Author: Hayden Douglas

The Mount Pleasant Community School Board meeting opened Monday night with a celebration of students who have officially exited the district’s English Learner (EL) program after demonstrating proficiency on the state English assessment. 

“This is a huge achievement,” said EL instructor. “These students aren’t just learning basic conversation—they’re reading textbooks, writing essays, and solving math problems in a new language.” 

Teachers from Van Allen, the Middle School, and the High School joined to recognize the teamwork behind the program’s success, highlighting bilingual staff, family partnerships, and the resilience of the students. The district currently serves about 150 English Learners representing 9 different languages. 

Students shared their own stories and goals; A first grader hopes to become a nurse, One student wants to be a soccer player, and an eighth grader spoke about gaining confidence through the program and now serves as a Council President. 

Teachers explained that after exiting, students are monitored for two years to ensure continued success. As the board congratulated the group, families and staff gathered afterward in the cafeteria to celebrate. 

“We’re not just celebrating English proficiency,” one teacher said. “We’re celebrating future leaders and global citizens who have already shown resilience, intelligence, and determination.” 

Southeast Iowa experienced a dramatic shift in weather over the past week, moving from mild fall days to a wintry chill as the first snow of the season arrived across much of the state. The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship’s latest weather summary, prepared by State Climatologist Dr. Justin Glisan, detailed the transition from warm, dry conditions to widespread rain, snow, and plunging temperatures.

Through much of the week, southeast Iowa enjoyed temperatures in the upper 50s and low 60s with relatively dry skies. That changed heading into the weekend, when a low-pressure system swept across the state, bringing rain and—farther north—accumulating snow. Although snow totals were light in the southeast, heavier amounts fell in northwestern Iowa, with Pocahontas County reporting over five inches.

Donnellson recorded the state’s high temperature for the week at 72 degrees on November 4, an unseasonably warm reading nearly 20 degrees above normal. But by Sunday morning, many locations across the state had dropped into the teens and low 20s, marking the end of the growing season and signaling winter’s arrival.

Statewide precipitation averaged 0.28 inch for the week, below the normal 0.52 inch. Rainfall was more generous in eastern Iowa, where Long Grove in Scott County measured just over an inch.

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig noted that the colder turn came as harvest wrapped up across the state. “Based on my observations while traveling around the state and the conversations I’m having with farmers, harvest appears to be nearly complete,” Naig said. “The snow and cold have officially ended the growing season, but forecasts suggest warmer conditions and a higher chance of rainfall later in the month.”

With the first measurable snow in the books and temperatures swinging sharply downward, southeast Iowa residents can expect a brief return to mild weather before more November moisture moves in.

Mount Pleasant High School is proud to recognize Felicity Metcalf and Wyatt Nicholson as the October Portrait of a Panther students.

In addition to these two honorees, seven other outstanding students were nominated for their positive contributions and character: Hayden Duffie, Alexander Vazquez Gonzalez, Lane Beckler, Urijah Sayabath, Estrella Aranda, Lakota Gatlin, and Ruby Syfert.

Each month, students are nominated by staff members who see them demonstrate the core Panther values — resilience, integrity, compassion, responsibility, communication, and problem-solving.

Mount Pleasant High School encourages the community to congratulate these students for their leadership and dedication. Their actions reflect the best of what it means to be a Panther.

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:

• 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.

• DeCarlo Demolition PEO Contract: The board approved a contract with DeCarlo Demolition Corp, with completion expected by December 15.

• 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.

• 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.

• Snow Removal Contract: Approved a two-year snow removal agreement with Jim Barton Construction, covering the 2025–26 and 2026–27 seasons.

• 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.

• 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.

Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks faced a full and vocal audience Monday afternoon at the Roberts Memorial Center in Keosauqua, where a tense but engaging town hall highlighted sharp divisions and passionate debate on issues ranging from government funding to healthcare and agriculture.

The town hall meeting, moderated by Kadie Johannson, General Manager of KILJ Radio, quickly turned lively as Miller-Meeks fielded pointed questions from constituents. Some audience members applauded her responses, while others voiced frustration and challenged her directly, leading to several moments of back-and-forth between the congresswoman and attendees.

Miller-Meeks began the session by thanking the Van Buren County community for attending and recognizing local veterans ahead of Veterans Day.

The first wave of questions centered on federal spending and social support programs. When asked about funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Miller-Meeks defended current levels while explaining new verification measures. “We want to make sure benefits go to those who truly qualify,” she said. “Children, pregnant women, seniors, people with disabilities, and veterans will always be protected.”

That response drew immediate push-back from a member of the audience who questioned whether the reforms would make access harder for low-income families. The congresswoman paused before responding, “I understand the concern. The goal is not to take away support—it’s to make sure the system is sustainable.”

As discussion shifted to agriculture, attendees voiced concern about high input costs and market instability. Miller-Meeks spoke about “fair trade” policies aimed at countering unfair practices by the Chinese Communist Party.

“We need policies that keep farmers competitive,” she said, prompting cheers from several attendees while others pressed for more aggressive action to reduce inflation’s impact on local agriculture.

Healthcare affordability brought some of the most emotional exchanges of the afternoon. One attendee spoke about rural hospital closures, saying smaller communities feel “left behind.” Miller-Meeks cited her work on pharmacy benefit manager reform and support for direct primary care models, as well as $845,000 in federal funding secured for Keokuk’s rural healthcare redevelopment. “We have to lower costs while keeping hospitals open,” she said, “and that takes bipartisan work.”

Tension in the room flared again when the congresswoman was asked whether members of Congress should receive pay during a government shutdown. Miller-Meeks held up a pay stub, explaining that she had formally requested to have her salary withheld. “Congress should not get paid when the government is shut down,” she said, which drew scattered applause.

Despite moments of interruption and raised voices, Miller-Meeks maintained an even tone, often thanking audience members for their questions.

“I’ll always show up and take your questions. You may not agree with me, but I will listen.” – Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks

The Henry County Recorder’s office will close early at 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 13, 2025, to allow staff to participate in training. The office will reopen on Friday, November 14, 2025, at 8:00 a.m.

Residents are encouraged to plan their visits accordingly.