ATLANTIC, IOWA — The Atlantic Community School District will gather additional feedback from residents as part of its efforts to address facility needs identified in its Facilities Master Plan. According to Jerry Gallagher, with the Donovan Group, a new survey is the next step in the district’s planning process, which has spanned more than a year. The survey will provide community members with an opportunity to give input as the Board of Education and administration consider a general obligation bond referendum this November. District Superintendent, Dr. Beth Johnsen, said in a news release, “The district has invested a significant amount of time and effort toward studying the facility challenges our students and staff face every day. We encourage all district residents to provide feedback that will help guide us as we look to reshape our schools and ensure students have the resources they need well into the future.”

Last summer, Atlantic CSD partnered with Estes Construction to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the district’s facilities. Architects and engineers evaluated the existing conditions of buildings, identified necessary maintenance and repairs, and provided recommendations and cost estimates. In December 2024, the district engaged SVPA Architects to expand its facility planning, including the creation of a 10-year master plan for future improvements. This process included additional collaboration with Estes Construction.

Atlantic High School

In June, the Board of Education received a report outlining approximately $40 million of improvements and new construction that will allow Atlantic CSD to meet its goals of fostering educational environments conducive to 21st century learning and ensuring all students have the resources necessary to fulfill their potential. The scope of work would affect all of Atlantic CSD’s attendance centers and include classroom renovations and additions, safety and security enhancements, and a new fieldhouse at Atlantic High School, among other efforts. Dr. Johnsen says “These projects would position our school district to better serve the students of today and future generations of Trojans. We believe these projects will also play a role in attracting new families and improving the community.”

A voter-approved general obligation bond referendum of up to $27 million in November will be necessary for these projects to become reality. The remaining $13 million would be funded through district funds and state sales tax revenue. Bond measures require a minimum of 60% support to pass. The district will make an official announcement on its website, via email, and on its social media accounts when the survey is available.