Mt. Pleasant School Board discusses facilities plan, budget, and Salem Elementary concerns

MT. PLEASANT — The Mt. Pleasant Community School District (MPCSD) Board of Directors discussed key district issues at the February board meeting. Some topics of the meeting included the Facilities Master Plan, financial outlook, technology updates, and the proposed 2025-2026 school calendar.

The district continues developing the Facilities Master Plan to address long-term space needs, funding strategies, and building improvements. Board members confirmed that the plan remains on track for a November 2025 bond referendum, a crucial step in securing funding for school upgrades. The timeline includes preliminary budget estimates later this month, a community engagement period in March, and the finalization of master plan documents in April.

District leaders scheduled a school board meeting on March 10 for another progress update and a series of community engagement meetings from March 12 to March 28, allowing residents to provide feedback on proposed facility changes.

The district expects to finalize the master plan and cost estimates by April 17. Board members plan to vote on the plan and decide whether to move forward with the bond referendum on April 28. If approved, the district will establish a referendum committee and communication strategy in May, followed by community outreach and campaigning from August through November 2025.

With these changes parents and community members continue to raise concerns about possible changes to elementary schools, particularly the potential closure of Salem Elementary.

A group, known as Citizens of MPCSD for Change, met following the Jan. 17 board meeting that unveiled the potential for closing Salem Elementary. After the February board meeting, this group expressed displeasure with MPCSD Superintendent John Henriksen’s committee meeting notes. The concerns arose from notes on the Feb. 6 site committee meeting which states they reviewed a proposal from Donovan Group for communications support and strategies related to the Facilities Master Plan and potential bond referendum in November 2025 with a proposed cost of $3,000 per month.

Members of Citizens of MPCSD for Change continue to share information via social media and word-of-mouth. A specific message asking community members with concerns to attend future meetings and call and email Henriksen their thoughts.

The board meeting also included an update from MPCSD Finance Director Jessica Boyer.

Boyer presented the district’s latest financial report, highlighting a 2.3% increase in county taxable valuations for Fiscal Year 2026, which raises the total valuation to $657.6 million. While this increase provides additional funding, district officials remain cautious in their financial planning.

The board reviewed potential new money scenarios, projecting a 1.52% funding increase — adding approximately $210,000 in revenue. Board members stressed the need for careful budgeting to balance rising operational costs with available resources. They also reviewed the FY24 audit results, which reported no compliance issues. The district continues preparing its FY26 certified budget, with public hearings scheduled for March 10 and April 14.

Board members also evaluated a proposal to renew Apple devices for students. The district has been testing both iPads and MacBook laptops at the middle and high school levels to determine the best option for classroom use. The district plans to decide between three- and four-year lease agreements based on feedback and learning needs.

Henriksen updated the board on the district’s Instructional Support Levy, which generates nearly $1 million annually. Since the current levy will expire in FY26, board members will need to decide whether to renew or adjust it in the coming year.

The board also reviewed the 2025-2026 school calendar, which includes 175 instructional days and 1,098 total hours to comply with Iowa law. In the first draft of the calendar, the school year will begin on Aug. 25 with semester breaks and professional development days scheduled throughout the year.

Henriksen shared key legislative updates that could impact the Mt. Pleasant Community School District and other school districts across Iowa. These updates included proposed funding changes, teacher salary increases, student regulations, and operational adjustments at the state level​.

One of the most pressing legislative issues is the State Supplemental Aid (SSA) increase, which stands at 2% in the current Senate proposal. While an increase in SSA provides additional funding to schools, this level of aid would force about half Iowa's school districts onto the 101% Budget Guarantee, shifting nearly $25 million in costs to local property taxpayers.

Another major legislative proposal involves teacher salary increases. The proposed plan sets a minimum salary of $50,000 for new teachers and $62,000 for teachers with at least 12 years of experience. If enacted, this measure would cost the state approximately $49 million.

While educators and advocates generally support higher wages to improve teacher retention and recruitment, districts are awaiting further details on how the state will fund the increases and whether they will require additional local contributions.

Legislators are also considering a $14 million funding package to increase hourly staff wages, which could benefit paraprofessionals, custodians, and other essential school employees. However, as with the teacher salary proposal, funding details remain unclear.

A student cellphone regulation bill has moved into subcommittee discussions. If passed, the law would require each school board to develop a formal policy on personal device use during instructional time. The bill would also mandate professional development for teachers on managing student device use and would introduce new social media education requirements for students in grades 6-8 as part of health curriculum standards.

Lawmakers are also reviewing proposed changes to chronic absenteeism policies. The current law triggers mandatory family engagement meetings once a student misses 10% of the school year. The proposed revision would eliminate the requirement for certified mail notifications and provide exemptions for students who remain academically on track despite their absences.

Another bill seeks to exempt school resource officers (SROs) and social workers from the 21-student operational sharing cap, allowing districts more flexibility in hiring additional personnel. Other proposals under consideration include a civics test requirement for graduation and expanded funding for students who attend out-of-state special education placements.

Lawmakers have also introduced a state-funded grant program to encourage partnerships between school districts and day care providers. This initiative aims to increase access to early childhood education and support working families by strengthening prekindergarten opportunities within public schools.

Finally, several bills that could adjust the start date for Iowa schools have passed committee votes. Lobbyists remain hopeful that legislative changes will provide greater flexibility for districts like Mt. Pleasant when setting school start dates in future years.

As the district moves forward with facilities planning and financial decisions, the community is invited to engage in conversations. Upcoming public meetings will give residents opportunities to voice their concerns and offer input on long-term funding strategies and potential school closures.

The board scheduled its next meeting for March 10, where officials will provide further updates on facilities planning, financial projections, and district policy changes.

Comments: AnnaMarie.Kruse@southeastiowaunion.com