(Atlantic, Iowa) – Members of the Atlantic School Board met during a Special Session Wednesday evening in the Central Office Conference Room. The Board held lengthy discussion on various District policies, including Board Members’ Social Media Use, and the discipline of students who make threats of violence or cause incidents of violence, to name a few of the policies.

The Atlantic School Board also considered a request from the City of Atlantic with regard to a small park by the High School. Superintendent Dr. Beth Johnsen provided background information on the request.

The area is essentially a small piece of grass the City doesn’t want to mow, and there’s no use for it. The issue of who is responsible for the drainage area is still up for debate. In the past, there have been issues with drainage going across Nishna Hills Golf Course. Board members Josh McLaren and Kristy Pellett….

Superintendent Johnsen said she would look into the matter. The Board also discussed establishing a Middle School Wrestling program practice area, using one of two locker rooms in the old Middle School section. Superintendent Johnsen said Wrestling Coach Duff, Schuler Principal James Northwick and Kipp Harris looked into extra practice space. The visiting football team still uses the locker rooms to dress, when they play in Atlantic.

Dr. Johnsen said one of the locker rooms is currently being used for storage.

If it works out, Johnsen said, there is the possibility next summer the area could be renovated, opened-up and used year-round for afternoon activities for kids, such as a recess and/or meeting room.

The Board was in agreement to move forward with the concept. In other business, the Atlantic School Board approved out-of-state trips to Omaha for the Speech Team, and for students to attend the FFA National Convention. The resignation of Preschool Paraeducator Alyssa Barber was approved, and the Board approved the hiring of Corrine Risen as Paraeducator and Chuukeser translator.