Meet the Candidates: Melinda Huisinga for School Board

Why are you running for the School Board?

I am a native of Mt. Pleasant and realize a strong school system is vital to our community in order to attract and keep families. I am seeking re-election to continue supporting a safe, nurturing and forward-thinking learning environment for all students.

Why do you think you would be a good member of the board?

Before moving back to Mt. Pleasant, I served twelve years on the Carlisle school board and can offer that experience as a resource. My degree in business administration, career background in Human Resources, previous school board experience and community leadership can help guide our district through upcoming decisions, including the hiring of a new district superintendent and facilities planning.

What are your main accomplishments in life?

My first priority is family. My late husband, Alan, and I raised two children and have two grandsons. I am also proud of my 33-year career with EMC National Life Company in Des Moines, where I retired as Vice President of Human Resources. I currently serve as the Executive Director of the Old Threshers Foundation, a board member for Midwest Old Threshers, Chamber ambassador, treasurer of P.E.O. Chapter OX, secretary of Chapter DD of T.T.T., administrative board member of the First United Methodist Church and steering committee member for the Mt. Pleasant Festival of Lights.

What about the District needs the most improvement, and how could you, in your position, help with this?

Due to our district’s decreasing enrollment and loss of state funding as a result, the Board has some difficult decisions to make in order to balance the budget. Can the District afford to financially support seven attendance centers in the future? The District also needs to address the fact our elementary buildings are aging; they were not designed to offer the safety and security needed in today’s environment or to handle modern teaching strategies and technology used in today’s 21st century classrooms. Currently, there is an ad hoc Facilities Master Planning Committee comprised of a cross-section of community members and school personnel studying our facility needs. They are to present their recommendation(s) to the Board by the end of January. I feel my previous school board experience in facilities master planning could serve as a resource as the Mt. Pleasant Community School District moves forward.