(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Atlantic Community School District’s new Superintendent spoke with the School Board Wednesday evening. Wednesday marked the seventh full day on the job Dr. Beth Johnson officially took over for former Superintendent Steve Barber on July 1st.

ACSD Superintendent Dr. Beth Johnson

Dr. Beth Johnson said all the people she’s met so far, “have been wonderful.” She said on her agenda, she’s trying to set-it up so that it addresses the three Board Priorities: Academic Excellence; Team Culture, and District Operations.

Dr. Johnson said one of the things she is working on with administrators, is the security and safety practices and protocols for the district. “One example,” she said, “Is to add or upgrade some new security cameras at Washington Elementary. They’re very old. They’re antiquated…”  Last year, a Safety Audit of the District’s facilities was conducted, which resulted in the exploration of getting new cameras and monitoring systems.

New ACSD School Business Official/Board Secretary Lisa Jones spoke about the people she works with and the district’s financial situation. Jones said July is the start of the new fiscal year. She’s been reviewing the district’s financials from the past three months, and what she’s seen so far is “really good.”

Jones said she’s “happy” there have been no surprises she’s encountered since she took over for former SBO/Board Sec. Sarah Sheeder on July 1st. The financial reports must be closed-out and submitted to the State by Sept. 15th. Jones said also, Auditors are coming at the end of next month, as previously scheduled, to review the 2022-23 financial report. She she’s pleased with the people she works with in the main office, who have a great work ethic. Jones added, “I’m just excited to be here.”

During the Action Item portion of the Board’s agenda, Board Vice-President Kristy Pellett administered the Oath of Office to Lisa Jones, and she was officially appointed to the aforementioned positions.

SBO/Board Sec. Lisa Jones is swore-in by Board VP Kristy Pellett

During their meeting, the ACSD Board, Wednesday, discussed their Legislative Priorities, four of which must be submitted by August 11th.

Their initial discussion focused on three top priorities: Student Achievement; School Safety; and Mental Health. The priorities will be discussed further during the Board’s regular meeting in August.

In other business, the Board approved the issuing of contracts, during the Consent Agenda portion of their meeting. Contracts were approved for Laurie Fell, Washington Elem.Teacher; Jordan Zarbano, HS Custodian; Jennifer Weisenborn, WA Elem. PE Teacher; Julie Van Maanen, Schuler Title 1 Teacher, and Steve Andersen, Transportation  Director.