(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Atlantic Community School District Board of Education Directors will be attending a Town Hall Meeting this (Wednesday) evening. The public forum takes place at the Atlantic High School Media Center, beginning at 5:30-p.m.  The purpose of this meeting is to provide community members with tours of the facilities and information regarding upcoming district projects. (YouTube link)

A quorum of the Board of Education may be present. No official Board action will be taken. Following the forum (and at about 6:30-p.m.), the school board will hold a Work Session, during which they will review the Town Hall meeting, and receive a Special Presentation from Stacey Schmidt, Director of Student Services will review data from student special
populations such as English Language Learners, Special Education, Home School and Talented & Gifted.

Future Town Hall meetings will be held on the following dates:

• Wednesday, October 8: Atlantic Middle School media center, 5:30 p.m.
• Thursday, October 16: Atlantic High School commons, 6:00 p.m.
• Wednesday, October 22: Washington Elementary lunchroom, 5:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, October 29: Washington Elementary lunchroom, 4:00-6:00 p.m.
• Thursday, October 30: Atlantic Middle School media center, 4:00-6:00 p.m.

“We value the voices of our community members, and these town hall meetings are an opportunity to come together and discuss the district’s proposal to improve our facilities for future generations,” said Superintendent Dr. Beth Johnsen. “Everyone is welcome to attend, ask questions, and share their perspectives as we work toward decisions that will impact our students and schools for years to come.”

ACSD residents will vote Tuesday, Nov. 4, on three ballot measures for the district that would fund improvement and expansion projects at multiple campuses to address approximately $40 million worth of critical needs identified in the district’s Master Facility Plan. The plan was created after the completion of building and grounds assessments and consultation with architects and engineers.

Sales tax revenue bonds and Revenue Purpose Statements require voter approval of at least 50% to pass. Neither of these measures would increase property taxes or create a new tax.

General obligation bonds require approval of at least 60%. If approved, this bond issue would have a tax impact of $1.10 per $1,000 of taxable property value. For a $150,000 home in the district, it would amount to an annual increase of approximately $72.93.

Answers to frequently asked questions and more information about the measures on the November ballot are available at www.atlantic-bond.com.