campus and continue providing students with opportunities to build a better life close to home."

Ottie Maxey, Executive Director, HCGP, will host the meeting.

"This event provides an opportunity to hear directly from local education leaders about the successes, challenges and opportunities shaping the future of Hamilton County. We invite business leaders, community members, and residents to join us for this important conversation," Maxey said.

The event is free and open to the public, but advance registration is required to reserve a seat. A complimentary buffet lunch will be served to all attendees following the meeting. If you wish to attend, contact Jenavieve Christensen, Coordinator of Economic Development & Workforce at the Alliance general offices at 515-720-3697 or jenavieve@amesalliance.com.

Online registration is also available at https://hamiltoncountygrowthpartnership.com/2026-state-of-education/.

Anyone interested in education in Hamilton County will find the meeting both informative and interesting.