Candidates for Mt. Pleasant School Board emphasize experience, transparency, and community input

MT. PLEASANT — Early voting in the special election to fill the vacant seat on the Mt. Pleasant Community School District Board is now open. Candidates Todd Liechty and Mark Overberg both stress the importance of transparency, communication, and student-focused leadership as top priorities for their campaigns.

While Liechty and Overberg bring different professional backgrounds to the race, they both share passion for those in the MPCSD.

Todd Liechty: Decades in Education

Todd Liechty, a former MPCSD assistant principal and principal with more than 40 years in education, says his career has prepared him for this next step in service.

“I have a passion for the Mt. Pleasant CSD and its students,” Liechty wrote in his campaign flyer. “This is a new way to continue my life’s work and give back to the community that has supported me throughout my life.”

While the end of Leichty’s career took him away from Mt. Pleasant, in retirement, he didn’t hesitate to return to the community he holds dear.

“Obviously, 40 years in education has a lot to do with my experiences along the way,” Leichty said as he explained the growth he has experienced from his time as an uncertain first-year teacher to a seasoned administrator with experience in bond issues and staffing.

“As a school board member, you make decisions based on what's best for the district, not necessarily the things you want to do,” he said.

He also emphasized the value of open debate among board members and assures voters that he will not shy away from difficult conversations.

“If there are things that need to be talked about, I think as a board member we have those conversations,” he said. “And then when we vote, it’s over.”

A theme of open communication recurs throughout Liechty’s plans if he is elected.

On the issue of reorganizing elementary campuses, which is currently a hot topic for district families, Liechty said his focus is to provide every student with the same opportunities.

“So, the best way, in my mind, is that we open discussion up,” he said. “We have discussion.”

Outside of holding discussions about the future of elementaries in the district, as a candidate, Liechty expresses concerns over legislation, specifically private school vouchers.

“There’s how many million dollars go into private schools with no qualifications on what’s done with the money,” he said. “So financing is huge.”

Mark Overberg: Grounded in Industry and Family

Mark Overberg, a lifelong Salem resident, is running on a platform of local accountability and pragmatic leadership. With 35 years in manufacturing and 25 years in farming, Overberg says his professional background and family ties to education give him a strong foundation.

“I have been a lifelong resident of Salem, Iowa,” Overberg said. “We have three grown children, one of which is an elementary school teacher … I have 12 family members that are also schoolteachers.”

Additionally, Overberg says that working his way up from the shop floor at Continental taught him problem solving, effective communication, and team building skills that will serve him well if elected to the MPCSD Board.

Overberg says he speaks for his neighbors and community. He relates to many that have expressed concerns about a lack of transparency.

“I’ve been attending school board meeting since last October,” he said. “There’s a lot of stuff being discussed that does not get out to the public. If I was elected, transparency is where we need to be.”

As a candidate, Overberg also voices concerns about the elementary reorganization plan.

“We can use our four elementary schools better than what we can with the central campus,” he said. “I’m personally for the neighborhood schools … it should come from our community, because that’s who we’re representing.”

Overberg further states he would like to explore modular classrooms and other ideas to create the best atmosphere for children to learn in MPCSD. Additionally, he believes there should be a focus on teacher and student retention.

While he does not have the same education background as Leichty, Overberg says he is willing to learn. Most importantly, Overberg says he wishes to listen to the people of the district and bring their opinions and concerns to the board.

Election Details

The special election will be held Tuesday, May 13, with voting open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Manning Hall in Mt. Pleasant. Early voting is already underway at the Henry County Courthouse.

Comments: AnnaMarie.Kruse@southeastiowaunion.com