(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Atlantic School Board met in a regular session, Wednesday evening. During their session, that lasted a little more than three-hours, the Board received updated enrollment and COVID-19 information from Superintendent Steve Barber. All districts are required to certify their enrollment by October 15th, so the official count will be completed by Friday. Mr. Barber said the latest data shows an increase in certified enrollments over last year, from 1,333.32 to 1,376.16.

He said also, there were 25 staff and 60 students out with COVID over the past eight weeks of school. Mr. Barber said 40% of student absences were attributed to OTHER illnesses, such as RSV and Strep throat.

In other business, the Board received a presentation from Atlantic School Foundation President Ted Robinson and Treasurer Steve Tjepkes, with regard to the purpose, and benefits to students and the District derives from the Foundation. More information can be found on the Atlantic Community School District’s website under “District,” and then “Support Groups.”

The Board approved (in their Consent Agenda), approval of resignations, including: Melissa Smith (Food Service), and Marsha Von Seggem (Jr. Kindergarten/End of the 2021-22 School Year). And, they approved Contract Recommendations for: Rebecca Garcia, EL Paraeducator; Melissa Smith, HS Paraeducator; Kirstin Sopcich, WA Office Paraeducator, and Paige Carrier, WA Paraeducator; Lisa Andersen – Food Service at Schuler; and Chris Kennedy, Substitute Bus Route Driver.

The Board discussed the 2020-21 Audit Review and End of Year Financial Report; a Retirement Incentive Program; and Iowa Statewide Assessment of Student Progress (ISASP) Test Scores, along with an Employee Appreciation Day. School Business Official/Board Secretary Sarah Sheeder mentioned there are 22 staff members currently eligible for an early retirement program, IF the district were to offer it. In the past, it was limited to the first 10 to apply. The program was last offered three-years ago.  The Board decided it was be best NOT to offer the retirement package in the coming year, due in- part to the difficulty in replacing those teachers and staff in the current economy.

With regard to Action items on their agenda include, the Atlantic School Board approved:

• The renaming of the Annual Trojans Track & Field Invitational to the Bruce Henderson Track and Field Invitational.
• A Boys Swimming Sharing Agreement with Riverside.
• An out-of-state trip for seven-to 14 students to Louisville, Kentucky, for the National FFA Convention. The trip will take place from Oct. 26-30.
• A rental agreement between the school district and Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church, with regard to the use of classroom space for the Home School Assistance Program classroom. The church will provide all supplies and maintenance for the program. (rental amount, $1,615 per month)
• and, the Board approved the purchase of 15 Interactive Touch Displays for teachers to use in the classroom (total cost: $49,455), and a Digital Trophy Case that will provide current and historical information. The Atlantic School Foundation, Atlantic Booster Club and the Robinson Family have offered to share in funding the display case ($7,800), with the school’s share amounting to $8,875 (total cost for the display case: $16,675).