(Atlantic, Iowa) – A candidate running for one of two seats on the Atlantic School Board, tonight (Wednesday night) informed the Board he had presented to the Board Secretary, a petition with more than 500 signatures, requesting that the proposed athletic facility (Field House) project be put to a public vote.

Justin Williams addresses the Atlantic School Board, 9-10-2025 (YouTube image)

During the Public Comment portion of the meeting, Justin Williams described the language in the petition calling for a Special Election:

Williams, who put the petition together, said more than 20 volunteers worked to gather these signatures of eligible voters, in just 10 days. The response, he said, was overwhelming.

Williams said if the District intends to spend $18.5-million dollars on the project, that should be authorized by the citizens.

In accordance with Board policy they took no action and had no comment on the statement made during the Public Comment part of the agenda. The Atlantic School Board approved: the resignations of Jessica Burcham, HS Nurse; Lillian Smith, Girls Wrestling Asst. Coach; Angela Gallegos, Nutrition Cook, and Megan Leeper, Nutrition Server.

The Board also approved a Recommendation to Hire Lynnae Grandin, as HS Activities & Athletic Secretary. Other action taken by the Atlantic School Board, included approval of…

• Teacher lane advancements
• 2025-26 Employee Handbook revisions
• A Resolution and contract to Rigid Edge for the HS Roof Replacement Project – Phase 1
• and, Out-of-State Travel (for an FFA trip to Missouri).

The Board’s next meeting is a Work Session on Sept. 24^th at 6:30-p.m. Their next regular meeting is Oct. 8^th, also at 6:30-p.m.