The Central Lee Community School District has announced that longtime educator and musician Marilyn Young will be posthumously inducted into the 2025 Central Lee Fine Arts Hall of Fame.

A cherished figure in the Donnellson, Argyle, and Montrose communities, Young devoted 38 years to teaching music and inspiring generations of students to discover their creativity and confidence through the arts.

“Mrs. Young’s impact on Central Lee is immeasurable,” said Superintendent Dr. Andy Crozier. “She didn’t just teach music; she inspired generations of students to find their voice, believe in themselves, and carry a lifelong love for the arts. It’s an honor to recognize her legacy in our Fine Arts Hall of Fame.”

Originally from northeast Missouri, Young graduated from Scotland County High School and went on to earn an associate of arts degree from Hannibal-LaGrange College in 1963. She continued her studies at Oklahoma Baptist University, where she received her bachelor of music education in 1965.

Young began her career as an elementary general music teacher at Donnellson Elementary, which later became part of Central Lee Elementary. Known for her kindness, passion, and dedication, she inspired thousands of students through classroom lessons, school programs, and private piano instruction from her home. Many of her students later became musicians and music educators, carrying forward the values she instilled.

Her influence remains deeply felt among alumni and colleagues. Heather Madsen, a Central Lee graduate and current teacher, shared, “She made me fall in love with music and want to share that same joy with others.”

Fellow Hall of Fame inductee Flint Hawes, Class of 1995, echoed that sentiment: “She took an interest in my love of piano and encouraged me in every way she could. Her dedication to our community, our school, and especially her students was admirable.”

Young made her home in Donnellson with her husband and two daughters. She passed away peacefully in North Richland Hills, Texas, at the age of 82. Her legacy continues through the many lives she touched—each carrying forward her belief that every child has a song worth sharing.

The Fine Arts Hall of Fame Ceremony honoring both the 2024 and 2025 inductees will be held on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. The event is open to the public.

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.”

The Mount Pleasant Community School District Board of Education met in a special session Monday evening, October 27, to take action on one primary item of new business — the consideration of bids for demolition of the historic P.E.O. Memorial Building, located near the district’s campus.

Three bids were received and opened earlier that afternoon at the central office. The district’s estimated budget for the project was $371,000, with the lowest responsible bid submitted by DeCarlo Corporation at $238,125. DeCarlo met all bid requirements, including bid security, and had participated in both the pre-bid meeting and a site walk through.

After reviewing the bids, Superintendent John Henriksen recommended accepting DeCarlo’s proposal, noting that the company’s experience and preparation gave the district confidence in their ability to safely complete the project.

Safety, Cost, and Future Planning at the Center of Debate

While the bid review itself was straightforward, the discussion surrounding the fate of the P.E.O. Memorial Building was anything but simple. Board members expressed a mix of practicality and emotion regarding whether to demolish, sell, or preserve the historic structure.

Henriksen presented background information on the building’s condition, proximity to the district’s Activity Center, and ongoing maintenance issues — including a recent sewer backup, concerns about asbestos and lead-based paint, and the building’s overall liability risk to the district.

He explained that while some community members had expressed interest in preserving the building, no viable proposals had emerged that would both protect the district financially and ensure the site could be safely used.

“The school district is not in the business of historic preservation,” Henriksen said. “Our responsibility is to provide safe and productive learning environments for our students. Right now, this building presents a safety concern and a financial burden.”

Board Considers Proposals and Community Sentiment

Board members acknowledged the community’s attachment to the P.E.O. building and the desire to see it repurposed. One proposal from a group called CR Heritage had been submitted, but members expressed concerns about its financial feasibility, noting that the plan lacked clear funding and would likely leave the district exposed if the project stalled.

Several members also discussed whether to postpone the demolition decision to allow more time for alternative proposals. However, others noted that doing so could create additional costs and safety risks as the structure continues to deteriorate.

The board also considered the potential impact of selling a corner of district-owned property before the district’s master plan for future campus development is finalized. Most members agreed that holding onto the land was in the district’s best long-term interest.

Final Decision

After extensive discussion, the board voted to accept the low bid from DeCarlo Corporation for demolition of the P.E.O. Memorial Building. The motion passed unanimously.

The demolition work will include removal of the structure and preservation of the building’s cornerstone and its contents, which will be retained by the district.

While many acknowledged the emotional weight of the decision, the consensus among board members was that the move represents a necessary step for safety, fiscal responsibility