Despite the uncertainties over how much school districts in Iowa will receive from the legislature with regard to allowable growth, the Atlantic School Board Monday night continued discussion on how their budget is shaping up. Superintendent Dr. Michael Amstein said the Board is proceeding as though there will be zero percent allowable growth, but he’s still hoping for around two-to three-percent. The Iowa House has passed a two-percent allowable growth, while the Senate has approved four-percent. Amstein says he’s hoping for a “Happy medium,” and the district will receive a set allowable growth soon, which will help with the budget process.

The Iowa Legislature has been setting the statewide allowable growth rate since 1993. Before that the rate was automatically determined by a formula which examined enrollment figures, state revenue growth, inflation and economic indicators. The monies received typically are used to fund teacher salaries and benefits.

The Atlantic School Board also discussed possible Capital Improvement Projects to expand the instructional space at each of the district’s facilities. Included in the discussion, was the possibility of: Adding a new cafeteria and additional classrooms at the Washington School; a new cafeteria and commons area in the Middle School in an area between the gym and auditorium; seven new classrooms at the high school; and 11 more classrooms at Schuler Elementary. Amstein cited an increased enrollment of students in the lower grades and the district’s shrinking capacity to house all those students as they move through the grades, as the reason why expansion projects are being discussed. No action was taken during the work session however, with regard to the budget or the possible capital improvement projects.

A man who has served for nearly two years as the Middle School Principal in Atlantic has tendered his resignation, effective at the end of the school year. The Board of Education accepted the resignation of Cam Smith during their work session Monday night, in Atlantic. Superintendent Dr. Mike Amstein told KJAN News he received Smth’s resignation last Friday, and while he’s sad to see him go, he thinks Smith has done an exemplary job as Middle School Principal in Atlantic.

He points to the implementation of the PBIS, or Positive Behavior Interventions Support program, which was introduced over the past year, as an example. PBIS is a comprehensive plan includes a range of intervention strategies designed to prevent the problem behavior while teaching socially appropriate alternative behaviors. Amstein says Smith’s replacement will hopefully continue with the program and build on its positive results.

His successor will also have a challenge in staying within the budget, and continue to strive and improve student achievement. Smith is leaving Atlantic, for a Middle School Principal’s position at MOC-Floyd Valley, which puts him closer to his family. Amstein said it’s hard to fault someone for wanting to do that. Smith’s last day with the Atlantic Community School District, will be June 30th.

Cam Smith was hired by the district in April 2011. He previously was employed by the Garner-Hayfield School District, where he served as the K-through 8^th Grade Principal and Athletic Director. Smith succeeded AMS Principal Todd Roecker, who retired from the district.

The Cass County Sheriff’s Office reports the arrest on Monday, of Vern Riley Southwick, Jr.  Officials say the man,  who was wanted a warrant for Failure to Appear, turned himself-in to authorities. Southwick was booked into the Cass County Jail where he was released later that same day, on $1000 cash bond.

Officials in Council Bluffs today (Tuesday), identified the victim of Monday’s housefire, as the home’s owner. The body of 43-year old Mark Vanderwoude, of Council Bluffs, was found in the second floor master bathroom of the home at 47 Northwood Drive, after firefighters extinguished the flames and began their search of the residence.

Bluffs Fire Chief Alan Byers says crews were dispatched to the home at around 3:10-p.m. Monday. When they arrived, heavy fire conditions were visible from both floors of the single family residence. While an investigation into the cause of the fire is on-going, Byers said a preliminary investigation resulted int the fire being deemed suspicious, because of previous incidents at the residence. Other factors leading authorities to believe the fire’s origins are suspicious, include the extent of the damage done to the structure, and the possibility of an accelerant being used.

An autopsy will be performed by the State Medical Examiner’s Office to determine the cause of Vanderwoude’s death. The home is owned by Mark Vanderwoude and his wife Lori. Neither she nor the couples’ three young children were home, because the couple had separated.

The 2013 Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa, RAGBRAI, is slated to begin in Council Bluffs, and the organizing committee has met and decided on a local theme- “Sizzle In Your Seat- a Wild Ride for Your Hide”.  As you might expect, the Bluffs theme this year will feature a pig riding a bicycle.

(Official RAGBRAI logo for 2013)

Josee Beier, Director of Convention and Sports Sales for the Council Bluffs Convention and Visitors Bureau says they “Wanted something fun and unique to celebrate 2013.” The local committee approved a logo concept along with the theme, and a preliminary T-shirt design to be unveiled soon.  Plans are also being developed for a Council Bluffs RAGBRAI website and Facebook page, which will feature the theme, show the T-shirt design, and provide other pertinent information for residents and RAGBRAI enthusiasts.

Council Bluffs will welcome RAGBRAI riders, support personnel, fans and friends, July 20 for one large get-together before the ride across Iowa begins the next morning, July 21.

Red Oak Fire Chief Jim Blount III today (Tuesday) released additional details about a residential structure fire that occurred Monday afternoon, about 10-miles southwest of Elliott. Blount told KJAN News the call from 1296 Avenue C came in at around 2:34-p.m.  While they were enroute, they were informed a bedroom on the second floor was on fire, and the flames were spreading. The first crews arrived on the scene within 10 minutes. Blount said they observed a two-story home heavily involved in fire and smoke on the second floor.

The Chief said they encountered one of residents, an adult, who suffered what were described as non-life threatening injuries. They were transported to an area hospital for evaluation and treatment. A total of 11 people occupied the home, four adults and seven children. The residents are receiving assistance from the Red Cross in Shenandoah.

Blount said they received mutual aid by crews from Elliott, Henderson and Griswold. The fire was under control within about 60- to 90-minutes. He said the fire did extend to the first floor. A dollar amount of the damage has not been ascertained, but the structure was declared a total loss.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Red Oak Fire Department and the State Fire Marshal’s Office.