Former director Joy Lynn Conwell running again for school board

Joy Lynn Conwell wants to return to the Mt. Pleasant Community School District Board of Directors.

Conwell field nomination papers Wednesday for the District V position on the school board. The position is being vacated by Brad Holtkamp, who submitted his resignation, effective following the September board meeting.

Prior to Holtkamp?s service on the board, Conwell represented District V on the board for two (four-year) terms and has remained active in the education community. She recently served as secretary of the school?s facilities committee.

Conwell and her husband, Ed, are residents of rural Salem and parents of two Mt. Pleasant High School graduates. Together, they have provided 20 years of service on the school board.

?I feel my background will serve our young people, their families and our community well, as we move forward in our district in a strong and positive way,? Conwell said in making her announcement. ?The school board is a collaborative team who must focus on preparing our young people as they go forward in our ever-changing world.?

Historical collections and circulation associate at Iowa Wesleyan College?s Chadwick Library, Conwell also is a freelance writer and speaker on topics dealing with local, regional and state history. She has been recognized for her work with young people in history, including receiving the Silver Beaver and Nation Spurgeon awards from the Boy Scouts of America.

The school board election is Tuesday, Sept. 8.