The Mount Pleasant Community School District Board of Education held its regular monthly meeting Monday evening at the Mount Pleasant High School Media Center, featuring student recognition, staff honors, and several approvals ahead of the next school year.
The meeting began with a student spotlight presentation from the Mount Pleasant High School Speech Team. Students gave board members a brief demonstration while explaining how the speech program operates and what participants experience during competitions and events throughout the year.
The board also recognized several retiring district employees for their years of service to the school district and community. Honored Monday night were Harlan Elementary kindergarten teacher Chris Snyder, Transportation Director Ted Carlson, and Superintendent John Henriksen. Each received a plaque recognizing their dedication to the district.
Following the presentations, Superintendent Henriksen thanked board members and distributed certificates in recognition of School Board Appreciation Month.
Board members also reviewed district goals for the 2025-2026 school year, including updates on graduation rates, attendance, academics, professional practice, and student learning skills.
During his superintendent’s report, Henriksen announced that registration for the 2026-2027 school year will take place August 4th. He also noted there will be no school board work sessions held during the summer months.
Henriksen additionally discussed new state legislation allowing eighth-grade students to become eligible to participate in high school and varsity athletics.
The board approved a slight increase in school meal prices for next year. Elementary lunches will increase by 10 cents to $2.75, while meals for students in grades 6 through 12 will rise to $2.95. Breakfast prices will increase by 30 cents to $1.80.
Substitute teacher pay was also addressed, with the board approving a 3% increase. Full-day substitute pay will rise to $155, while half-day pay will increase to $77.50.
In facility updates, the board approved a remodeling quote from JC Wiley and Sons totaling just over $75,000 for work at the administrative building ahead of the 2026-2027 school year. The board also approved nearly $74,000 in concrete repairs for the high school parking lot, with work to be completed by Jim Barton Construction.