(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Atlantic School Board held two meetings this (Wednesday) evening. The first was the last regular, Annual meeting of the Retiring Board, headed by President Laura McLean and Vice-President Kristy Pellett. During the meeting the Board acted to approve the resignations of: Kelli Evans, High School Nurse; Tori Brummer, Freshman Volleyball Coach; and Megan Andersen, Kitchen Staff. The also approved recommendations to hire: Kelli Evans, Director of Health Services, and Megan Andersen, Media Center Para.

The Board then spent a considerable amount of time discussing modifications to the Early Retirement Plan for Certified and Non-Certified Staff. With regard to the re-hiring of retiring Certified Staff, the Board concluded those individuals must resign from all positions within the District and then re-apply and not be hired for a full-time position. They will only be re-hired at the Board’s discretion. With regard to the Early Retirement plan for Non-Certified Staff, the policy will state those persons cannot be rehired for any full-time positions. They approved amended wording for those plans as discussed.

Final meeting of the Retiring Atlantic School Board. (YouTube pic by Ric Hanson)

At the end of regular business, the Retiring Board adjourned. Retiring Board Members Nick Hunt and Jenny Williams each received a plaque for their respective four-and eight-years of service. Hunt had served 4-years. Williams was on the Board for 8-years. Nick Hunt ended his term by thanking the Board and saying he’s enjoyed serving and learning. He said realizes that everyone on the Board is “Passionate and want the school to succeed, and I think our time was productive. I think our school is in good shape, and I wish the new Directors all the best of luck.”

Williams echoed his comments. She said “It’s been a crazy eight-years. We’ve been through a lot together…the District has survived. It’s been a fantastic educational learning opportunity that I used daily and will continue to use.” She also thanked all the students and staff, and everyone who reached-out to speak with her.

Soon thereafter Board Secretary Lisa Jones called the Organizational Board to Order, and administered the Oath of Office to newly elected members Gini Jordan and Jodi Stowater-Goodrich, and re-elected Board member Laura McLean.

Board Secretary Lisa Jones swears-in New Board member Jodi Stowater-Goodrich, re-elected Board Member Laura McLean, and new member Gini Jordan.

The new Board nominated and selected Kristy Pellett and President and Laura McLean as Vice-President. They also appointed Lisa Jones as Board Secretary/Treasurer. Gini Jordan was nominated to serve as the Board’s Cass County Conference Board Representative. And, they left the dates and time for their meetings unchanged. The Atlantic School Board will continue to meet on the second and fourth Wednesday’s of the month (with the second meeting generally a Work Session). Their sessions will take place in the High School Media Center, beginning at 5:30-p.m.

In other business, the New Atlantic School Board established the Atlantic News Telegraph and the District’s Official Publication, and Ahlers and Cooney as Legal Counsel.