The Atlantic Community School District’s Board of Education met Monday evening at the High School. No action was taken on any of the discussion items. Among the issues discussed, was the Early Retirement Incentive Program. Superintendent Steve Barber provided the Board with revised retirement incentive package proposal. (Click on the left side of an audio bar below to listen)

Essentially, he said the same criteria for early retirement that existed three-years ago remains unchanged in the current proposal. The criteria include teachers being at least 55-years of age, and who have completed at least ten years of full-time service with the Atlantic Community School District. Teachers choosing to take the incentive must notify the District by no later than Dec. 7^th, under the current proposal. If selected, they would receive $25,000 over a three-year period. Those funds, Barber said, would be paid into what is called a “Health Reimbursement Arrangement,” (Or, HRA), which allows the participants to continue their health insurance, as long as they pay the monthly premiums.

They also discussed Early Literacy progress, Monday evening. Barber said the Board is excited because gains have been observed in early literacy efforts

One group of Pilot Teams of Teachers took their training this past Summer, while another group is currently working on completing training under the first three- of six-modules. They will be asked to implement and collaborate with one another on common understandings and provide instruction for a variety of kids at different levels of their literacy development.

Another area of discussion Monday, was with regard to the district’s pre-school program.

Barber said also the Atlantic School Board held further discussion with regard to Facility Planning. Those conversations began a couple of years ago, but not much progress was made due to a variety of reasons. Traffic congestion around district facilities is a big concern, he said.

He said when talks focus on traffic congestion at the Washington Elementary School, a lot of parents can relate to that frustration.