(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Atlantic Community School District’s Board of Education, Wednesday, approved the District’s proposed Certified Budget for 2024-25. Their action followed a Public Hearing, during which there were no comments in favor or opposed to the move. The levy for the budget is $12.51/$1,000 assessed valuation. For the 2024-25 fiscal year, the District expects to receive $6.9-million from property taxes.

Later on in their meeting, the Board passed a Resolution levying a tax for fiscal year 2024-25, “for the future optional redemption of General Obligation School Bonds, Series 2019, and approving related documents and directing the partial optional redemption of such bonds.” The money will be used to help to make a $500,000 payment the G.O. bonds, to reduce the amount of interest paid.

Atlantic School Board mtg., 4-24-25 (Zoom image)

In other business, the Atlantic School Board, in its Consent Agenda, approved the resignation of Jesse McCann, HS Special Education teacher (at the end of the 23-24 school year), and contract recommendations for:

• Taylor Vargason, Elementary Special Education Teacher
• Lindsey Roberts, ELL Teacher
• Cayleigh McBee, HS Student Council Sponsor
• Alexandra Griffen-Uren, HS English Language Arts Teacher
• Jesse McCann, HS School Student Support Coordinator contract.

Board Vice-President Laura McLean asked before the vote to approve the contract recommendations, about the Student Support Coordinator position Jesse McCann was being considered for.  Superintendent Dr. Beth Johnsen responded…

The contract would likely require a five-year commitment to the District. The Board discussed District Facilities during their meeting, Wednesday evening. Part of the discussion focused on a facilities addition to the High School gym, as mentioned during a presentation by High School Staff Member/Athletics Coach Dan Vargason, early on in the meeting. Vargason said discussions have been held with regard to secondary gym space, the need for which makes it “a more urgent matter.”

Jarrod O’Donnell, High School Instrumental Music Teacher, was not able to attend Wednesday’s meeting, but he provided a letter for Vargason to read to the board.

Vargason said over 70 staff members between coaches, teachers, and sponsors said they would utilize a new space. The Board took no action on the matter during their meeting Wednesday night, but acknowledged gym space is becoming an issue that needs to be addressed, and a facilities and cost study would be the next steps. Also during Wednesday’s meeting, ACSD Communication Specialist Emma Maassen, spoke with the Board on the status of work to update the District’s Website, and other matters.

The Board also discussed staffing, and research on the types of security camera systems available.