The Mount Pleasant Community School District Board of Education held two public hearings during their work session Monday night at the high school media center, giving residents a chance to weigh in on the district’s proposed tax rate and the possible closure of Salem Elementary.
The first hearing focused on the fiscal year 2027 certified budget, including the proposed tax rate. District leaders are continuing to evaluate financial pressures and long-term budget sustainability.
During public comments, Henry County taxpayers raised concerns about the increase in the management fund budget, which jumped $250,000 for this upcoming year.
In Iowa, a school district’s management fund can only be used for specific costs like insurance, legal claims, unemployment, and early retirement benefits—not for everyday expenses like staff salaries, building operations, or keeping a school open.
Superintendent John Henriksen explained the reasoning is due to the increase in insurance costs and liabilities as wind and hail coverage is now excluded from the policy and would cost the district to pay a large deductible in those cases where hail and wind damage is significant. In short, the management fund is specifically tied to “risk of loss”—meaning damage, liability, or financial exposure—not general expenses or cost-saving measures.
A second public hearing addressed a more emotional topic — the possible closure of Salem Elementary School at the end of the 2026–2027 school year. The possible closure of Salem is part of phase two of nearly $1.8 million budget reduction process across MPCSD. District officials note the closure of Salem could save the district just over $523,000. Phase two also includes more staffing and district-wide reductions as well, bringing phase two of budget reductions to an estimated savings of nearly $814,000.
While those in attendance were close to 100 people, around 20 people spoke publicly about their thoughts on the possible closure of Salem Elementary, which currently serves 87 students Kindergarten through 5th grade. Citizens and parents shared concerns and perspectives as the district considers options in address enrollment trends and facility costs.
One of the first to speak was Salem Elementary school third grader Levi Schinstock. He urged the board to keep his school open. He told the board he loves his school, his teachers, and having his younger brothers in the same building as him— even if they “drive him nuts sometimes.”
Levi’s parents, along with many others, also shared their thoughts. Heidi Shilling, a third generation Salem student, said her family is not new to fighting to keep Salem school open. Her grandmother, her mother, and now she stands up to advocate for Salem Elementary, the school her kids attend now.
Concerns about bullying and student behavior in other attendance centers were a top issue for many parents, with some telling the board they chose to open enroll their children into Salem Elementary to get them away from those problems. Other concerns mentioned the economic strain on Salem, the amount of time children spend on bus routes, and going away from small class sizes, which many parents believe is one of the main reasons Salem Elementary is top performing school in academics.
Following the hearings, the board moved into a work session, reviewing the proposed buildings and grounds project list, along with continued discussion on the certified budget.
Board members agreed with the public that perhaps the management fund budgeted at $1,250,000 could be reduced to $1,000,000, which allows them to lower the income surtax rate. Board Member Craig Hurd noted he’d rather see the income surtax rate reduced than the property tax rate, noting taxing businesses and corporations is his preference over taxing individuals through income tax.
No final decisions were made Monday night. Any action on the budget or the future of Salem Elementary would come at a later board meeting.
