(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Atlantic School Board Wednesday voted 4-to 1 (with Board Member Laura McLean the lone No vote), to forego the hiring of a Superintendent search firm, and instead act on renewing at their next regular meeting, a contract for full-time superintendent with the current, Interim Superintendent Dr. Beth Johnsen.

Prior to their vote, during discussion on the matter, McLean said she had made a promise to the community to make the effort try and hire a search firm, after the Board was rushed into getting an interim superintendent the last time around.

She acknowledged it would take a great deal of time and Board energy to go through the full process, but she wanted to hear more from the public and staff in moving forward. Board member Josh McLaren said he thinks hiring a search firm is a waste of time and money.

In other action, the Board approved a requested extension of the District’s share of Tax Increment Financing (TIF) from 10-years to 15-years, following a request from Vision Atlantic, with regard to the Camblin Edition Housing Project, providing the district’s attorneys look over the agreement and give their blessing. The TIF funds will be used to focus on expanded childcare, quality housing and quality of life amenities. Earlier in the evening, the Board heard from Vision Atlantic President Christina Bateman and Vice President Nicholas Hunt.

Bateman warned of how not approving the TIF extension would impact the project financially, and emphasized how other entities have already passed the extension on their end.

In her report to the Board, Superintendent Dr. Beth Johnsen was pleased to report the District was awarded a Robotics grant that was applied for.

With that having been said, Dr. Johnsen said she would like the Board’s approval during a future meeting, to hire a Robotics Coach. She said she also received a Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) from the City of Atlantic, with regard to the SRO (School Resource Officer) position the Atlantic Police Department has received a grant for.

The Board discussed Student Support Services, and approved the following personnel recommendations:

Resignations: Jordan Zarbano, Evening High School Custodian; Lindsey Thomas, Elementary Special Education paraprofessional (Effective Oct. 9th).

Retirements: Jon Peterson, Middle School Teacher (effective the end of the 2024-25 school year). And, recommendations to hire: Harrison Heogh, Volunteer HS Football Coach (Non-paid position); Dan Vargason, Interim HS Girls Soccer Coach; Mackenzie Morris, Elementary Special Education paraprofessional.

And: CTSO sponsors requirement for Perkins Grant Funds; 2024 Volunteer Coaches for Winter Sports; 2025 Spring Sports Coaches. The Board’s final order of business was to approve an FFA Fruit Sales Fundraiser request for Oct. 10th through the 30th.