The Mount Pleasant City Sanitation Committee met Wednesday morning, April 15th, addressing several infrastructure and service-related items.

Among them, the committee reviewed a reimbursement request from a West Henry Street resident following a sewer backup. After discussion, the committee determined the city would not cover repair costs or damages. However, officials did add that section of West Henry Street to this summer’s sewer lining schedule to help prevent future issues.

The committee also approved upgrades to the Saunder’s Branch lift station, a key part of the city’s wastewater system that handles about 60 percent of the flow to the main treatment plant. John Boecker, Waste Water Treatment Plant Operator, updated that a large buildup of grease has been interfering with the current float system. A new system, costing approximately $25,000, will bypass the floats and include an updated control system, improving reliability and expected to last at least 20 years.

Spring cleanup was also discussed. The city discontinued the service in recent years due to low participation and high costs. One current waste contractor, Wemiga, has indicated it does not have the capacity to offer the service at this time but are exploring possible drop-off options and say more information will be shared when available. The committee plans to revisit the issue next year.

In other business, the committee approved a $1 increase to the base sanitation fee, raising it from $4.25 cents to $5.25 cents. This increase is due to increasing overhead expenses. The proposal will now move to the ordinance committee and then to the city council for three readings. If approved, the increase would take effect July 1st.

Officials also noted that Mount Pleasant’s new City Administrator is scheduled to begin work June 1st.

NOTICE OF INTENDED ACTION

The Board of Directors of the Mount Pleasant Community School District will take action on the following policies at its next regular board meeting.

 

Policy 605.08: Artificial Intelligence in the Educational Environment	Status: ADOPTED
Original Adopted Date: 12/19/2023 | Last Reviewed Date: 12/19/2023

 

Purpose:

The district recognizes the potential that Generative Artificial Intelligence (Generative AI) offers in enhancing educational opportunities, streamlining operations and preparing students for a future that demands adaptability, critical thinking and digital literacy. When incorporated and used in a responsible and ethical manner, Generative AI can support a dynamic working and learning experience.

This policy addresses guidelines for the proper management and responsible use of Generative AI in the district’s educational environment.

Authority:

The Board directs that the use of Generative AI in the educational environment shall be limited to approved educational purposes and shall comply with applicable state and federal laws, regulations, Board policies, administrative regulations and school rules including, but not limited to, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA), the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), as well as Board policies related to acceptable use of computers and network resources, student and staff conduct, copyright protections, student records, personnel records, bullying and cyberbullying, nondiscrimination and harassment, data security and staff and student expression.

The availability of access to Generative AI tools and resources by students and staff does not imply endorsement by the district of the Generative AI tool or resource, nor does the district guarantee the accuracy of the information received from Generative AI tools or resources. The district shall not be responsible for any information that may be lost, damaged or unavailable when using a Generative AI tool or resource.

The district shall not be responsible for the dissemination, replication or alteration of information or data input by any student or staff into any Generative AI tool or resource. Nothing in this policy is intended to limit the district’s obligations under applicable law or regulations.

 

The district shall not be responsible for any unauthorized charges or fees resulting from access or use of Generative AI tools or resources.

Delegation of Responsibility

The district will make effort to ensure that Generative AI tools and resources are used responsibly by students and staff. The effective integration of Generative AI into education requires a collaborative effort between administration, teachers, staff, students and families.

AI tools will be vetted by relevant stakeholders including, but not limited to the district’s IT staff and, when related to student learning or assessment, by the Curriculum Director.  Decisions to use AI tools should be focused on:

• Protection of students: Any AI tools used in the district must comply with the requirements to safeguard students from accessing material that is obscene, child pornography and harmful to minors.
• Privacy:  Personally identifiable information of students will not be shared without necessary written consents.  Further, any AI tools utilized must meet the requirements of the School Official exemption listed in FERPA, and described in policy 712.
• Accessibility: Is the tool available to students of all abilities?  If not, what comparable alternatives will be offered to ensure an equitable learning environment for all students?
• Accuracy: To the extent reasonable, the AI tool should be both reliable and unbiased in its pattern recognition, and data used by the tool should be verified for accuracy.
• Transparent and Interruptible: Student use of AI tools must be able to be monitored by licensed staff to safeguard the appropriateness of the learning experience for the student and monitor for accuracy of the AI tool.

Guidelines

Staff – The district will provide staff with professional development opportunities addressing the effective and safe integration of Generative AI to enhance teaching and learning.

Beyond formal professional development opportunities, the district encourages staff to explore Generative AI to discover lesson plan ideas, create templates or assessments and to generate ideas for the personalization of student learning. Generative AI tools and resources shall be used in accordance with applicable laws, regulations and this Board policy.

Students –The district will make available grade-appropriate training for students, which may include, but not be limited to:

• Establishment of expectations regarding the ethical use of Generative AI.
• The capabilities and limitations of Generative AI.
• Critical analysis of content produced by Generative AI.
• How to disclose use and cite Generative AI resources.
• The importance of not disclosing personally identifiable information when using a Generative AI tool or resource.

Ethical Considerations

The district’s technology protection measures shall be enforced during use of Generative AI on district computers and network resources.

The district prohibits the use of Generative AI in making decisions regarding employee recruitment, hiring, retention, promotion, transfer, evaluation, demotion or dismissal.

The district prohibits the use of Generative AI in making final determinations on student assessments and evaluations.

Academic Integrity – The use of Generative AI by students to complete assignments or assessments is allowed only to the extent stated and outlined by the teacher for the individual assignment or course.

Teachers shall outline use of Generative AI tools and resources in their required lesson plans.

A Generative AI resource shall be cited when the system’s generated content is quoted, paraphrased or otherwise used in the student’s work. Lack of citation to AI generated work improperly implies that the work is entirely that of the student.

Copyright – Individuals using Generative AI tools and resources must comply with federal law and Board policy regarding the duplication or use of copyrighted materials.

AI-Generated Content Verification

Individuals using Generative AI tools and resources have a responsibility to apply proper oversight and evaluation of generated information. Generative AI tools will not be the sole determining factor used to make decisions related to student learning, assessment, academic integrity or conduct. Staff and students should critically evaluate content produced by Generative AI for potential biases or inaccuracies and understand the importance of cross-referencing with trusted resources.

Inappropriate Use

Students who use any Generative AI systems without teacher approval AND proper citation are subject to consequences that fall under the academic dishonesty policy.

This policy prohibits the creation, distribution, and posting of A.I.-generated impersonations (deepfakes and voice cloning) of students or employees within the school district by any student or employee of the District, to include digitally altered images or lewd or sexually explicit content or imagery intended to depict, portray, or imitate the likeness of a student or employee of the District.

Violation of this policy may result in disciplinary action up to and including suspension/expulsion, as deemed appropriate by the district administration or Bullying/Harassment policy. Referrals may also be made to law enforcement where appropriate or required by law.

This policy also applies to student conduct that occurs off school property or during non-school hours to the same extent as provided in Board policy on student discipline.

Students and staff must immediately report any violations or suspicious activity to the building principal or designee.

Users of Generative AI are responsible for damages to the equipment, systems, platforms and software resulting from deliberate, malicious or willful acts.

Illegal use of Generative AI; intentional modification without permission or damage to files or data belonging to others; copyright violations; and theft of services shall be reported to the appropriate legal authorities for possible prosecution.

Legal References:
16 C.F.R. 312
34 C.F.R. pt. 99
47 C.F.R 54.520
Iowa Code § 279.8

I.C. Iowa Code	Description
Iowa Code  § 279.8	Directors – General Rules – Bonds of Employees
C.F.R. – Code of Federal Regulations	Description
16 C.F.R.  312	Children’s Online Privacy Protection Rule
34 C.F.R. Pt. 99	Education – Family Rights and Privacy
47 C.F.R. 54.520	Communications – Children’s Internet Protection Act

Cross References

Code	Description
104	Anti-Bullying/Harassment Policy
104-R(1)	Anti-Bullying/Harassment Policy – Investigation Procedures
104-E(1)	Anti-Bullying/Harassment Policy – Complaint Form
104-E(2)	Anti-Bullying/Harassment Policy – Witness Disclosure Form
104-E(3)	Anti-Bullying/Harassment Policy – Disposition of Complaint Form
506.01	Education Records Access
506.01-R(1)	Education Records Access – Regulation
506.01-E(1)	Education Records Access – Request of Nonparent for Examination or Copies of Education Records
506.01-E(2)	Education Records Access – Authorization for Release of Education Records
506.01-E(3)	Education Records Access – Request for Hearing on Correction of Education Records
506.01-E(4)	Education Records Access – Request for Examination of Education Records
506.01-E(5)	Education Records Access – Notification of Transfer of Education Records
506.01-E(6)	Education Records Access – Letter to Parent Regarding Receipt of a Subpoena
506.01-E(7)	Education Records Access – Juvenile Justice Agency Information Sharing Agreement
506.01-E(8)	Education Records Access – Annual Notice
605.05	School Library

 

 

Written comments may be sent to Superintendent John Henriksen, 400 East Madison Street, Mt. Pleasant, Iowa  52641.

Acts of bravery are being recognized following severe weather that struck during a high school soccer match Tuesday evening in Wayland.

According to social media posts from the Danville/New London boys soccer team, a tornado moved through the area during their match against WACO, causing damage in and around the community. Team officials said players and coaches quickly shifted their focus from the game to safety, helping guide spectators and others to shelter as the storm approached.

The team expressed appreciation to WACO staff members who assisted during the emergency, noting that cooperation between schools helped ensure everyone reached safety. Officials reported that no injuries occurred during the incident.

During the commotion, a Danville student-athlete went above and beyond to assist someone in danger. It was shared on social media that a WACO student with a broken leg was struggling to reach shelter when a Danville student stepped in. The student, identified as Ethan Jones, lifted the injured student onto his shoulder and carried him to safety as the tornado moved through the area.

Team leaders praised the actions of their athletes, calling them brave and commending their willingness to help others in the face of danger.

The incident comes as crews continue assessing damage in Wayland following the tornado that struck during the game. Authorities have emphasized that quick action by school staff, players, and community members helped prevent injuries during the sudden storm.

Personal and professional papers from a political figure with deep ties to Mount Pleasant will soon be preserved at a central Iowa university.

Officials with Drake University announced that the Cowles Library will house the personal and professional papers of Tom Vilsack, who served as the 40th Governor of Iowa and the 30th and 32nd U.S. Secretary of Agriculture.

The agreement was finalized during a signing ceremony at the World Food Prize Hall of Laureates. The collection includes materials documenting more than 40 years of Vilsack’s public service, spanning from the 1980s to the present.

The materials trace Vilsack’s early political career, including his time as mayor of Mount Pleasant from 1987 to 1992, through his two terms as Iowa governor from 1999 to 2007, and his tenure as the longest-serving U.S. Secretary of Agriculture in the modern era.

Vilsack’s entry into politics began in Mount Pleasant after the tragic death of then-mayor Edward King, who was shot and killed. Following that incident, Vilsack was encouraged to run for mayor, launching a career that would later take him to statewide and national leadership roles.

University officials say the collection includes both political and personal papers that will provide insight into major moments in Iowa and U.S. political history. Once organized and cataloged, the materials will be available to researchers at Cowles Library, with selected portions planned for digitization.

The Vilsack papers will join existing collections at Drake featuring other notable Iowa leaders, including former Governor Robert D. Ray, former U.S. Senator Tom Harkin, and longtime Congressman Neal Smith.

Although not a graduate of Drake, Vilsack has maintained ties to the university, serving as a Distinguished Visiting Professor of Law following his time as governor.

Once completed, the archive is expected to serve as a valuable resource for students, historians, and researchers studying public policy and leadership, including those interested in Vilsack’s early leadership roots in Mount Pleasant.

The Mount Pleasant Community School District Music Boosters are kicking off their annual garbage bag fundraiser to support local student music programs.

Within the next two weeks, representatives from Charity Services Inc. will begin contacting residents on behalf of the Mt. Pleasant Music Boosters. Callers will provide information about garbage bag sizes, pricing, quantities, and how to place an order. Purchased items will be delivered directly to customers’ homes.

Currently the Music Boosters are in the process of replacing and upgrading multiple instruments across the district. This includes multiple pianos, drums for the Middle School drumline, and trombones for the excelling High School Jazz Band. Any proceeds made from the sales of trash bags would help offset these costs.

Currently the Music Boosters are developing a plan to update our soundboard and lighting system.

The Music Boosters support instrumental and vocal music programs for students from kindergarten through 12th grade. Funds raised help maintain major events such as the Marching Band Invitational, High School Variety Show, InMotion Show Choir Invitational, Dessert Theatre, OPUS Honor Choir, the Iowa All-State Music Festival, and the Middle School Honor Band Festival.

Membership in the Music Boosters is free and open to families with children involved in school music, as well as community members who support the arts.