[UPDATED] (Atlantic, Iowa) – The Atlantic School District’s Board of Education held a regular board meeting this (Wednesday) evening (Oct. 8^th), at the Middle School. During their session, the Board approved all but two Open Enrollment Applications, and three resignations: Middle School Wrestling Head Coach Todd Killion and MS Asst. Wrestling Coach Oran Perkins, as well as Junior Class and Prom Sponsor, Mallory Kirchhoff.

They also approved numerous Recommendations to Hire, including the following:

• Harley Hester & Kinnick Juhl, Special Education Paras (replacement positions)
• Jeremia Robinette, Grounds Supervisor (replacing Brett Johnson)
• Tyler Mitchell, HS Robotics Sponsor (replacing Andy Mitchell/Stacey Schmidt)
• Lexi Trotter, HS Girls Wrestling Asst Coach (replacing Lillian Cox)
• Derek Handel, MS Boys/Girls Basketball Coach (replacing Trace Petersen)
• Chase Roller, MS Boys Wrestling Head Coach (replacing Todd Killion)
• Caleb Smith, MS Boys Wrestling Asst Coach (replacing Oran Perkins)
• Ben Anderson, HS Boys Soccer Coach (replacing Mark Anderson)

The Board reviewed and discussed several policies with updates, including Early Retirement Options. Superintendent Dr. Beth Johnsen said the policy would only pertain to those employees who are qualified to take, and apply for, Early Retirement. Board member Kristy Pellett asked if the District’s Management Fund was good enough to budget for Early Retirement offering. Director of Finance Lisa Jones said the same fund pays for the District’s property/auto, casualty and workman’s comp insurance, which the State has a new mandate for, with regard to carryover costs.

Jones said the district’s management balance has stayed fairly low, and there is enough to cover if there is a claim.

Kristy Pellet said Early Retirement can serve as a management tool for staff reduction and to save money in the General Fund if needed, and/or as a means of appreciation for staff years of service to the District.

Lisa Jones said the district does “Have a cushion” to allow some staff Early Retirement, but the Board took no action on who Early Retirement would be offered to, and the stipulations attached to any plan that is offered. The matter will be brought back as a discussion item at a later Board meeting.

Prior to  their regular meeting, the Atlantic School Board held a Town Hall meeting to provide community members with a tour of the Middle School Facilities, and information with regard to upcoming district projects. The Board will hold another Town Hall meeting with regard to the November 4^th Bond Measures, on Oct. 16^th in the High School Commons, beginning at 6-p.m.