(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Atlantic School District’s Board of Education met Wednesday evening in the High School Media Center. The Board received annual updates from Russell Peck, Facilities Director, and Roger Warne, Technology Director.

Following the District Principal reports, the Atlantic School Board heard from Superintendent Dr. Beth Johnsen, who said the fatal shooting incident in Perry last week was once again “An awakening on the safety of our kids, our most important things that we have.”  Dr. Johnsen extended her appreciation of, and “prayers” for, the Perry community and school district, with regard to the tragedy and what they are going through. The incident was “Horrendous. It’s a parent’s worse nightmare,” she said.

When it comes to the Atlantic CSD, Dr. Johnsen said “We’re gonna work hard to make sure that our kids are safe, give parents the peace of mind that we are going to protect and take care of our kids, no matter what the situation.” She also thanked officers with the Atlantic Police Department who were in the building when the events began to unfold in Perry. “We didn’t ask them, they just showed-up because they knew just their presence gives us that peace of mind that they’re always there to be part of who we are as a school district, to support our families and our kids, and staff.” She said administrators are working on the district safety plan and crisis review, by updating the plans, policies and procedures.

Dr. Johnsen said the district is “sitting good,” with regard to Snow Days and student attendance hours, but considering this upcoming second round of snow storms, there’s less than two days left to miss before hours will have to be made up. Staff however, are going to have to make up some days, regardless of any further time-off for missed days. Those hours could be made-up at the end of the year.

The Board then proceeded to discuss: A Review of the scope of needs for facilities study; Next year’s school calendar, and a change of date for February’s Board meeting. Dr. Johnsen said the Winter (Christmas) break was very long, and staff have said they prefer to have a longer Spring break, which would also align with Iowa Western Community College. She asked the Board to consider how the calendar affects families, when it comes to putting together the 2024-25 District Calendar, and a public hearing on the matter. Board member Josh McLaren was concerned with the lack of “wiggle room” the District would have when it comes to meeting the requirement for student instructional hours, given the 15 hours lost so far this week, due to the snowstorm.

They also discussed and concluded moving their February, 2024 Board meeting to Feb. 7th instead of the 14th, would work out better, taking into account a leadership conference and other matters. Board Secretary Lisa Jones was concerned the Board packet and financial information and bills may not completely available that soon. The Board will hold a Work Session 5:30-p.m. January 24th, at the Central Office Conference Room.

With regard to the Consent Agenda, in the Atlantic School Board approved:

• An Open Enrollment-In Application for an 11th Grade student from the AHSTW School District.
• Resignations:
  1. Aya Hamanaka, 6th – 12th Grade, ELL Teacher, effective the end of 23-24 school year
  2. Traci Luke, Suburban/Car Driver, retro-active to 12/29/2023
  3. Aliyah Jordan, Elementary Sped Para 1 on 1, effective 01/10/2024
  4. Linda Nichols, Home School teacher, effective the end of 23-24 school year
  5. Jessica Burcham, effective 01/10/2024
• Early Retirement Incentive Policy requests from:
  1. Terry Hinzmann, HS History teacher, effective end of 23-24 school year
  2. Kathy Hobson, HS teacher, HS Girls Golf Coach, TLC Mentor effective end of 23-24 school year
  3. Janice Dickerson, Elementary Librarian, effective end of 23-24 school year
• Contract Recommendations and/or Letters of Assignment for:
  i. Kendra Henningnsen, Boys Golf Coach, Spring 2024 season
  ii. Heath Kelley, Junior High Boys Track Coach, Spring 2024 season
  iii. Aliyah Jordan, Middle School Library Para, effective 01/11/2024
  iv. Jessica Burcham, High School Nurse,effective 01/11/2024

And, the following fundraising Requests: I-Jag Fundraiser; Speech & Debate Club Fundraiser.

During the Action Items portion of the agenda, the Atlantic School Board approved:

a. An Out-of-State Trip for Speech team
b. A Modified Supplemental Amount (MSA) for Dropout Potential Prevention, At-Risk Students, of $539,871.
c. And the first reading of certain 400 through 700-series Board policies.