Superintendent Henriksen to retire after two decades with MPCSD

MT. PLEASANT — Superintendent John Henriksen will retire at the end of the 2025-2026 school year, capping a long career in school district leadership, 20 years of which were spent in Mt. Pleasant Community School District.

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As he nears the close of a chapter of long-standing dedication to southeast Iowa education, Henriksen expressed his gratitude and the board discussed next steps at its July meeting.

“It has been my honor, my pleasure to serve,” Henriksen said during the Mt. Pleasant Community School District board meeting Monday night, July 14. The announcement marked the beginning of a transition for the district he’s helped shape over nearly two decades.

Board President Angie Blint responded to the news by outlining a plan to hire Henriksen’s successor, emphasizing the importance of experience and outside help.

Henriksen’s retirement will conclude a 20-year tenure as a superintendent over two school districts. Of those years 10 were spent at both Central Lee and Mt. Pleasant school district.

Before taking on his first superintendent position with Central Lee in 2006 Henriksen served in another leadership role in Mt. Pleasant Community School District as first the associate principal for six years then the principal for four years at the high school.

Ten years after leaving the district, Henriksen happily accepted the position as MPCSD’s Superintendent and returned. He began his tenure in this position after John Roederer served as interim superintendent for the district.

When selected for this position, Roederer said Henriksen stood out to the board because of his overall experience working with Central Lee and his specific experience with school finance.

Additional standout skills included his ability to work with others and build community.

Back in 2016 Henriksen was known and loved and community and that hasn’t changed.

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Board member Melinda Huisinga offered a brief but heartfelt thanks at the July MPCSD Board meeting.

“I just wanted to thank John for his service,” she said. “I really appreciate what you’ve done for our community.”

Henriksen simply replied, “My pleasure.”

Throughout his time as MPCSD’s superintendent, Henriksen has seen the district through numerous changes including the recent purchase of the former Iowa Wesleyan University central campus.

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Additionally, Henriksen has found time to play an active role in not only the school community, but the Mt. Pleasant Community as a whole. He has delivered numerous commencement addresses to graduating MPCSD seniors, honored many MPCSD retires before him, participated in many legislative meetings, joined in activities with the Mt. Pleasant Chamber Alliance, and remained active with his church and the Cradle of Hope ministry.

Board President Angie Blint responded to the news by outlining a plan to hire Henriksen’s successor, emphasizing the importance of experience and outside help.

“Based on my research, I don't think we want to go after hiring a new superintendent all on our own. There are search firms many places have used,” Blint said. “So, I would like to propose that we request two proposals from two different search firms sometime in the next month.”

Blint said she hopes proposals can be presented to the board by the August or September meetings. The board will review those submissions and vote on the firm that will lead the district’s search.

Many of the specifics, such as a timeline on this search, have not been finalized by the MPCSD Board, but the first steps are already in motion.

Henriksen’s final school year will begin this fall. As the board moves to identify a search firm and begin recruitment, the district is preparing for a thoughtful handoff to the next leader — and a farewell to one of Mt. Pleasant’s most familiar educational figures.

Comments: AnnaMarie.Kruse@southeastiowaunion.com