(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Atlantic Community School District’s Board of Education held a Work Session Wednesday evening (Feb. 28th), and approved the resignations of:

• James Brauer, HS English Teacher
• Tori Wood, Makyala Lucero and Kaitlyn Geib, SpEd Paraprofessionals

They also approved contract recommendations and/or Letters of Assignment for:

• Trinity Christensen, SpEd Paraprofessional
• Hannah Misner, HS Science Teacher
• Stephanie Kelley, HS Social Studies Teacher.

In other business, the Board agreed to move forward and advertise & hire, a Director of Student Services. Superintendent Dr. Beth Johnsen reminded the Board they conducted a survey of District teachers. Among the 57 teachers that were surveyed, there were 57 written responses. Over 67%  said they would support the DSS position. 31% said they would use that person as a resource.

School Board President Kristy Pellet said the position is something the Board has been exploring over the past couple of years.

Dr. Johnson said the position would be multi-faceted.

She said a good portion of the position could be paid for through the Special Education part of the District’s budget.

The salary would not equal that of a building principal, but it would be twice that of a beginning teacher. The person selected must have an administrative certification, Johnson said, with a background in special education. In other business, the Atlantic School Board received presentations from Iowa Construction Advocate Team (iCat) representative Chad Alley, with regard to potential school construction projects, and how iCat can help to reducing waste and maximizing efficiency through all phases of design, construction and beyond.

And, they received a report from Sara Bradshaw, Broker, Vice President,  Employee Benefits at Holmes Murphy & Associates from West Des Moines. She spoke with regard to ASCD employees United Healthcare benefits, claims and sustainability.

The next, regular, Atlantic School Board meeting is Wednesday, March 13, 2024 in the High School Media Center.