(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Atlantic Community School District’s Board of Education this (Wednesday) evening, acted to approve bringing back the Girls Swimming Program, effective in the Fall of 2024. The District last year decided not to offer the swimming program, because the last two swimming athletes were graduating. During the School Board meeting, it was mentioned interest has since grown in the program, including from students in other districts, and that the number of students interested will lend support the program, now, and in the years to come.

Swim Team representatives said before the Board’s vote, they worried that if Atlantic didn’t have a program, Lewis Central would draw students from Atlantic and other area districts.

After approving the Girls Swim Program, the Atlantic School Board approved a bid of $26,000 for the Schuler Elementary School Elevator repair. The bid was awarded to Otis Elevator Repair. Superintendent Dr. Beth Johnsen said the District’s Safety Committee met a couple of weeks ago, and noted they should have a “Reunification Plan” in-place.

Dr. Johnsen said also, they have had five applicants for the new, Director of Student Services position that’s been advertised for just one week.

Johnsen said also, interviews have been conducted for School Grounds person. Lisa Jones, Director of Finance/Board Secretary, said the stumbling block to hiring someone is the issue of salary.

In other business, the Board set their Work Session on March 27, 2024 at 5:30-p.m., as the date & time  for a Public Hearing on meeting #1 for the FY25 Certified Budget, and as the date/time for a Public Hearing on the 2024-25 School Calendar. They set a second hearing on the FY25 Budget, as April 10, 2024 at 5:30-p.m. Lisa Jones recommended to the Board a maximum property tax levy asking for 2025, of $12.92 per $1,000 taxable valuation. Last year’s asking was $13.00/$1,000. Property taxes make up 30% of the District’s revenue, according to Jones.

State aid for the student population makes up a majority of the income. Following a presentation on the role of school board directors from a representative with the Iowa Association of School Boards (IASB), the Atlantic School Board approved the resignations of:

• Faith Nielsen, 7th Grade Volleyball Coach for the Fall season.
• Megan Anderson, High School Math Teacher, and Gena Rush, 1st Grade Teacher, both effective at the end of the current school year.

The Board also approved Contract Recommendations and/or Letters of Assignment as part of the 2023-24 School Year, for:

• Samantha Kerkhoff, Special Education Paraprofessional, effective March 14th
• Chelsey Christensen, Nutrition Dept. Cook, also effective March 14th
• Kent Hanson, Volunteer Boys Golf Coach, and Alyssa Boltz, Asst. Girls Soccer Coach.

They also approved Contracts/Letters of Assignment for the 2024-25 School Year, for:

• Nicole Holst, Kindergarten Teacher
• Claire Swanson, 1st Grade Teacher
• Alyssa Boltz, Head Volleyball Coach, Fall 2024 Season
• Vanessa Perkins, 8th Grade ELA, from 3/4-time to full-time
• and Macie Harringa, K-8 Computer Science Teacher.