The Atlantic School Board held a work session Wednesday evening, during which a large number of people showed up to hear primarily, about how the District intends to address issues in communication, in light of an article in the Atlantic News Telegraph by Board Member, Dr. Keith Swanson, with regard to several issues he thought the school district had not adequately addressed. That letter was followed-up by a response from Atlantic School District Superintendent Dr. Michael Amstein, who characterized Dr. Swanson’s assertions in the article, as “inaccurate.” Amstein also said Swanson’s concerns should have been addressed in an open board meeting.

(at left) Atlantic School Board President Josh McLaren; Superintendent Dr. Mike Amstein (Center), and Board member Dr. Keith Swanson (right). – Ric Hanson/photo

At Wednesday night’s meeting, School Board President Josh McLaren said they would not talk about the specifics of the article. Instead, he said they should “Get back to the nuts and bolts of trying to build a team here.” As for how information is conveyed between Board members to clear-up any issues or confusion, School District Attorney Brett Nitzschke provided the Board with legal guidelines, and pointed out their own 200 Series Policies have the structure in-place for proper communications.

McLaren pointed out the Board had approved the 200 Series Policies in December, and they are available on-line on the District’s website for all to see. Dr. Swanson then spoke with regard to his article in the paper. Swanson said he wrote his letter to the paper, “Out of frustration.” He said also, “I do not feel that I have been accepted on this Board. We have had essentially no time to discuss anything. They have been filled with…fluff, things that meant essentially nothing, and spent our time without being productive.” He also said his questions with regard to some aspects of school finances weren’t answered to his satisfaction by Business Manager Mary Beth Fast.

The rest of the Communications portion of the meeting, was spent trying to hash out how items of concern by individual Board members – such as Dr. Swanson – can be addressed, and the answer was by placing them on the agenda, with the Board President having the final say over which items should be on any particular agenda. Brett Nitzschke said any communications outside a regular board session, such as e-mails with agenda matters, should be very “transparent,” to avoid the appearance of impropriety.

Board Member Kristy Pellett said she was disappointed in Dr. Swanson’s article in the paper, because it did not represent her viewpoint, and should not be taken as though his opinion was also the consensus of the Board. Board member Ali Bruckner said a lot of the issues Dr. Swanson brought up should be addressed at a future, open meeting, and there hasn’t been closure on some of his concerns. Pellet said past discussions on some issues haven’t met with her satisfaction, and that needs to be changed, as well.

But with regard to Dr. Swanson’s concerns over transportation issues, she said there had been a “rich discussion” over that, at a recent Board meeting. Board member Ali Bruckner summed up what she would like to have happen at future board meetings. She said it’s important all board members have the same, accurate information when a question is asked and the answer provided, especially when the Board member relays information to the public.

The Board will continue to work on its communications issues and team building, with help as necessary, from the IASB (Iowa Association of School Boards).