The Mount Pleasant Community School District Board of Education held a special session Monday evening, April 27, with a major focus on enrollment trends and potential facility changes. Board President Angie Blint led the meeting, with all board members present.
During the superintendent’s report, John Henriksen provided updates on several district projects and planning efforts.
Kindergarten Roundup numbers show a notable difference between attendance centers, with 78 students registered at Harlan Elementary compared to just six at Salem Elementary. District officials noted those numbers may increase slightly closer to the start of the school year.
Henriksen also reported progress on the district’s central office remodel. One bid has been received from Jean C. Wiley & Sons totaling just over $75,000, with another contractor expected to complete a walkthrough and submit a quote. The district may hold an additional special meeting to approve the project, as officials aim to have the renovated space ready by August 1.
Safety concerns were also discussed regarding the high school baseball field, where neighbors have raised issues about foul balls hitting parked vehicles. A representative from Pierce Fencing is expected to evaluate the site, as many schools are now installing taller fencing to better contain balls within the field of play.
In other business, the district’s finance committee meeting has been rescheduled from May 1 to May 8 at 2 p.m. to allow more time for monthly financial reports to be completed.
The most significant discussion of the evening centered on the possible closure of Salem Elementary beginning in the fall of 2027. To open that conversation, Henriksen reviewed enrollment projections from the Iowa Department of Education showing district enrollment could decline by 182 students, dropping to approximately 1,523 by the 2029–2030 school year.
Board members discussed a range of possible adjustments aimed at aligning district resources with enrollment trends. Those included administrative restructuring, staffing changes, grade reconfiguration, and program modifications. Options mentioned included reducing the number of elementary principals, adjusting instructional coaching positions, implementing traveling “flex” teachers, shifting grade levels between buildings, and reevaluating programs such as Wisdom Quest, IJAG, and Career and Technical Education.
Some board members also noted the district currently operates seven attendance centers, compared to three or four in similarly sized districts, as part of the broader discussion on long-term sustainability. It was also noted that even with potential adjustments, additional steps may be needed to address future budget concerns.
Following lengthy discussion, board member Josh Maher made a motion to close Salem Elementary, which was seconded by Mike Hampton.
Before a vote was taken, board member Kevin Schrader proposed delaying the decision to allow incoming superintendent Dr. Sharon Dentlinger time to review district finances and provide input. That proposal was seconded by Craig Hurd. However, because a motion to close the school was already on the table, the board proceeded without acting on the delay.
The board then voted 4 to 3 in favor of closing Salem Elementary, effective in the fall of 2027. Voting in favor were Blint, Maher, Hampton, and Aaron Williamson. Voting against the motion were Mark Overberg, Hurd, and Schrader.
District officials say the decision is part of ongoing efforts to address enrollment trends and plan for the district’s future aiming to ensure financial stability and an equitable education for all students in the Mount Pleasant Community School District.