Four candidates seeking seats on the Mount Pleasant Community School District Board of Education gathered this week for a public forum, offering voters insight into their backgrounds, qualifications, and goals if elected.
The forum, moderated by the Mount Pleasant Area Chamber Alliance Government Relations Committee, provided each candidate two minutes for opening remarks before answering questions about leadership, fiscal priorities, superintendent hiring, and community partnerships.
Candidate Introductions
Craig Hurd, plant manager at Continental, said his professional and volunteer background inspired him to seek a position on the board.
“I’ve been involved with several volunteer organizations like Habitat for Humanity and the Cub Scouts,” he said. “I know that without people getting involved, those organizations can’t be successful. The school board is really the same way. Unless we have people willing to step up, we’ll never see all the different perspectives needed to make the best choices for the district.”
Hurd said his experience in quality assurance and engineering has taught him to make the most impact with limited funds — a skill essential in public education.
Kevin Schrader, a Mount Pleasant resident since 1983 and longtime business owner, emphasized communication and community involvement.
“I’m a good listener,” Schrader said. “I have no agenda. My agenda is your agenda—what do the people want to do, and where do they want to go?”
He noted that operating a business through both “good times and bad times” has taught him how to manage budgets and make careful decisions.
Derek Mullin, a 1999 Mount Pleasant graduate, farmer, and former teacher, is seeking reelection to the board.
“I value education and the opportunities it provides,” Mullin said. “I’ve taught in both small and large districts, worked in the trades, and helped reestablish agricultural education here in Mount Pleasant after decades without it.”
Melinda Huisinga, the incumbent representing District 1, is also seeking reelection. A retired vice president of human resources at EMC National Life, Huisinga previously served 12 years on the Carlisle Community School Board.
“I’m running for reelection because there’s unfinished business I’d like to see through—namely hiring a new superintendent and guiding the work of our newly formed facilities committee,” she said.
Engaging with Childcare and Early Learning
When asked whether the district should be more involved in supporting childcare services, candidates agreed that collaboration benefits the entire community.
Mullin said he supports engaging directly with childcare providers and expanding the district’s role where possible.
“A childcare center has proven to be a direct pipeline for students into the district,” Mullin explained. “Right now, we’re providing space for an afterschool program—I believe it’s at Harlan Elementary—and I think we can build on that. If we move forward with a facilities plan, why not include childcare space right where future students will attend elementary school?”
He pointed to New London as an example of how early childhood programs can influence enrollment.
“Mount Pleasant loses open enrollment to New London. Danville loses open enrollment to New London,” Mullin said. “That’s something we need to make a priority—to keep our students in our own district.”
Melinda Huisinga agreed. “That was our idea in having an early childhood center here in Mount Pleasant,” she said. “So children could start as infants in childcare, move right on into preschool, and into kindergarten without families having to go to another community. We’re already working with the current childcare center and after school program, and we’d like to see that expanded.”
Challenges Facing Public Education
Candidates were next asked to identify the biggest challenges facing public education.
“For the state of Iowa, and especially Mount Pleasant, it’s demographics,” Mullin said. “We have 450 fewer students than in 1999, and 60 fewer than last year. That’s over 500 students lost, which directly affects funding—about $8,000 per student. That means we’ll lose roughly $480,000 in state aid next year.”
Mullin said declining enrollment is a rural trend and impacts everything from staffing to programming. “Retaining graduates and bringing back college graduates to our area will be extremely important,” he added.
Huisinga agreed, noting that demographic decline and competition from private and charter schools are compounding factors. “The Department of Education predicts that by 2030, rural schools will lose another 3.5% of certified enrollment,” she said. “That could mean another 175 students for Mount Pleasant—about $1.4 million in revenue lost.”
She added that the district has already begun preparing for budget cuts of up to $1.5 million.
Kevin Schrader said the district should begin examining its programs and facilities immediately. “We can’t wait until next year to start looking at what programs might have to be cut or what building projects can be postponed,” he said. “We need to ask why students are leaving and what we can do to keep them.”
Elementary Facilities and Future Planning
The candidates also discussed the district’s ongoing evaluation of its elementary schools.
Huisinga said an ad hoc facilities committee—made up of 45 community members, parents, and staff—has begun studying options.
“Their purpose is to envision the best educational experience for our elementary students and determine how our facilities fit that vision,” she said. “We currently operate four elementary schools plus the middle and high schools, and financially, we can’t support seven locations.”
She provided comparative per-student cost figures and stressed that safety, security, and efficiency would guide the committee’s recommendations.
Schrader said fiscal caution is critical. “Maybe we don’t need to spend right now,” he said. “Maybe we step back and maintain what we have until we can afford more. We can’t just throw money around—we need to be diligent and involve the community.”
Derek Mullin said his vision includes consolidating or renovating facilities to provide modern learning environments. “Our current buildings were built in the 1950s and don’t meet today’s needs,” he said. “We need 21st-century spaces that support all learners, including those in special education and English language learning.”
He explained that renovation costs could be covered through the district’s SAVE (sales tax) and PPEL (property tax) funds—separate from the general fund affected by declining enrollment.
Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Schrader said the district’s future depends on community collaboration.
“I don’t think we can just hire a superintendent and step back,” he said. “We need to get involved now and plan for the future—four years, ten years, even twenty years out. That means building strong community partnerships, bringing in new businesses, and giving our graduates reasons to come back.”
Mullin said his short-term focus would be ensuring strong leadership and a clear facilities roadmap. “In four years, I want us to have a strong superintendent and strong administrators,” he said. “In ten years, I hope those facilities plans are implemented. Twenty years from now—well, I’ll let the next generation take that.”
Melinda Huisinga said she hopes to see new, modern facilities and continued attention to diverse student needs. “We have students speaking nine different languages in our district,” she said. “We need to support all of them, while also strengthening career and technical programs, competitive pay, and support for teachers and staff.”
Closing Remarks
In closing statements, the candidates reflected on the responsibilities of the board and their commitment to public service.
Derek Mullin said he is proud of his first term’s work. “The purpose of the school board is oversight—of finance, policy, and facilities,” he said. “I’ve shown my commitment by being present and informed. I haven’t missed a meeting in two years because I want to make the best decisions for our students.”
Melinda Huisinga said her experience in human resources and prior school board service have prepared her to continue leading during a period of transition. “We’re making major decisions about personnel, facilities, and finances,” she said. “I believe my background is an asset as we move forward.”
Kevin Schrader encouraged voters to stay engaged. “Your vote doesn’t stop at the polling station,” he said. “I promise to listen, work hard, and be transparent about every financial decision that affects you, the taxpayer.”
The forum was hosted by the Mount Pleasant Area Chamber Alliance Government Relations Committee and broadcast live on KILJ Radio.
Absentee voting is now open at the Henry County Courthouse, with Election Day set for Tuesday, November 4.
The next Mount Pleasant Community School Board meeting will be held October 27 at 6:00 p.m. in the district’s Media Center.