(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Atlantic Community School District’s Board of Education held their regular monthly meeting, Wednesday. During the meeting, the Board received a Special Presentation from Cheryl Andersen, with regard to an ESL (English Second Language) Program update. They also received updates from Schuler Principal James Northwick, Middle School Principal Josh Rasmussen, and High School Principal Heather McKay.

Superintendent Steve Barber presented his report, as well (read the bullet points on his Superintendent Report).

Mr. Barber said also, school officials on Monday had a construction meeting on the District’s Facilities Project. They focused, he said, “On how do we get to the finish line.”

He said also, progress is being made at the Middle School, following the devastating fire last Summer. All the sub-floors are in, and dry wall hanging on the bottom floor began Wednesday.

He said they’re still looking to get staff into the building by the first part of July and early August. In other business, the Board discussed an Employee Retention Stipend proposal, to assist in the teacher shortage during the pandemic. Mr. Barber said the district has received confirmation from the Iowa Dept. of Education, that providing staff with a retention stipend fits an appropriate use of ESSER (Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief ) dollars. Governor Reynolds has proposed a $1,000 stipend to Iowa’s Teachers, to recognize their commitment to education and to assist with the current teacher shortage.

His proposal for all employees (full- or part-time) will receive a stipend based on continuous years of service at the conclusion of the 2021-22 school year. Years of service will be determined by the number of continuous years as a contracted employee (breaks in service or years spent as a substitute employee will not be counted).

All totaled, it would cost the District $350,000 for the 275 employees, if they return for the 2022-23 school year. If approved, payment would be made to staff on Sept. 1, 2022. Board member Josh McLaren liked the proposal, he just didn’t care for the word “Retention,” and proposed “Hero Pay,” citing other school districts who have taken the same path. The proposal will be listed as an action item on the Board’s agenda next month.

Board President Jenny Williams reminds parents, there is no school next Monday, Jan. 17th, due to a Staff Wellness Day. The Atlantic School Board, Wednesday, approved the resignations of Melissa Smith – HS Paraeducator, and Richard “Dick” Casady, Bus Driver. The Board also approved contract recommendations for: Linda Templemann, Schuler Food Service; Hillary Zellmer, Internal transfer to Junior Kindergarten Teacher; Kendra Henningsen, Internal transfer to Elementary Literacy Teacher, and Montana Applegate, Internal transfer to Preschool Teacher.The Board acted on approving Mr. Mitchell’s recommendation to hire fall sports coaches(Football [FB], Cross County [XC] & Volleyball [VB]) for the 2022-23 school year, including:

• Joe Brummer – Head FB Coach
• Lee Saathoff – Varsity FB Asst.
• Oran Perkins and Matt Best – JV FB
• Matt Mullenix & Bryce Smith – 9th Grade FB
• Tim Duff, Chase Roller, Bryce Casey and Clint Roland – MS FB
• Dan Vargason – Head XC Coach
• Derek Hall – Asst. HS XC
• Taylor Williams – MC XC
• Michelle Blake – Head VB
• Alyssa Dovenspike – JV VB
• Tori Dolch – 9th Grade VB
• Faith McCunn, Jessica Larsen and Amber Moore – MS VB
• and Dean Junker – Girls Swimming.

The Board also approved: SBRC (School Budget Review Committee) Modified Allowable Growth for 2022-23 At-Risk/Dropout Prevention, in the amount of $496,929; An Athletic Dept. Yard Sale to dispose of 100’s of old uniforms and warm ups (The Yard Sale will take place January 20th, during the HS Wrestling meet, and on Jan. 25th, during the HS girl’s basketball game).

In other business, the Atlantic School Board approved overnight/out-of-state trips for/to:

• HS Show Choir Invitational in Wahoo, NE, on Feb. 9th,
• and HS Boys/Girls Track – Indoor Track Invite at NWMSU (Maryville, MO.) March 19, 2022.

They also approved on an Engineering Service Contract with Snyder & Assoc. in the amount of $74,750, for the south High School parking lot project, and approving an invoice from FirstOnsite in the amount of $400,000 for the Middle School Restoration Project, using AMS Fire Insurance Proceeds.