The Mount Pleasant Community School District Board of Directors held their June meeting Monday evening, approving several items ranging from a new student support option through a virtual learning agreement to policy updates and facility changes.

Online Learning Partnership with Burlington

In a significant step to support students with unique needs, the Board approved a 28E agreement with the Burlington Community School District to allow Mount Pleasant students to access Burlington’s virtual education program. The option, available for students in grades 6-12, is intended for short-term use in cases where in-person attendance is not viable due to medical, emotional, or family-related challenges.

“We’ve been clear from the beginning: this is not about Mount Pleasant offering a general online school,” said Superintendent John Henriksen. “This is a targeted tool in our toolbox for students who, for reasons beyond their control, need an alternative temporarily. We want to bring these students back into our classrooms when the time is right.”

Board members acknowledged the flexibility this program offers, particularly for students facing medical emergencies, anxiety, or other hardships. They emphasized the importance of regular evaluation and intentional reintegration planning.

Updated Cell Phone and Electronic Device Policy

The Board also approved the first reading of a revised policy concerning student use of personal electronic devices. The policy, required by new state legislation, defines “instructional time” as the full school day, excluding lunch and recess, and prohibits student use of phones, smartwatches, and other devices during that time unless permitted under an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), 504 plan, or for medical necessity.

Superintendent Henriksen noted that this change would mostly affect high school students. Communication to families will be emphasized in the weeks leading up to the 2025-2026 school year.

2025-2026 Student Handbook Updates

Handbook revisions were also reviewed and approved. These updates included minor language corrections, additions for preschool, and clarifications across all grade levels. Principals collaborated on the changes, which reflect current practices and board policy.

Central Campus Facility Update

The Board approved a $47,000 change order to add air conditioning to the warehouse portion of the Central Campus receiving and transportation facility. The space stores sensitive materials such as paper, which require temperature and humidity control. The initial bid package failed to include HVAC for this area.

Instead of installing multiple wall units, the district chose a more efficient solution involving a rooftop air handler and outdoor condenser. The new system is expected to reduce long-term maintenance and improve reliability.

Additional Items Approved

• 12-Month Employee Vacation Schedule: No changes were proposed, and the Board unanimously approved the continuation of the current schedule.
• 2025-2026 Bread Bid: The district renewed its bread supply contract with Bimbo Bakeries (Holsum) after receiving no other bids. Slight price increases were noted for sandwich buns and other items.
• Great Prairie AEA Contract: The Board approved the annual agreement for training and services related to the Special Education Plan, part of statewide changes under House File 612, shifting funding allocations between districts and Area Education Agencies (AEAs).

The meeting concluded with all items passing with unanimous support. Board members voiced continued commitment to ensuring the district remains flexible, student-focused, and well-equipped for the coming school year.

Authorities are asking for the public’s help in locating 17-year-old Lily Ann Schuelka, who has been reported missing since June 5, 2025.

According to the Iowa Missing Person Information Clearinghouse, Lily is described as a white female, standing 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighing approximately 130 pounds. She has red hair, hazel eyes, and was last in contact with anyone on Thursday, June 5.

The Fort Madison Police Department is actively investigating her disappearance and urges anyone with information—no matter how small—to come forward.

If you have seen Lily or have any knowledge of her whereabouts, please contact the Fort Madison Police Department or the Iowa Missing Person Information Clearinghouse.

Your assistance could make a critical difference in bringing Lily home safely.

Naig Highlights Crop Progress Amid Shifting Weather Conditions Across Iowa

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig offered comments today following the release of the latest Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report, published weekly by the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). The report provides vital updates for producers and stakeholders throughout the growing season from April through November.

“While the highest rainfall totals were concentrated in western Iowa over the past week, much of the state received some rain and cooler temperatures,” Secretary Naig noted. “The crops could use some heat, and it looks like it’s on the way. The warmer weather and possible showers in the forecast this week should give the corn and soybeans a lift.”

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship also issues a weather summary alongside each weekly crop report, providing context on how conditions are influencing field progress and plant development.

According to the report for the week ending June 8, Iowa farmers had an average of 4.7 days suitable for fieldwork. Key field activities included hay cutting and crop spraying.

Crop and Soil Conditions:

• Topsoil moisture: 4% very short, 21% short, 71% adequate, 4% surplus

• Subsoil moisture: 5% very short, 28% short, 64% adequate, 3% surplus

Corn Progress:

• Emerged: 92% (4 days ahead of 2024, 2 days behind the 5-year average)

• Condition: 85% rated good to excellent (up 1 percentage point from last week)

Soybean Progress:

• Planted: 97% of expected acres

• Emerged: 88% (10 days ahead of 2024, 4 days ahead of average)

• Condition: 80% rated good to excellent (down 1 percentage point from last week)

Small Grains and Forage:

• Oats: Emergence nearly complete, with 53% headed and 10% turning color

• Oat Condition: 84% rated good to excellent

• Alfalfa Hay: 77% of first cutting completed, with some second cutting reported

• Hay Condition: 82% good to excellent

• Pasture Condition: 70% good to excellent (slight decrease from last week)

The weekly report, along with weather summaries and additional agricultural data, is available online at nass.usda.gov.

Shortly after 11 a.m. on Monday, emergency crews were dispatched to the intersection of 200th st. and Lexington Avenue, just north of Mount Pleasant, following reports of a field spraying truck entangled in a power line.

According to scanner traffic, the incident involved a sprayer truck that became stuck to an overhead power line while working near the roadway. Responding agencies included the Mount Pleasant Fire Department, the Henry County Sheriff’s Department, and Access Energy Cooperative.

Upon arrival, first responders found the driver still inside the sprayer. Out of an abundance of caution, the operator remained in the cab for over 40 minutes until Access Energy crews could safely assess and resolve the electrical hazard.

Using a bucket truck and specialized equipment, Access Energy Cooperative was able to safely disconnect the sprayer arm from the power line. Once the equipment was separated, the operator carefully backed the sprayer away and successfully lowered the boom.

No injuries were reported. The Mount Pleasant Fire Department, & Henry County Sheriff’s Department worked together to secure the road way and clear the area.

The scene was fully cleared shortly before noon. No power was reported to be affected during the accident.