(Atlantic, Iowa) – Officials with the Atlantic Community School District (ACSD) today (Tuesday), say conversations are continuing with the Nishna Valley YMCA and others, with regard to the announcement earlier this year, that ACSD intends to utilize district-owned space the Ann W. Wickman Daycare Center is currently using as an infant room, effective this December. The YMCA oversees the daycare center.

Towards the end of the 2023 school year, former ACSD Superintendent Steve Barber relayed communication on behalf of the ACSD School Board and ACSD District to Dan Haynes, the Executive Director of the YMCA which oversees the Ann Wickman Daycare Center. The communication outlined the need for ACSD to utilize the district-owned space that the daycare center was currently using, for the ‘baby room’.  ACSD is expanding its growing 3 year old preschool program which has shown positive results as well as an expressed need from the community for additional spaces within the program. The District says both sides know a resolution to the situation is of top priority.

School officials say both the Atlantic Community School District and the Ann Wickman Center have experienced exceptional growth over the past several years. The pressure points of growth are often just that for any organization – pressure to make adjustments, and ACSD and Ann Wickman are no exception. The District welcomed Dr. Beth Johnsen as the new Superintendent as of July 1, 2023.  One of her first items of priority, was jumping-in to connect with Dan Haynes, and Diana Williams Ann Wickman, Daycare Director. The goal  is to find a collaborative way forward that allows for the needs of both entities to be met.

ACSD Superintendent Beth Johnsen says “It’s paramount we find a way forward that is viable for both entities. Upon taking over as ACSD’s Superintendent, I immediately requested to sit down with Dan Haynes. During this meeting we began what I believe will be a strong partnership, talked through previous communications regarding this situation and started a collaborative conversation on potential ways forward.”

Dr. Johnson said also, “I look forward to continuing to work with Dan and the staff at Ann Wickman, along with my ACSD Staff and our School Board to find a positive resolution to these growth pains for both our Atlantic school district and Ann Wickman. In doing so, our collaborative relationship will continue to grow and it will allow us to both continue serving the next generation of Atlantic residents. That’s a goal I think the whole community can support!”

Additional details will be shared as they are confirmed.