(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Atlantic High School Media Center saw more than the usual number of people in attendance during a regular meeting this (Wednesday) evening, of the Atlantic School Board. Six persons out of the crowd signed-in to voice their support of Atlantic High School Band/Choir Director Jarrod O’Donnell, who supporters say is doing much more for the program with no additional compensation.

ACSD School Board meeting, 8-13-25 (YouTube image)

Band and Choir teachers in the Atlantic District have two contracts: one for their full-time teaching contract for all of their classes and lessons taught during the school day. The other is an extra duty contract for taking students to after-school activities, such as competition, honor band, choir camps, etc.

According to concerned parents and community members, Mr. O’Donnell was asked to cover the music position for at least the first semester of the 2025-26 school year and for the second semester, if needed. O’Donnell was told he would not be reimbursed for giving up his prep period, because he goes to the middle school band during their band period. What it boils down to, is that the position is two full-time jobs, without additional compensation.

Superintendent Dr. Beth Johnsen has stated they are still looking for someone to handle the extra-duty contract. High School Principal Heather McKay acknowledged they ARE still searching for someone to fill that position.

Parents, meanwhile, are frustrated by the District’s decision to reduce children’s’ music education to a single 45-minute class period, rather than an enriched program. The speakers at tonight’s (Aug. 13^th) Board meeting, expressed their concern the District is gutting the program for the upcoming school year, which will negatively impact students.

Michelle Schuler

Michelle Schuler was the first to speak during the public forum. She said she is a long-time Atlantic resident, with four children who graduated from the District. She spoke on how the music program will be impacted.

Sophie Johnson, who will be an AHS Senior this coming school year, also addressed the School Board, on behalf of the student body.

She said the music program is just as important as sports.

The Board took no action on request to offer Mr. O’Donnell additional compensation for what supporters said was the equivalent of cramming 11 periods into seven periods of class time. The Board did approve (under their Consent Agenda), Recommendations to hire personnel for other positions, including: HS Building Secretary; HS Varsity Girls Soccer Coach; Girls Swimming Volunteer Coach; and NHS Sponsor, and Nutrition Dept. Cook.

In other business, the Atlantic School Board passed a Resolution setting August 27^th as the date for a Public Hearing on the Proposed Issuance of approximately $18.5-million in School Infrastructure Sales, Services and Use Tax Revenue Bonds.