(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Atlantic Community School District’s Board of Education, Wednesday evening (March 12th), acted on resignations and retirements of: A Communications Specialist, and Middle School Football Coach. They also approved the following recommendations to hire:

• Softball Coaches for 7th and 8th Grade: Brett Johnson – 8th grade; Makenna Askeland – 7th grade.
• Assistant Girls Soccer Coach, Irelyn Gundy.
• Volunteer Coaches for 2025 Spring and Summer sports.
• Internal Transfer Teacher for 25-26, Dara Bartz . Washington Elem. Principal Stacey Hornung said in her recommendation to transfer Ms. Bartz from Kindergarten to an open Art position at Washington, Bartz has done an excellent job since she began teaching at the school since 2007, and will continue to build relationships with students and staff, as well as “grow students’ love of both art and literacy.”
• Substitute Bus Driver, Harrison Hoegh.
• Building Secretary, Emma Langer. AMS Principal Casey Pelzer recommended Ms. Langer for the position, because of her work history with the school, which includes her tenure as the District’s Communication Director, and her her ability to multi-task efficiently while maintaining a positive, friendly demeanor and genuine care for those around her.
• Teachers for 25-26: Bri Wilson; Val Torres;Ben Andersen and Ashley Coffman.

Atlantic School Board mtg. 3-12-25 (YouTube image)

Superintendent Dr. Beth Johnsen asked the Board to approve the addition of a Special Education Teacher for the 2025-26 School Year. As part of the rational for hiring another Special Ed Teacher, Dr. Johnsen said in her recommendation letter, “The additional position will provide a layer of support for all levels of Special Education that we currently do not have. We will work to place or keep staff in current positions if possible.”

Following approval of the position, the Board acted on approving the hiring of Bri Wilson as Special Ed Teacher. Dr. Johnsen explained earlier, why she recommended Wilson.

The Atlantic School Board discussed the 2025-26 School Calendar, and FY26 Property Tax Levy. They agreed to set March 26th at 6:30-p.m., as the date and time for a public hearing on the 25-26 Calendar and Budget. The hearing will take place in the HS Media Center.

They concluded their meeting with a closed session for an evaluation of Superintendent Dr. Beth Johnsen.