[Updated 8/29] (Atlantic, Iowa) – The Atlantic Community School District’s Board of Education held a Work Session this (Wednesday) evening to discuss a few matters that may be acted upon during their next, REGULAR meeting. They discussed options with regard to the search for a permanent Superintendent. The Board hired current Superintendent, Dr. Beth Johnsen last year, to fill the void left by the resignation of former Superintendent Steve Barber, who took a position with the Grinnell School District. He served the Atlantic district for a little more than six-years.

Dr. Johnsen took over the post as Interim Superintendent July 1, 2023. Her position was set to expire after the end of her two-year contract, which culminates with the end of the 2024-25 School Year.  Atlantic School Board President Kristy Pellett said “We need to contract with another superintendent.”

Board member Laura McLean clarified…

Pellet added…

After a considerable amount of discussion, it was decided the Board will receive proposals and/or presentations from various “Headhunter” (professional search firm) agencies, and possibly meet with their representatives during upcoming the September 11th meeting, and/or the Sept. 25th work session (if necessary), with the goal of having a firm hired to conduct a search, in October.

Kristy Pellett said a proposal has already been received from one of the firms.

One of the firms, she said included a timeline of dates, which would allow for applicants to apply for the position over the Christmas and January break. Other districts, Pellet said, have posted their superintendent vacancies on professional websites, and Atlantic is jumping on the bandwagon, hoping to get a head-start on other districts that may be in a similar position to search for their top leadership.

Work Session Minutes 08282024