Mount Pleasant Community School District (MPCSD) Board Member Sarah Donnolly announced her immediate resignation Today (Fri), after careful reflection and discussions with family and trusted colleagues.

Donnolly, who has served on the board with a commitment to students, teachers, and staff, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to the district.

“Serving on the board has been an honor, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to contribute to our schools and community,” Donnolly said in her official statement. “While I am stepping away from this role, my commitment to advocating for our students, teachers, and staff remains steadfast.”

She encouraged community members to remain engaged in discussions about the future of MPCSD, emphasizing that meaningful change requires collective effort.

Her resignation leaves a vacancy on the board, and the process to fill the seat will be determined by district leadership in accordance with school board policies.

Donnolly closed her statement by thanking the community for its support and understanding during her transition.

MPCSD Superintendent John Henriksen offers a statement on how that vacant seat can be filled.

For updates on how the district plans to proceed with filling the open position, residents are encouraged to visit the MPCSD website or attend upcoming school board meetings.

A staff member at Mount Pleasant Correctional Facility faces up to 25 years in prison after allegedly engaging in a sexual relationship with an inmate and helping smuggle contraband.

Kimberly Joe Kerr, 46, was arrested on Feb. 25 and charged with ongoing criminal conduct, contraband possession, and sexual exploitation.

Authorities allege Kerr had sexual encounters with the inmate between July and October 2024 and facilitated contraband sales using a Cash App account, receiving over $5,600. Investigators found contraband linked to the scheme inside the prison.

Kerr posted a $35,000 bond and was released the same day. As of Friday March 7th, Kerr’s next scheduled court date was not available.

Under Iowa law, a person convicted of a Class B felony can be sentenced up to 25 years in prison and fined up to $100,000.

KILJ Reached out to The Iowa Department of Corrections on February 26^th and has not yet received a statement regarding the situation.

Mount Pleasant School Board members met last night for their site & policy meetings. During their meeting they reviewed the proposed infrastructure improvements funded through the Secure an Advanced Vision for Education (SAVE) penny sales tax, which generates approximately $2.2 to $2.5 million annually based on state-wide sales and district enrollment. The funds support physical plant improvements, equipment purchases, and vehicle acquisitions.

The board is set to revisit the proposal during the work session on March 24, with final approval expected in April.

Central Office Lease Renewal

The committee also reviewed a proposed one-year lease extension for the central office space. The current lease, which began in 2022, is set to expire on August 1. The new proposal from the landlord includes a rent increase from $3,600 to $3,865 per month, totaling $46,380 annually.

Given ongoing facility master planning efforts, the committee agreed that a one-year extension is a suitable short-term solution while determining the feasibility of relocating central office operations to the district’s central campus.

Henry County Fuel System Upgrade Proposal

The school board committee reviewed an initial proposal from Henry County to upgrade its fuel system at an estimated cost of $145,000 to $160,000. The district, which currently sources fuel from the county, would be responsible for approximately 25% of the cost based on annual usage.

School District Weighs Expansion, Funding, and STEM Growth

The local school board discussed their master plan update as the district is considering facility upgrades to address growing student needs. Plans include expanding Van Allen to support early childhood education, improving traffic flow at multiple schools to ease congestion, and upgrading athletic facilities on campus and at Maple leaf stadium, to enhance student and community access.

Funding remains a challenge, with an estimated $10–11 million shortfall. The district is weighing a two-question bond proposal, which could impact property taxes. The first question would cover essential improvements, while the second would address additional upgrades, depending on voter approval.

In an effort to strengthen STEM education, the district is seeking grants and partnerships to modernize classrooms and integrate advanced technology into curriculum. Community input will play a key role in shaping the final plans. The next public School Board meeting will be Monday March 10^th in the media center at the Mount Pleasant High School. A work session meeting will be March 24^th to discuss the Facilities Master Plan in detail.

The Des Moine County Conservation Department is inviting Outdoor enthusiasts to their Hook & Hunt event. This event is the kickoff meeting for the Hunting Mentorship Program. The event is set to take place on March 20th at 6:00 PM at The Drake Restaurant in Burlington.

This mentorship program aims to connect experienced hunters and anglers with individuals and families eager to learn more about outdoor sports. Organizers are seeking both mentors and mentees to participate.

• Mentors: Experienced hunters and anglers willing to share their knowledge, help newcomers develop skills, and emphasize safety in outdoor activities.
• Mentees: Individuals or families who want to learn more about hunting and fishing but need guidance to get started.

Mentors will work directly with mentees to create learning opportunities, coordinate schedules, and ensure safety remains a top priority. With a wealth of outdoor resources in the area, this program is designed to help more people take advantage of them.

The event is free to attend, and dinner will be provided by the Aldo Leopold Pheasants Forever Chapter. No RSVP is required—just show up, connect with fellow outdoor enthusiasts, and get involved in building a stronger outdoor community.