The Mount Pleasant Community School District Board of Directors met Monday night to finalize preparations for the start of the 2025–26 school year, review facility concerns, update district policies, and continue progress toward hiring the next superintendent.
Staff Opening Day and Professional Development Plans
The district will host its All Staff Opening Day this Wednesday (Aug 13th) in the high school commons. Breakfast will begin at 7:30 a.m., with time for connection and lighthearted activities before teachers head to their buildings.
This year, all teachers will receive iPads, with an Apple representative visiting for training on new instructional tools.
Facilities Updates and Safety Concerns
The board received a detailed report on the condition of the P.E.O. Memorial Building on the former Iowa Wesleyan campus, now part of the district’s central campus. Significant structural deterioration, moisture damage, and safety hazards have been identified. Yellow safety fencing will be placed around the building.
Due to high estimated demolition costs—around $350,000—any decision will require a sealed bid process, engineering specifications, and a public hearing. The board emphasized the building has no educational use for the district despite its historical significance.
Board Actions
The board unanimously approved:
- Accepting a $13,000 classroom furniture donation from Hendrickson Company.
- Forming a 30-member ad hoc facilities committee to study the number and location of district attendance centers, with recommendations due by January 2026.
- First reading of an updated employee retirement policy with a February application deadline.
- Approval for the FFA to assist with Old Threshers events as a fundraiser.
Superintendent Search
The board heard presentations from two firms—Ray and Associates and Grundmeyer Leader Services—and discussed each group’s experience, community engagement approach, and ongoing communication plans. Several board members noted strong impressions from both, but ultimately selected Grundmeyer Leader Services to lead the search process.
School Board Election Information
Candidate filing for the November 4 school board election opens August 25 and closes September 18. Three seats will be on the ballot: Director District 1 (currently Melinda Huisinga), Director District 2 (currently Derek Mullin), and an at-large seat (currently Josh Maher.). All will be four-year terms.
Looking Ahead
The board’s next work session is set for August 25 at 6 p.m. The district will also host a “Live After 5” networking event October 1 at the Receiving, Transportation, and Maintenance site on East Monroe.