Derek Mullin - School Board District 2 - Mtpcsd

10/31/2025

I sat down with John Bain at the end of August when I announced my reelection campaign. I gave a summary of what the board had been working on over the summer and a look at things coming up. Fully transparent, always honest, and always welcoming of ideas and input.

If you are judging which candidate to vote for, I recommend listening to this interview to understand my role on the school board. Listen to the candidate forum and make an informed decision.

My commitment to the students of our district and my integrity when making decisions is the promise that I make to our community.

Thanks for your support, go Panthers

On this episode of Southeast Iowa Today John Bain finds out what the Mount Pleasant, Iowa, School Board has been up to this summer from Vice President of the...

10/31/2025

I had an opportunity to speak to a Government class today about our district school board. This experience proves how important it is to listen to students and include their voices in school discussions. The conversation was open and honest, and I was impressed by how thoughtful the students were. They shared positive feedback about the no-cell-phone policy, brought up concerns about how declining enrollment could affect the district, and showed real interest in the future of our school facilities, especially Central Campus. Their questions during the Q&A showed they truly care about what happens in our schools. Hearing several students talk about wanting to stay in or come back to Mount Pleasant after graduation was especially meaningful—it showed how much they value this community and want to be part of its future.

I’m excited to have another opportunity to volunteer in another classroom in a few weeks!

10/30/2025

Why are you running for the School Board? As a lifelong member of our community, I was raised with values …

10/29/2025

When it comes to hiring a new superintendent, that’s about the biggest decision a school board can make. The person in that role sets the tone for the whole district—how our schools are run, how staff feel supported, and how families see the future of education in our community. For that reason, I believe the process should be both thorough and hands-on.

In our district, we’ve worked with Grundmeyer Leader Services, who bring real expertise to superintendent searches. They guide us through the process, but it’s not just them doing the work—it’s also about board members like me being directly involved. That means showing up to presentations, carefully reviewing survey results from staff and parents, and taking the time to study candidate information so we’re not just rubber-stamping a decision. Board members are getting weekly updates regarding applicants (confidential information), but this is being done so that we can do professional and personal due diligence.

As a parent and a community member, I know this decision doesn’t just affect the here and now—it impacts our schools for years to come. As a previous educator, I had worked with multiple superintendents. I have discussed education concerns and brainstormed with nearby superintendents from other districts for their ideas, policies, and to better apply ideas across our region. As a current board member, I have been trained by the Iowa School Board Association regarding the legalities of board decisions, and had opportunities to communicate with several existing superintendents and understand their responsibilities and roles.

Choosing the right superintendent can build trust, improve learning, and give our district stability. That’s why I take this responsibility seriously and believe in keeping the process grounded in what’s best for our kids and community.

Paid By Derek Mullin

10/28/2025

Recording of the 10/27 Work Session - https://www.youtube.com/live/tKqmDYr6Xjg?si=WIgjbjEaUhEw2Zrk

10/27/2025

Special Session Board Meeting | 10/27/2025 - 06:00 PM
Mount Pleasant Community High School Media Center | 2104 South Grand Avenue

10/27/2025

As emphasized in my other share, this is a district strength of music appreciation! It’s a program that supports diverse musical skills.

10/27/2025

Thank you to all of the music department teachers that start the foundation in elementary music, and build skills in both Middle School and High School. We have a district culture with decades of appreciation for choir, marching band, concert band, jazz band, and show choir. Let’s keep this up!

OPUS HONOR CHOIR NEWS RELEASE

Mount Pleasant High School 9th graders Gabby Myers (alto, also selected as a small group soloist), Kylan Parrish (tenor), Courtney Smith (alto alternate), and Emily Hunold (alto alternate) were recently selected for participation in the 39th annual Opus Honor Choir Festival. Mount Pleasant Middle School 6th grader Chloe Carter was also selected for participation in the festival. Over 3,000 students were nominated by their directors and auditioned for 720 positions in the four Opus Honor Choirs. Selections were made by means of a recorded audition. Guest conductors of the choirs include Lisa Rehms, 5th/6th Grade Treble Clef Honor Choir; Luke Miller, 7th/8th Grade Bass Clef Honor Choir; Dr. Sarah Van Waardhuizen, 7th/8th Grade Treble Clef Honor Choir; and Ted Brimeyer, 9th Grade Mixed Honor Choir. The 2025 Opus Honor Choirs will perform at 4:00 p.m. on November 20th at Stephens Auditorium in the Iowa State Center in Ames. The Opus Honor Choir Festival is made possible by the Iowa Choral Directors Association, Inc.

Photo attached (in order from left to right: Courtney Smith, Emily Hunold, Chloe Carter, Kylan Parrish, Gabby Myers)

10/26/2025

Mount Pleasant FFA students are leaving on Tuesday for National Convention. Proud of these students that will be representing our district, learning to network and develop communication skills, participating in educational workshops and tours.

10/24/2025

Portrait of a Panther emphasizes real life civic skills and characteristics that students will use their entire lives.

10/24/2025