Local governments and schools are continuing to work on their budgets, despite a lack of direction from the State on how much funding or a lack thereof, will impact those budgets. Atlantic School District Superintendent Dr. Michael Amstein said during Monday night’s meeting at the High School, there’s been no action by the Iowa House on a proposal by the Senate for 4-percent allowable growth for school districts across the State, and it doesn’t appear there will be action anytime soon. Because the lack of movement in the legislature Amstein said he’s asked District Business Manager Mary Beth Fast, to budget for the worst-case scenario, which is zero-percent allowable growth.

In other business, Amstein said he will be coming to the Board in March, with a recommendation pertaining to the make-up of three days students missed this school year due to inclement weather.  He says right now, those dates look to be May 22^nd-through the 24^th. Currently, the last day of school is May 21^st. The dates would still allow the district to end the school year before the Memorial Day weekend. He said if there are any more days missed because of bad weather, they would have to look at cutting time from Spring Break.

Amstein said also, discussions continue with the Cass County Sheriff’s Office for the use of a deputy as a School Resource Officer (SRO). Amstein says looking at the current budget, it appears to be likely the district would continue to contract with the County for the services of an SRO.

Amstein announced also, that Atlantic Senior Tom Stinn has been nominated for the Presidential Scholars Program. He said only a handful of students in each state are selected for the opportunity. They’re selected on the basis of accomplishments, school and community activities and excellence in education. Stinn is also a candidate for a National Merit Scholarship. And, AHS Senior Dalton Franken, as you may have heard, was nominated to the McDonald’s All-American Basketball Team.