(Atlantic, Iowa) – [UPDATED] – The Atlantic School Board, by a vote of 4-to-1, Wednesday evening approved a 2023-24 Interim Superintendent Contract with Dr. Beth Johnsen. School Board President Laura McClean said there were 19 applicants for the position. Four were interviewed. Johnsen, she said, “Rose to the top.

School Board elections will be held this Fall. Board members McLean, Jenny Williams and Nicholas Hunt will all be up for re-election.

McLean said Dr. Johnsen’s contract will be for two-years, beginning on July 1st, 2023. Board member Josh McLaren voted against the two-year contract.

Dr. Johnson is currently serving as an interim Superintendent at Thayer Central Schools in Nebraska. Prior to her working in her current district, Dr. Johnsen was a Superintendent for 10 years at Conestoga Public Schools, in Southeast Nebraska. She has spent time as an educator at Buena Vista teaching educational leadership courses and also has spent time consulting and coaching individuals in school leadership.  ACSD Interim Superintendent, Dr. Johnsen sees herself as a leader of leaders, with her primary focus being on empowering and supporting all staff.

Johnson shares that she is eager and excited to become a Trojan.  Right off the bat, she plans to focus on the current culture of the district and where the district wants it to be. She is ready to empower leaders within every department, which she hopes has a significant impact overall. Dr. Johnsen currently resides in the Underwood area with her husband, Ben, of 42 years.  Dr. Johnsen and Ben have 5 grown and married children, and 15 grandchildren. Additional information and a bio about Dr. Johnsen and her family will be coming in the near days ahead.

Dr. Johnson plans to introduce herself to the district soon and looks forward to working together for the common goals and priorities for Atlantic. Dr. Johnsen’s position is effective July 1, 2023. She will succeed current Superintendent Steve Barber, whose resignation is in effect as of June 30, 2023.