The Atlantic School District’s Board of Education held about two-hours of sometimes passionate discussion with regard to the District’s Athletic Facilities, the costs for which, as it currently stands, is running over budget. The Board met with Tom Wollan from FRK Architects, who discussed issues regarding the topography of the Trojan Bowl, and other facilities’ matters. Following the discussion, Board members Ali Bruckner said “I think we asked them to look at cost savings if the removed some retaining walls and slopes….” Board President Josh McLaren chimed in with “The potential for cost savings,” and Vice President Kristy Pellet said “The cost is…the overall project (cost) is high, and we’re making our way to ‘value engineer'” the project. She said they’re not looking to make major changes to the Trojan Bowl itself.

As it stands now the timeline is for a pre-bid meeting to take place Aug. 31st, with a bid date of Sept. 19th, a Public Hearing and awarding of Project on Sept. 23rd. Demolition with regard to certain aspects of the Trojan Bowl would begin in October or November, following the football season, and occupancy by Sept. 2020. The High School Track project would begin in May or June 2020, along with the field and all other elements, with occupancy by April, 2021. That timeline is subject to change, depending on the final decisions made with regard to the Atlantic Athletic Facilities, as it relates to cost.

The Board, Wednesday, approved of a bid for Middle School Chromebooks and peripheral tools in the amount of $137, 742.50 from 2ndGear. The price includes 350 Dell 3100-series laptop computers, carts, cases and licenses. The cost will come out of the District’s SAVE fund.

The Board will approved Contract Recommendations for: Henry Hallgren, HS Government Teacher; Mandi Bauer and Emma Bireline, TLC Mentors; and Alex Bales, Drama/Fall Play Co-Sponsor along with the late addition of Brian Guy as custodian. They also approved two resignations: Andrea Halterman, WA Para, and Nick Sandbothe, Mechanic.