The Atlantic Community School District’s Board of Education held an electronic meeting Wednesday evening, during which they approved the resignations of: Justin Williams, 9-12 At-Risk Teacher/JV Football & Asst. Tennis Coach; Kathy Swinnerton, Special Education Paraeducator; and Ernie Hawthorne, Special Education driver.

They also approved contract recommendations for: Amberley Schechinger – 7th Grade Math Teacher; Liz Reid – 8th Grade Math Teacher; Brandon Baggett – H.S. Language Arts Teacher; and Bryce Casey along with Kelly Juhl – as Summer Grounds keepers. Late addition contracts not on the original agenda, were approved for: Derek Handel, Freshman Softball Coach; Terry Hinzmann, to run the Credit Recovery Summer School and Alisa Kool’s, transfer from Title Reading to Second Grade Teacher.

The Board also acted on Spring Coaching Contracts for: Ed DenBeste – Head Boys Golf; Kathy Hobson – Head Girls Golf; Mike McDermott – Head Boys/Girls Tennis; Matt Mullenix – Head HS Girls Track; Derek Hall – Asst. Girls HS Track; Abby Becker – Head Boys HS Track; Jeremy Blake – Asst Boys HS Track; Joe Brummer & Trace Peterson – MS Boys Track; Casey Pelzer & Taylor Williams – MS Girls Track; Dan Vargasson – Asst, HS Girls Soccer; Oran Perkins – Head HS Boys Soccer; Matt Smith – Asst HS Boys Soccer.

The following positions remain open: Asst. Boys/Girls Tennis, and Head HS Girls Soccer.  In other business, the Board received Facilities Project updates from Snyder & Associates Engineer Dave Sturm and Project Liaison Bob Sweeney. Sturm said drainage continues to be an issue on the south end of the Trojan Bowl, and the recent rain hasn’t helped.

Sweeney said the retaining wall issue has been a thorn in his side, and is close to running over-budget, but that he is confident with adjustments and contractor cooperation, the price tag will not be exceeded.

The Board approved an internet/infrastructure purchase for connectivity in light of the continuous learning environment requirements. The District will spend an estimated $40,000 altogether for the equipment and labor. The transmitter/receiver will be located above the Cass County Courthouse. District Information Technology Director Roger Warne and NishnaNet’s Scott Bennett helped to identify the need for internet infrastructure and what would best serve the district. Warne said it’s important not to wait any longer to get the necessary system pieces and get them installed.

Superintendent Steve Barber said CARES Act Funds and PPEL money will pay for the project. In other business, the Board decided to continue with their Zoom meetings for at least another month. Once their in-person meetings resume in the High School Media Room, unless guidance changes from the Dept. of Public Health, social distancing will be observed and there will be a limit on the number of people who may attend directly. The meetings will likely be broadcast via Zoom, as well, until further notice.

The Atlantic School Board approved the purchase of a mower from Ultimate Lawn and Power in Atlantic, for $10,819.69.  They also approved Superintendent Barber’s contract for 2020-21, which includes a two-percent salary increase; a 2020-21 School Business Official Contract with the CAM School District for the services of Atlantic Finance Director/Board Secretary, Sarah Sheeder. CAM pays 30% of the cost and Atlantic gets funding for five students as part of the agreement, which has been in effect for the past two-years, and CAM wishes to continue.

One of their final action items, was allowing parents to transport their athletes to baseball and softball games in light of COVID-19, and the issuance of permission slips for parents to sign. Superintendent Barber…