(Atlantic, Iowa) – The much anticipated Atlantic School District Robotics Team and Program will not continue, due to a lack of interest among students. Superintendent Dr. Beth Johnsen provided that update to the Atlantic School Board during their regular meeting, Wednesday evening.

She said also, with regard to snow days, they’ve had quite a few, and only limited time remaining before any make-up days are needed.

And, Dr. Johnsen spoke with the Board about the District’s cell phone policy. Right now, she said, any changes to the current policy are in limbo, until or unless, the legislature takes action.

She said if a revision to the policy is needed, the Board can definitely come back and do that. Johnsen asked, and the School Board agreed, to wait until the legislature makes its move, before the cell phone policy is changed. High School Principal Heather McKay said the policy isn’t being followed at the high school because there is so much confusion over what it entails. Board member Kristy Pellett…

In another update, as Councilman Mike McDermott mentioned during the Atlantic City Council meeting last week, the City and Atlantic Schools are exploring the possibility of splitting the cost of renovating the Washington Elementary School tennis courts, to incorporate a pickleball court.

The School Board discussed two possible options for the 2025-26 School Year Calendar. The school start date on both is August 25, because the normal start date of Aug. 23^rd is on a Saturday. One version of the calendar includes a full week off for a combined Spring Break and Easter. Another version splits-up the break.

No decision was made on the School Calendar, because it was a discussion item only. A public hearing on the 2025-26 Calendar and Budget (including the proposed FY26 Property Tax Levy), will be on March 26^th at 6:30 p.m., in the High School Media Center. A Board work session will follow the pulblic hearing.