The Atlantic School Board Wednesday evening, approved the resignations of some staff and nine certified teachers, each of whom will receive a $500 stipend for submitting their request for Early Retirement prior to the end of January.

Among the teachers whose resignations was approved by the Board, was: Margo Magill, Junior Kindergarten teacher; Paulette Hansen, 4th Grade teacher; Rita McLaren, 1st Grade teacher; Rebecca Osborne, Early Childhood Special Education teacher; 6th Grade teacher Catherine Larsen; 5th Grade teacher Kathi Hansen; High School Science teacher Nancy Jenkins; High School Math/Science teacher Steve Baier; LmB Reading teacher Pam Tibken, and Head 7th Grade Football Coach, Mike McDermott.

School Board member Jenny Williams asked McDermott why he was resigning his position at the end of the school year. He said it was because of some concerns he had and there are other things he’d like to do. He kids aren’t involved in football anymore, and the job of coaching year-around, has “taken its toll.” Williams and Board Vice-President Kristy Pellett thanked McDermott for his service, and all those teachers who are leaving.

Superintendent Mike Amstein said the district has brought in a number of talented teachers in the past few years, and while we are losing a lot of experience, they have also brought in a lot of new talent, so “It’s kind of a trade-off.” The Board Wednesday, also held a preliminary discussion on the budget. Amstein said there are still three things preventing them from making much progress on the budget, not the least of which is, what the legislature plans to do with State Supplemental Aid.  Other issues/unknowns, include increases in insurance, and the outcome of contract negotiations with Certified Staff.

And, Activities Director Matt Alexander updated the Board, Wednesday, on the Athletic Facilities Study. He said since the process of looking at the facilities began in November, they have sent out Requests for Proposals (RFP’s) to companies across the State, for the purposes of conducting a more in-depth study and coming up with options or solutions. Alexander said they had received several responses. The companies’ fees for the study ranged from $10,000 to as much as $40,000. A committee was established and bids reviewed on January 4th. The Committee narrowed down their choices to three, and interviews were held with those company representatives.

Among the areas of athletic facilities they would look at, is the Trojan Bowl, where safety is an issue, the baseball and softball fields, and tennis courts. A recommendation on which firm the committee selects will come during the next board meeting. If the Board approves the recommendation, the study could begin at the end of February.