(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Washington Elementary School Playground Project in Atlantic, is moving forward, thanks to action taken during Wednesday evening’s meeting of the Atlantic School Board. A public hearing was first held on the proposed contract documents (Plans, specifications, and form of contract) and estimated cost for the playground improvements, during which there were no objections or comments.

The project consists of limited pavement demolition, removal and disposal of existing play equipment and tile surfacing, installation of new equipment, installation and repair of the concrete base, installation of new play surfacing, and site restoration. Snyder and Associates are the engineers for the project. Snyder’s Dave Sturm mentioned bids were received and opened Tuesday. The engineer’s estimated project cost was just under $700,000. Sturm said there were two bids. Both came in well under the estimate. The Board approved a bid from Caliber Concrete of Adair, for $579,442.

Construction will start in mid-July. The goal is to have it finished before the start of the 2023-24 school year.

In other news, the Atlantic School Board passed a Resolution to consider continued participation in the Instructional Support Levy (ISL), which expires June 30, 2024. A renewal of the Levy would allow it to continue until June 30, 2029. The Levy is used to help support classroom curriculum. The District will receive $748,572 from the ISL during the 2023 Fiscal Year.

A Public Hearing on the ISL renewal will be held March 29, 5:30-p.m. The School Board Wednesday, approved a 33-cent PPEL (Physical Plant and Equipment Levy), the funds for which are used for building repairs, vehicles and technology.