(Atlantic, IA) – The Atlantic School District’s Board of Education met Wednesday evening. During their regular session, the Board acted on approving a handful of resignations and a half-dozen recommendations to hire, including a recommendation by Superintendent Dr Beth Johnsen, to hire Dr. James Brauer as High School Principal, effective July 1, 2026.
In her letter to the Board, Dr. Johnsen said (in-part) “Dr. Brauer brings more than twenty years of experience in education, including service as a school principal, assistant principal, university administrator, teacher, and special education leader. His career reflects a commitment to student achievement, staff development, and continuous school improvement.
“Dr. Brauer holds a Doctorate in Educational Administration, an Education Specialist degree, a Master of Business Administration, and multiple master’s degrees in education. As Principal of Iowa Connections Academy (CAM), Iowa’s first statewide K-12 virtual public school, Dr. Brauer led the successful launch and growth of an innovative educational model that served students across the state.
“Dr. Brauer also served as Director of Graduate Education at Avila University, where he led program development, faculty recruitment, curriculum innovation, and strategic planning initiatives. Locally, Dr. Brauer has served Atlantic High School as an English teacher, Special Education teacher, and member of the Building Leadership Team. During his time in Atlantic, he has demonstrated a strong commitment to students while helping advance school initiatives through collaboration, communication, and innovation. Recently, Dr. Brauer was the Principal for the Virtual School at Red Oak Schools.”
Superintendent Johnsen said in conclusion “I believe Dr. Brauer possesses the leadership skills, educational expertise, character, and vision necessary to lead Atlantic High School into the future. He understands our community, values relationships, embraces innovation, and has a proven record of improving outcomes for students and schools.”
Resignations/Retirements approved by the Atlantic School Board include:
Heath Kelley, Guiding Coalition Position
Gwendolyn Ullerich, Special Education Para
Allison Berryhill, PLC Lead
Other Recommendations to Hire that were approved:
Hunter Khongmaly, Summer School 2026 teacher, effective June 11
Mandi Brauer, Summer Special Education work, effective June 11
Dillion Cox, HS Head Girls Wrestling Coach
Dan Vargason, Summer weight room coordinator, effective June 11th.
