Questions remain about who will be responsible for the James Harlan statue located on the Mount Pleasant Community School District’s Central Campus.
The statue is currently on loan from the State Historical Society of Iowa, which is seeking an agreement covering its continued care.
Superintendent Dr. Sharon Dentlinger told the Board of Education she has concerns about the district accepting responsibility because of potential liability, insurance requirements and questions about the condition of the statue’s base.
Dentlinger recognized the statue’s importance to the community but noted historical preservation is outside the school district’s primary responsibilities.
She indicated she would be open to another local organization assuming responsibility for the statue.