(Atlantic, Iowa [updated]) – The Atlantic School District’s Board of Education met Wednesday evening. During their regularly scheduled session, Superintendent Dr. Beth Johnsen spoke about proposals for Summer School programs. Dr. Johnsen said the Atlantic Public Library is open to holding a “Trojan Boost” program that would begin two-weeks before school starts in August. The focus would be on Elementary School students who are most at-risk, those who are losing their math and reading skills.

At the Middle School, Dr. Johnsen said they’re trying something different this Summer.

The Atlantic High School still has the Credit Recovery program, so students can obtain credit for classes they didn’t already pass, and Vocational Rehab for high school grade students. Para educators would provide transportation for Voc-Rehab students.

In other business, the Atlantic School District Director of Finance, Lisa Jones, said she had some revised numbers with regard to the property tax levy (rate) of $12.51/$1,000 valuation, down from 12.91524 announced during the March 27^th meeting. Last year, it was $13.00/$1,000. That latest rate was arrived at following discussion on whether or not the District should make an additional payment on the bonds through property taxes, and pay the bonds off sooner, and based on the Iowa Legislature’s action on per pupil student supplemental aid.

She had suggested making a full payment of $740,000, but the Board chose to make an additional $500,000 payment on the bonds, which accounts for the new rate.

A decision on the final rate will be acted upon following a public hearing at 5:30-p.m., prior to the Board’s Work Session, on April 24^th.

Atlantic School Board meeting, 4-10-24

The Board, Wednesday, approved a quote from Apple Computers for Teacher computers for the 2024-25 Fiscal Year, a list of Senior Graduates, and the 2024-25 School Calendar. School starts on August 23, 2024, with new teacher in-service days on August 15 and additional in-service days on August 16, 19, 20, 21, and 22. Students will be dismissed early on November 27 for Thanksgiving break. The Christmas break is from December 23 to January 2, Spring break is from March 24 to March 28, and classes will dismiss for the summer on May 23 with a two-hour early dismissal.

The School Board approved the purchase of a Dump Trailer from Olson’s Outdoor Power, and a Vodec Contract. High School Principal Heather McKay explained Vodec provides services to children with special needs.

The Board approved the following resignations:

• Chelsey Christensen, Kitchen, effective immediately
• Terry Hinzmann, 8th Grade Girls Basketball Coach for 24-25 season
• Terry Hinzmann, 7th Grade Boys Basketball Coach for 24-25 season
• Holly Esbeck, NHS Sponsor for 24-25 school year
• Alyssa Boltz, Assistant Volleyball Coach, Fall 2024 Season

The Board approved Contract Recommendations and/or Letters of Assignment:

• Brett Johnson, Full-time Grounds Supervisor, starting April 11, 2024
• Kerry Jepsen, High School Office Secretary starting July 1, 2024
• Laura Horn, K-12 Librarian for 24-25 school year
• Julie Coffey, ELL Teacher for 24-25 school year
• Nicole Corpela, 2nd Grade Teacher for 24-25 school year
• Cory Bartz, High School Math Teacher for 24-25 school year
• Title I teacher, Schuler Elementary
• Stacey Schmidt, Director of Student Services
• Nick Bennett, Special Education Para thru TPRA Grant
• Cambry Miller, Girls Swim Coach
• Alyssa Boltz and Jesse McCann, Soccer coach stipends.