(Atlantic, Iowa) – Atlantic Community School District (ACSD) Superintendent Dr. Beth Johnson, Wednesday, announced Kindergarten through 12th-grade students in the District will be admitted to all regular-season sporting events, free of charge, beginning this Fall. The plan – part of the theme of “Trojan Community,” was approved by the School Board during their meeting Wednesday evening, in the Schuler Elementary School Library.

Dr. Beth Johnson (image from Zoom meeting 8-9-23)

Schools Superintendent Beth Dr. Johnson said the idea was formed during informal discussion on improving attendance and school spirit in the Trojan Community.

The theme includes all Pre-k through 12the grade students wearing all Trojan gear on Friday’s.

She encouraged community members to wear Trojan apparel on Friday’s during the school year, also. Atlantic School District Board Secretary/School Business Official (SBO) Lisa Jones, says students who might be unable to attend a football or basketball games – due to financial harsdship – will now have the opportunity to do so.

Atlantic A.D. Andy Mitchell (Image from Zoom)

Atlantic Assistant High School Principal/Athletic Director Andy Mitchell said the only stipulation to local sporting events is that elementary students must be with an adult. That is unchanged from the previous policy. Also, free admission does not apply to school musicals and plays. And, the costs for the District to pay game officials will come from the General Fund, whereas they previously were paid for out of ticket sales. During the 2022-2023 school year, paying those officials cost the District $42,000.

The first home football game is on September 1, at Trojan Bowl. Andy Mitchell said Fall sports training began this week.

Elsewhere in meeting news, the Atlantic School Board, Wednesday, included approved the following resignations:
Hilary Thompson, Transportation para
Laura Juhl, Preschool Aide
Erica Vandevort, Preschool Aide
Heather Prall, Food Service Employee
Amy Lambson, Food Service Employee
Michaelin Juhl, High School Para

And, they approved the following contracts:
James Probanz, Part-time custodian
Paul Iekel, Middle School Cross Country Coach
Sierra Parker, Preschool Aide
Callie Carter, Preschool Aide
Caleb Winters, Elementary Special Education
Aubrey Schuler, High School Special Education
Stacy Van Aernam, Classroom Para
Monica Carlson, High School Special Education Para
Kaitlyn Geib, Schuler Therapeutic Classroom Para