(Atlantic, Iowa) – An organizational meeting of the Atlantic Community School District’s Board of Education was held Wednesday evening, prior to the start of the regular (reorganized) Board meeting. During the first part of the meeting, the Board elected Laura McLean as Board President. She takes over the position held the past year by Jenny Williams. Kristy Pellett was elected Vice-President. And, Sarah Sheeder was reappointed as Board Secretary/Treasurer. The Board also chose to leave the dates, times and place of their regular monthly meetings the same as the past year: The second Wednesday of the month at 5:30-p.m. in the Atlantic High School Media Center.

In other business, Superintendent Steve Barber reported on areas of Academic Excellence, Team Culture and District Operations.

Zoom image of the meeting

Here are the bullet points of his report (Courtesy Sarah Sheeder):

Academic Excellence…

• We continue to hear that our new math curriculum was the right direction for math instruction.  It has created more dialogue and collaboration with students and engagement amongst students is high.  Big change for our math instructors and has been a challenge with the additional needs of preparation.  Will continue to support.
• Internal team has worked extensively to get a registered apprenticeship in the area of welding.  There are interests internally from instructors, business partners, and students.
• Feedback from teachers, TLC, and administrators has been positive based on the collaborative PD conversations taking place around Instructional Framework.  Principals will conduct mid-year conferences starting on Jan. 2.
• Implementing the three year program has been successful.  Those currently being served in this program we believe will pay big dividends in preparing students for kindergarten and beyond.
• High School has invited different professions to speak with students about their businesses.
• Administrators have been trained on utilizing student achievement data in making instructional decisions.  Close look at our Panorama platform and ensure that data is being recorded accurately, before making it a way we do business.
• Portrait of an Atlantic Trojan is visible throughout our buildings.  Language of the Portrait continues to grow.

Team Culture…

• Having everyone spend a day in Happiness Advantage has been helpful in knowing that being positive is a choice.  Many individuals participated, along with community businesses in our “Wear Orange Day”.
• Some of this work is becoming evident in the student body.
• Administrators/Supervisors have been engaged in a book study called The Advantage.  This dialogue has made all of our departments more connected to our Strategic Plan and the importance of their departments in the Mission of the School.  These positive conversations will continue in the upcoming year.
• Getting into the Middle School at the beginning of the year was not only positive to those who serve in the Middle School, but everyone who had to make concessions the year prior.
• Having consistent schedules for Mental Health Professionals, along with counselors have created more effective intervention pieces.  Students needing Tier III support that do not have it outside are better served in the District.
• Being able to hire an interpreter for our Chuukese population has helped in connecting families to school.
• Feedback from staff on the Washington Playground Project, along with regular leadership meetings have provided input at the district and building level.

District Operations…

• Completed a four year Capital Project plan.  Included input from all departments and buildings.
• Continue to work on improving air quality in all our buildings.
• New sound system at the HS Gymnasium (along with a new floor) has been well received.
• Continue to do walkthroughs with Argent in identifying any unsafe areas or procedures. Includes annual safety training specific to department needs.
• Purchased two buses to help with our transportation needs and help in alleviating the pressure of transportation.
• Principals have consistent procedures in the handbook.
• Completed vulnerable assessments for each of our primary attendance buildings.
• Atlantic School Board receives award from IASB for outstanding Board work.

The Atlantic School Board approved the resignations of: Denise Masker, Preschool Route Driver; Ligia Cohrs, Preschool Bus Monitor, and Danielle Lyons, Paraeducator. They also approved contract recommendations, including: Mark Andersen, Head Boys Soccer Coach; Dayne Nakashima, ELL Paraeducator; Ligia Cohrs, Preschool Bus Driver; Patricia Johnmark, Schuler Food Service, James Pobanz, MS/Schuler Food Service; Karen Vogl, Homebound Instructor; Julie Phippen, Girls Wrestling Chaperone, and Josh McLaren, Volunteer Boys Basketball Coach.

The Atlantic School Board discussed a Registered Apprenticeship Program (more information to come), and an Employee Engagement Survey. Action items they approved include those pertaining to: Depository Institutions and Limits; a Resolution Authorizing Payments; The First Reading of Board Policy Updates for Curriculum & Instructional Materials, followed by a waiving of the second reading; and the purchase of a used (2018) Lunch Truck from Penske Leasing and Rental Company, in the amount of $45,000.

Funds for the purchase will come from the District PPEL (Physical Plant & Equipment Levy). Superintendent Barber said the truck was listed as an FY24 expense on the Capital Projects plan the Board discussed last month, but is needed now, because the current lunch truck is not operational.

The Board also approved entering into an Architect/Engineering Contract with Snyder and Associates, for the construction of a new Washington School playground. They tabled action on a contract for a High School Storage Shed, until their next meeting. The Board wanted to see if the building is something that can be constructed by students in the Carpentry Class.

The price tag for the Playground engineering/design project is $56,000, with the funds coming from the District’s PPEL and/or SAVE (Secure an Advanced Vision of Education) accounts.