(Atlantic, Iowa) –  Public hearings were held this (Wednesday) in the Atlantic High School Media Center, as a precursor to a SPECIAL MEETING of the Atlantic School Board. (You can view the entire session HERE).

During the hearing, concerned District patrons and others, expressed their thoughts on the proposed replacement of the High School Roof, and the issuance of $18.5-million in School Infrastructure Sales, Services and Use Tax Revenue Bonds. No one spoke with regard to the roof replacement project, but Justin Williams addressed the Bond Issuance, which he said is a move that is not fiscally responsible to the taxpayers.

Justin Williams

Williams, an Atlantic High School graduate and former educator with the Atlantic Community School District, is also a candidate for the Atlantic  School Board this Fall. If it is approved by the voters in November, the bonds would provide funds to build, furnish and equip a new multipurpose indoor practice facility/fieldhouse at the high School with related site improvements, including costs of issuance and a debt service reserve fund if required by the purchaser.

Any bond proceeds remaining after completion of this project will be used for other school infrastructure projects as authorized by the School District’s Revenue Purpose Statement. Justin Williams said the Field House is an extravagance that is not necessary, and not one person he’s spoken with is in favor of using the bond for that purpose.

He urged the Board to vote no on the issuance of the bond. Atlantic School Board President Laura McLean said the District also received an e-mail comment on the matter, from Tammy Rush DeBord, who graduated from AHS.  McLean summarized the e-mail…

McLean acknowledged during discussion with regard to the Bond referendum, there have been issues with communicating this District’s reasoning and intentions behind asking for the Bond.

She said the purpose is to reduce the tax burden by borrowing against current and future the SAVE funds. Board member Kristy Pellett addressed the perceived sense of urgency in pushing the bond through.

Board member Josh McLaren said there is confusion about the use SAVE funds and Bonds.

During the action portion of their meeting, the Atlantic School Board approved a bid from Rigid Edge Exterior for the High School Roof Replacement with the addition of a protective matting, in the amount of $117, 550. Afterward, they unanimously passed both a Resolution Approving Revenue Purpose Statement, Ordering an Election on a Revenue Purpose Statement to Authorize Expenditures From Revenue Received From the State Secure an Advanced Vision for Education (SAVE) Fund, Ordering the Publication of a Notice of Election, AND, a Resolution Supporting the Proposed Issuance of Approximately $18,500,000 School Infrastructure Sales, Services and Use Tax Revenue Bonds.

In other business, the Atlantic School Board approved (previously mentioned) hiring recommendations (see our post earlier this week), and resignations. They also approved Vendor Contracts, including:

• An Athletic Training Contract (Proposal #2) with Peak Performance, Owner Bobby Reisz, to provide an athletic trainer for Football, Wrestling, Cross Country and Soccer Athletic Training Contract (Proposal #1) which includes Football, Wrestling, Cross Country, Soccer but also includes Home Basketball games, On-site hours on Tuesdays and away Varsity football games.
• A Council Bluffs Consortium Agreement for Children’s Square (learning services)
• Heartland Family Service (therapeutic services), Heartland of Omaha.
• A two-year Athletic Sharing Contract for Swimming with the Griswold School District.
• and, Early Childhood Consultation.

The entire meeting lasted a little more than 90-minutes. The Board’s next, REGULAR meeting, is at 6:30-p.m. on September 10, in the High School Media Center.