Grade-alike school planning makes progress

MT. PLEASANT — Mt. Pleasant Community School District makes progress as they near competition of phase one for instituting grade-alike schools for the 2024-2025 school year.

At June’s school board meeting, Monday night, Superintendent John Henriksen provided an update on the process.

“As you know, we're going to grade alike in the fall of 2024,” Henriksen said. “Phase one of our process runs through June 30, and we are checking off or we're hitting all of our bullets in phase one.”

Part of this phase included deciding which buildings would house which grade levels.

“Preschool and kindergarten is going to be located at Harlan elementary,” Henriksen said. “Kate Sands is going to be the principal at the preschool and kindergarten buildings.”

“First and second grade is going to be at Lincoln elementary. Lori LaFrenz will be the principal,” he said. “Third, fourth, and fifth will be at Van Allen Elementary with Mr. Gossen.”

According to Henriksen, Lori LaFrenz will also be the principal for Salem Elementary, which will not be included in the grade-alike restructure.

“We've had these had these conversations with individuals and collectively about these assignments,” Henriksen said.

Additionally, phase one has included conversations with specials teachers that lead music, art and physical education in the elementary buildings.

Henriksen stated that they have had conversations with these teachers to determine needs according to where grade levels will be located.

According to Henriksen, many other conversations have been held with school counselors and secretaries to sort out assignments for the 2024-2025 school year when this change is planned to take effect.

Another part of phase one will include a conversation scheduled next Monday, June 19, to discuss transportation.

“What about librarians?” Board Member Melinda Huisinga asked.

“Lottie Schnicker, our teacher librarian, and I have talked about the movement of books and all that is going to take next summer, so, she is prepping for that,” Henriksen responded.

Henriksen also assured the board and those present at the board meeting that through this next year of planning many different aspects will need considered including moving furniture according to grade levels.

“So, that is coming along,” Henriksen said.

Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com