The Iowa Department of Public Safety reminds Iowans home fires spike in the winter months of December through February. The noticeable increase in home heating fires and fatal fires follows the cold temperatures. Many home heating fires could be avoided with an ounce of prevention.  State Fire Marshal investigators report placing heaters too close to combustible objects like furniture and blankets as well as leaving heaters unattended are the primary reasons for portable heater fires.

YOU CAN PREVENT MOST HEATING FIRES WITH A FEW HEATING SAFETY TIPS.

• Keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet away from heaters.
• Never use your oven to heat your home.
• Remember always turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed.
• Always use the right kind of fuel and be sure you have a working carbon monoxide alarm and smoke alarms installed in your home.
• Portable heaters provide localized heat to an area and should not be used as the only source of permanent home heat.
• If you smell gas, immediately leave your home and call 911.
• Be sure your fireplace has a sturdy screen to stop sparks from flying into the room.  Always use metal containers for ashes and keep them far from your home.

If you have questions about portable heaters contact the State Fire Marshal Division at 515-725-6145 or email at fminfo@dps.state.ia.us

The Atlantic Community School District’s Board of Education Monday night adopted on the second reading an amendment a Board Policy pertaining to the Licensed Employee Early Retirement Incentive. Superintendent Mike Amstein said the policy should help the district attract as many candidates as possible, for any positions that become available. 

He said it’s difficult to find quality teachers during the Spring, early Summer, and over the Summer. Amstein recommended the Board adopt the amended policy because providing an incentive to those who are considering retirement or resignation, would allow the district to make those positions known to prospective candidates earlier.

The amendment stipulates that any licensed employee who announces their intentions to resign in January will receive a $500 stipend, $300 if submitted in February, and $100 if turned in by the end of March. Those who turn in their notices after March, would not be eligible for an incentive. Amstein said he expects there will be a number of retirements for the upcoming school year, and the incentives should help to sway those who may be on the fence in making their decision.  

In other business, the Atlantic School Board approved the hiring of Amy Robinson for a para-position at Washington Elementary, the sale of obsolete equipment to the public and a leave of absence for Hillary Hepler, who wants to get her education degree.

The Atlantic School Board discussed the district’s 2014-2015 Budget Monday night. During their session, the Board heard from Business Manager/Board Secretary Mary Beth Fast, who said last year’s revenue received-in was greater than was budgeted for in the current budget year. She said General Fund saw an increase of about $680,000. The increases were due in-part to: Special Education tuition-in enrollment increases; A one-time two-percent funding increase for all districts, which amounted to $170,000;Property taxes due to the cash reserve – Instructional Support was up $300,000; and State Aid due to last year’s enrollment was $125,000.

The district’s management fund increased due to a levy was up $300,000. Savings on Early retirement and property casualty premiums, along with other factors contributed to the increased revenue projections.

Superintendent Mike Amstein says for the upcoming school year, the legislature granted a four-percent allowable growth, but that may drop to two-percent for the 2015-2016 school year, although that is merely speculation. Amstein said issues affecting the budget for the upcoming year include a Special Education deficit and finding ways to save money. Amstein says it’s too early to begin work on the budget in earnest, but he wanted to plant some seeds into the minds of the Board as to their thoughts on the direction the district should take on spending and saving before they get down to the nitty gritty and start dealing with firm numbers .

That will start to happen after December 31^st, when they Board looks at property valuations, tax information and other pertinent data.