The Mount Pleasant Community School District Board met Monday night to review financial updates, facilities planning, and progress on the superintendent search, while approving several contracts and policy actions.
Board President Angie Blint said the district has received about ten applications so far for the open superintendent position, with more expected following upcoming school board conventions. “We’ve had a strong candidate express interest and plan to visit the area,” Blint shared.
The district’s Facilities Ad Hoc Committee will meet Wednesday, November 12, at 4 p.m. to tour the four elementary buildings before visiting Fort Madison Elementary to view a recently completed project and grade reconfiguration.
Henriksen also noted the Henry County Board of Supervisors will canvass and certify the November 4 school board election on Wednesday. Newly elected members will then take the oath of office and complete the required 90-minute open meetings and records training.
Board Actions and Approvals
The board unanimously approved personnel contracts and open enrollment requests before moving through a series of new business items, including:
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IASB Delegate Assembly Appointment: The board approved Board member Aaron Wiliamson as Mount Pleasant’s voting representative at the Iowa Association of School Boards (IASB) Delegate Assembly later this month.
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DeCarlo Demolition PEO Contract: The board approved a contract with DeCarlo Demolition Corp, with completion expected by December 15.
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Conflict of Interest Waiver: Approved a legal waiver allowing the district’s attorney to represent both the district and the City of Mount Pleasant regarding the proposed property sale.
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Public Hearing on Property Sale: After extensive discussion, the board approved a resolution to set a public hearing on the sale of district property at 307 East Monroe Street—to the City of Mount Pleasant for $116,000. The hearing will be held December 8.
Some members expressed concern that the appraisal value of the property was higher, but others emphasized the importance of collaborating with the city to help facilitate the relocation of a local daycare. -
Roof Repairs: Approved repairs at Van Allen Elementary ($22,000) and Lincoln Elementary ($24,000) for older roof sections in need of seal and membrane restoration.
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Snow Removal Contract: Approved a two-year snow removal agreement with Jim Barton Construction, covering the 2025–26 and 2026–27 seasons.
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Policy Review – Series 400: Approved the first reading of the district’s 400 series policies related to personnel. Updates include revised language requiring board president approval for any overnight travel by the superintendent outside the district.
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Fundraisers: Approved several student fundraisers, including the 8th Grade Pizza Ranch Night, National Honor Society Fun Run (Nov. 15), High School FFA Bags and Suits Tournament (Nov. 13), and Middle School coin drives to support hurricane relief efforts in Jamaica.
Legislative and Academic Updates
Henriksen also shared that state budget projections indicate a lean year ahead, with limited State Supplemental Aid (SSA) growth expected. He noted ongoing discussions among school leaders about property tax reform and teacher merit pay proposals.
Middle School Principal Mr. Adams reported that the building achieved its highest-ever score—65.43—on the Iowa School Performance Profile, exceeding state averages in nearly every subject area.
Next Meeting
The next Mount Pleasant Community School District Board of Education meeting—and the organizational session—will be held Monday, December 8, at 6:00 p.m. in the High School Media Center.