Congressman Dave Loebsack visited Kalona on Thursday and made a stop at Mid-Prairie Middle School. Loebsack, Iowa’s representative from the second congressional district, was able to see facilities in the building including learning pods, refocus rooms, and talk about district growth, legislation and implementation at the district with principal Marc Pennington and Superintendent Mark Schneider. Loebsack discussed with the group why he plans on making education one of the focuses of his remaining time in office. “Education is a big part of what I want to do the rest of my time here. I taught at Cornell College for 24 years. I know the value of public education. I grew up in Sioux City and wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for the education I got there. Then at Iowa State and UC Davis where I did my PhD and my wife teaching 28 years at Mount Vernon.”

Loebsack has announced he will not run for re-election following the conclusion of his term which ends in 2021. He has served in the House of Representatives since 2007.