(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Atlantic Community School District’s Board of Education met Wednesday evening, and heard from Nishna Valley YMCA Director Dan Haynes, with regard to a letter the District sent in May to vacate the Early Learning Center (ELC)/Infant Room at the Wickman Center. The letter said the YMCA should vacate the ELC/Infant Room by December 15, 2023.

Haynes said because the District’s request was outside the previously agreed to 120-day notice time frame established in July, 2013, it fell outside the parameters of the agreement, having been received on April 25th, and therefore in order for the request to be valid and to allow for time to find another suitable location, the time frame to vacate should be reset to  June 1, 2024.  The School Board accepted and acknowledged the letter, but they took no action during their meeting. (View Haynes’ YMCA letter to the Board)

During the Board Report portion of the meeting, Board President Laura McLean reminded citizens the School Board is elected by the people, and the opportunity to do so again will come during the November 7th General Elections. There will be three open seats on the Board.  McLean touched on what she called “The turmoil” circulating in the District, without specifically mentioning the ACLU letter that focused on making sure the District doesn’t step on students’ constitutional Free Speech rights, as it pertains to a protest on school grounds, over social issues being discussed in the Iowa Legislature.

She said the School Board’s goal has always been to “Give our children the best education possible.” She added, “We have a fundamental responsibility to ensure that all of our policies are in compliance with State and Federal law. Sometimes that can get ‘tricky,’ because State and Federal law aren’t always going to agree with each other. But we have the responsibility to do the best we can in terms of that.” McLean concluded by saying the Board really tries “To make the best decisions they can as a team.”

In other business, the Atlantic School Board received an update from the District’s insurance representative, Kipp Harris, on Liability & Worksman’s Comp Insurance. Harris said the District’s property/liability insurance (for Buildings, grounds and vehicles) and deductibles will be increasing next year, due to the age and valuation of the structures, the weather, and other factors. Harris said Workers Comp premium insurance went down $10,000.

The Board approved each of the items on their consent agenda, including previously mentioned resignations and contracts. Under action items, they passed the Second Reading of 500 Series Board Policies pertaining to Student conduct and related matters. NONE of the polices deal with the rights of students to protest on school property. The Board also approved TLC Contracts for 11 individuals serving as Instructional Coaches, in an Instructional Support Capacity, and as Mentors.

The Board then proceeded to approve a request by Atlantic Activities Director Andy Mitchell, to send Band and Choir students on a field trip to Florida during the Winter/Spring of 2024 (Feb. 29-March 4). As previously mentioned, the costs are not expected to exceed $1,500 per student if they are transported by a charter bus. Flying would cost at least $1,700 per student. The Atlantic School Board approved 2023-24 Fuel bids as presented, along with other action items on their agenda.

Their meeting was the last for Superintendent Steve Barber and Board Secretary/District Business Official Sarah Sheeder. Both tendered their resignations in April, effective at the end of the current school year. Mr. Barber will be succeeded by Interim Superintendent, Dr. Beth Johnson. Sheeder is being replaced by Lisa Jones. Both officially begin their duties on July 1st.