(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Atlantic School District’s Board of Education met in a special session this (Wednesday) evening. During the meeting, the Board (according to the minutes provided by Board Secretary/Director of Finance) Lisa Jones, approves the master contract for Certified staff for the 2024-2025 period. The motion included an increase in the base wage by 6%. Additionally, the contract aimed to meet legislative thresholds, ensuring a minimum salary of $47,500 annually for those with 1 to 11 years of experience and a minimum of $60,000 for those with 12 or more years of teaching experience.

Their vote followed a presentation by Denise Masker, president and chief negotiator for the Support Staff Association, of a
specific proposal in the opening session of negotiations. Requesting a 6.38% increase in compensation to address concerns about pay relative to cost of living with a focus on nutrition employees. Additionally, she mentioned other items pertaining to language in the employee handbook.

The District’s Negotiation Committee responded to the proposal put forth by Denise Masker and the Support Staff Association with a counteroffer of a 6% increase across all current support staff positions. This offer represents a slightly lower percentage increase compared to the association’s initial request of 6.38% but higher than last year’s increase which was 4%.

The District’s Negotiation Committee is aiming to find a balance between addressing the concerns of support staff members regarding compensation while also considering budgetary constraints that might limit the extent of salary adjustments. This initial proposal sets the stage for further negotiation discussions between the District and the Support Staff Association. A date will be set this week where both parties will engage in a series of exchanges as they work towards reaching a mutually acceptable agreement that addresses the interests and needs of all stakeholders involved.

Finance Director Jones also provided the media with a list of student fees the 2024-school year. The fee breakdown is as follows: