Jim Hussey, left, presented with plaque by Mid-Prairie Board President Jeremy Pickard. Photo by Sam McIntosh.
The longest-serving board member in the Mid-Prairie School District’s history was honored at Monday’s board meeting.
Jim Hussey, who has served for 19 consecutive years, announced his resignation on August 13th due to a change in his wife Jean’s employment and him spending more time outside of the school district. All of the board members, Superintendent Mark Schneider, and Mid-Prairie Education Association President Marnett Meier thanked Hussey for his commitment to the district and its students. Board president Jeremy Pickard complimented Hussey for his analytical mind, and board member Gabrielle Frederick recalled advice Hussey once gave her, “Just when I was a new board member I remember him saying, ‘It’s okay if you’re the only one that says no.’ And I’m an adult, I know that, but just to see him stand up for what he believes in, and the fact that he hasn’t had a student at Mid-Prairie for how many years but still has such a big heart for our students is pretty amazing.”
In his final remarks Hussey recited a few quotes from one of his heroes, the late Senator John McCain, including one from his last book, The Restless Wave, “‘The world is a fine place and worth the fighting for and I hate very much to leave it, spoke my hero Robert Jordan in For Whom the Bell Tolls, and I do too, I hate to leave it but I don’t have a complaint, not one, it’s been quite a ride.’ And now back to me, as I leave the board I’d like to thank you all and everyone at the Mid-Prairie District, I have no complaints, not one, it’s been quite a ride.”
Hussey was presented an award of merit and a lifetime pass to Mid-Prairie activities. The board has until 30 days since Hussey announced his resignation to appoint a new member which is September 12th, and the next board meeting is on September 10th. Those interested in serving may contact Business Manager Jeff Swartzentruber at 319-646-6093 or email him at jswartzentruber@mphawks.org.