Atlantic, Iowa) – Following a public hearing, Wednesday (during which there were no comments received, written or oral), the Atlantic School Board approved the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget, which, according to District Finance Director Lisa Jones, said, is slightly more than the current levy rate of $12.514/$1,000 of assessed property valuation. 

The property tax rate for FY26 will be $12.532/$1,000.

In other business, the Atlantic School Board approved a bid from Rick’s Computers, for 900 new 1-to-1 devices for 6th through 12th grade students, with a total cost of $279,000. District Technology Director Roger Warne urged the Board to approve the bid due to the recently enacted tariffs.

Screenshot of the YouTube Atlantic School Board mtg. Roger Warne discusses recommended 1-1 devices.

Warne said the bid is a good deal compared to what the earlier cost comparison was.

The other vendors, he said, couldn’t guarantee their price quotes would still be honored days from now, based on the tariff situation.

The Board also approved changing the District’s health insurance vendor for 2025-26, to Wellmark Blue Cross/Blue Shield. Following the public hearing and Special Meeting, the Board held a scheduled Work Session.