Pocahontas Area Comm School District board appoints Derek Essing and Rebecca Mooney to fill vacancies

The Pocahontas Area Comm School District board unanimously approved appointments to fill two board vacancies at its regular meeting.

Rob Bulley, superintendent, read written applications and prepared answers from the candidates. Derek Essing was nominated for the District 1 opening; board member Dena moved to appoint him and Sheree seconded. The board approved the appointment by voice vote. The board then appointed Rebecca Mooney to the at‑large seat on a motion by Sheree, seconded by Dena; that motion also passed unanimously. Both appointees were sworn in at the meeting.

Essing told the board in his application that he wants to “ensure the district is putting the best interests of the students and staff first” and cited experience with maintenance and county facilities work. In his written answers he described familiarity with maintenance expenses and said he is employed by the county under the board of supervisors.

Mooney described a personal connection to the district in her application — she said her grandfather and children graduated from the system — and noted experience as a school nurse filling in during a colleague’s leave and as a current board member of the American Legion Auxiliary. Mooney told the board she brings “a positive outlook,” cultural competence from raising biracial children and an ability to seek compromise.

Superintendent Bulley told new members they would receive orientation materials, training opportunities through the Iowa Association of School Boards and district email and name-plate setup. He also reviewed public meeting law basics, including the 24‑hour public notice requirement and the prohibition on a quorum deliberating outside a posted meeting.

The board’s June calendar items include orientation, a community facilities meeting on May 20 and a June 4 work session with Denovo to discuss facilities priorities.