Atlantic School District Superintendent Steve Barber kicked-off Wednesday evening’s YouTube school board meeting by reading six comments sent-in prior to the meeting deadline. Among the email’s Board Secretary Sarah Sheeder received for dissemination to the Administration, was one pertaining to the Atlantic All-Staff back-to-school meeting, and other large-group meetings, prior to the start of school.

For right now, those meetings are set to be held in the High School Commons, Auditorium, or Media Center, which raised concerns about whether that does enough to meet the needs of social distancing. The district staffer asked if those meetings could take place via ZOOM.

The Board also heard from Kathleen Johnson, R.N., who expressed her concern that the Board was not mandating the use of masks. Allison Berryhill was also supportive of masks, saying at a minimum, they should be used indoors when distancing is not possible.

Tammy DeBord, parent and PTO Secretary and SIAC Committee member, expressed her concerns about the 9-percent positivity rate for COVID-19 in the County and how well the school is prepared to deal with an outbreak. She brought up the fact the school has already had an outbreak of the virus after some students attended a party and then volleyball and other activities. Ann McCurdy requested the Board mandate masks for this school year.

The Board later passed by a vote of 3-to 2,  the first reading of a Policy related to COVID-19, which does not require the use of a mask, but strongly encourages its use, especially when social distancing is impractical. A non-surgical (Non N-95) mask will be provided to any student or staff member who wishes to wear one during the school day.

In the Superintendent’s Report, Steve Barber brought in Cass County Public Health Director Beth Olsen, who said (as we reported Wednesday), there were 79 positive test results for COVID-19 in Cass County, with 47 recovered. Olsen said she expected that by Thursday morning, there would be nine more positive results added to the State’s Coronavirus dashboard. Olsen also explained the timeline for those who may have been exposed to the virus and when they can return to normal activities.

She acknowledged COVID-19 cases in Cass County are rising and will continue to rise, but as long as the positivity rate is 15-percent or below, the District wouldn’t need to implement it’s Hybrid Plan. Superintendent Barber said as of Wednesday, he knew of about 80 students who will be taking classes by remote learning. Also, about 5-to 10 students are attending online through Iowa Connections Academy, there are some Home School Assistance participants, and those who opted for Home Schooling.

In other business, the Atlantic School Board approved the Summer 2021 Coaching Contracts, other contracts, and resignations.