MACS prepares for 2025-26
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Welcomes five new instructors
By Darrell Dodge
MOUNT AYR, IA – The 2025-26 school year starts Monday, September 25 at Diagonal and Mount Ayr Community Schools. Mount Ayr elementary students will be starting their day at 8:15 a.m., while high school students begin at 8:20 a.m.
The Mount Ayr Community School board of directors heard the district was welcoming five new instructors at their regular meeting on Monday, August 11. Building principals Josh Vanderflught and Chris Elwood noted new staff members for the 2025-26 school year include Giovanni Walker as 5-12 band instructor, Jacy Walker as 6-12 vocal instructor, Gary Clark as industrial tech teacher, Marge Welch as high school science teacher, and Aaron Sewell as middle/high school social studies teacher.
Giovanni Walker is the new band director for grades 5-12.
He and his wife Jacy, who is the new 6-12 vocal instructor, have one daughter, Delphia.
Originally from Sikeston, MO, Walker graduated from Culver-Stockton College with a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education.
Walker began his teaching career in Stanberry, MO, where he served as K-12 band and choir director and elementary music instructor.
He returned home to Sikeston, MO for one year as elementary music teacher before becoming the band director in Dexter, MO.
Last year he served as K-12 band director and elementary music teacher at Mound City, MO.
Walker has a wide variety of interests, including participation in community music ensembles, such as the Winterset Community Band and St. Joseph (MO) Big Band,
Outside of music, Walker likes to read science fiction, listen to technology podcasts, and running in local 5K races.
Jacy Walker is the new K-12 music teacher this year.
Her responsibilities include K-6 General Music, junior high and high school choir, and assistant director of the high school musical production.
Walker and her husband Giovanni (the new 5-12 band director) have one daughter, Delphina.
Originally from Grant City, MO, Walker graduated from Culver-Stockton College in 2019 with a Bachelor’s of Arts in music. She earned her Master’s in Education from Culver-Stockton in 2021.
Walker’s prior teaching experience came at Sikeston, MO as the 7-12 choir director and at Rosendale, MO where she served as K-12 vocal music teacher and choir director in the North Andrew school district.
In her free time, Walker likes to spend time with her family and read.
“I’m excited to raise by family in Mount Ayr and contribute to this amazing community,” she stated.
Marge Welch is the new high school physical science, chemistry, and physics teacher.
She and her husband Jeff live in Afton. Their family members include a daughter Jennifer, a son Zach and his wife Katelin, and grandchildren Lila and Clara.
Welch earned a Bachelor’s degree in natural science from William Penn University, a Master’s in composite and science education from the University of Iowa, and a PhD in science education from Iowa State University.
Throughout her career, Welch has taught at Lenox High School, East Union High School, Creston High School, and Southwestern Community College.
Welch’s pastimes include reading, gardening, time with family and friends, and pets.
“I am excited to teach the variety of science classes at Mount Ayr and looking forward to meeting my students,” she said.
Aaron Sewell is the new social studies and high school U.S. history teacher.
He currently lives in West Des Moines with his wife Katelyn, six-year-old daughter Raigan and one-year-old son William.
Originally from Kansas City, he graduated from Simpson College in 2011 with a degree in political science and from Iowa State University in 2017 with a degree in elementary education.
Sewell’s prior teaching experience has come in the Ankeny Community Schools, Horizon Science Academy in Des Moines, and West Des Moines Community Schools.
Sewell lists his interests as football, family, Kansas City Chiefs and Royals, ISU Cyclones, arts, current events, politics, and government.
“I am excited to be a part of the Mount Ayr community!” he said.
Gary Clark is the new industrial technology teacher at the high school.
Originally from Centerville, Clark lives with his son Emmitt and partner Jo Gregg.
Clark holds a Bachelor’s degree in Ag Studies, a Master’s in Ag Education, and a Master’s in Educational Leadership, all from Iowa State University.
Over his career, Clark has spent nine years in ag education/FFA, one year teaching in a tech center in Vermont, and five years in administration in Vermont and Iowa.
Clark’s interests include being a farrier, construction, hunting and fishing.
“I’m looking forward to continuing the excellence of the [industrial tech] program and taking it to a higher level,” he said.
