Mount Pleasant, Iowa — The Mount Pleasant Community School Board welcomed Iowa House District 87 Representative Jeff Shipley Monday night for an open conversation about state education priorities, funding challenges, and policy issues leading into the 2026 legislative session.
Superintendent Henriksen opened by thanking Shipley for his continued accessibility to local officials. “You’re always available, whether it’s here in Mount Pleasant or at the Capitol,” Henriksen said. “We really appreciate that.”
Shipley, who serves on the House Education Committee, said his goal was to listen and gather feedback directly from educators and administrators. “I want to hear what’s top of mind for you,” he said. “It’s important that we stay connected as we look at how state education policy and funding decisions impact local classrooms.”
Enrollment and Financial Pressures
Superintendent John Henriksen reported that certified enrollment declined by just over 50 students this fall, bringing the district total to around 1,700. The decrease, along with the expiration of federal COVID relief funds, has reduced the district’s authorized spending from about $6.9 million to $6.1 million.
“We maintained staffing to meet student needs, knowing that would tighten the budget,” Henriksen explained. “We’ll have to make some adjustments moving forward.”
Shipley commended the district’s fiscal management and said similar enrollment and funding challenges are being reported across the state.
Statewide Priorities and Policy Trends
Shipley outlined several legislative priorities being discussed ahead of the 2026 session. Lawmakers are continuing to emphasize literacy and math outcomes, with updated state standards and renewed focus on evidence-based instruction.
He also mentioned updates to social studies standards and growing public interest in how technology affects learning. “We’re hearing positive things about the new cell phone restriction law,” Shipley said. “Some parents are even asking schools to go further and return to more traditional, paper-based environments.”
Teacher Pay, Classroom Behavior, and Federal Funding
Teacher recruitment and retention remain major challenges statewide. Shipley said discussions continue over a proposal to establish a $50,000 starting salary for Iowa educators. “There’s general support for improving pay,” he said, “but there’s still debate about how it would be structured and funded.”
Behavioral challenges and classroom management were also raised as top concerns. “It’s something we hear about in every district,” Shipley said. “We need to find better ways to support teachers who are dealing with difficult situations.”
Board members also highlighted the strain caused by unfunded mandates and delayed federal dollars for programs such as special education and Title I. “We build budgets a year in advance,” one board member noted. “When those funds don’t arrive on time, it puts us in a bind.”
Local Control and Property Tax Reform
The board voiced concerns about potential property tax limitations being considered at the state level. Henriksen said local bonding and levy flexibility are essential for maintaining school facilities.
“If the state limits what we can do locally, how are we supposed to keep our buildings in safe, functional condition?” he asked. Shipley agreed the issue is complex, noting that any major reforms would likely include a transition or back-fill plan. “No one wants to see students learning in deteriorating buildings,” he said.
Rural Education and School Choice
Several board members raised concerns about the long-term effects of the Education Savings Account (ESA) program, especially for smaller, rural districts that don’t have nearby private schools.
“Rural schools face different realities,” one board member said. “We need to make sure funding formulas recognize transportation costs and smaller attendance centers.”
Shipley said the ESA program is still evolving, but he stressed the importance of maintaining strong public schools. “Public, private, and home education systems all serve families in different ways,” he said. “We need to make sure our public schools continue to thrive.”
Moving Forward
Both Shipley and district leaders agreed to maintain open communication as the 2026 session approaches. “These conversations matter,” Shipley said. “The best policy making happens when local voices are part of the process.”
Henriksen closed the discussion by thanking Shipley for his engagement. “Funding, facilities, staffing—all of it affects what we can provide for our students,” Henriksen said. “We appreciate your willingness to listen.”