(Atlantic) The Atlantic School Board on Wednesday approved participation in the Iowa Jobs for America’s Graduates Program. Atlantic School Superintendent Steve Barber approved partnering with IJAG to get an individual to work with the at-risk students.
The IJAG program is a non-profit organization connecting business and education to provide the most cost-effective dropout prevention and school career solutions.
Barber says after investigating IJAG, he feels strongly that this program can provide support for some of the District’s at-risk students. He says many of the program components will help engage, inform, and motivate students for success in high school and beyond. Although IJAG holds the contract, the candidate may be interested in some of the district’s other positions, including but not limited to coaching, bus driving, or other sponsorships.
Barber would like to focus on the juniors and seniors and then work their way back through the grades if the program meets the outcome he believes it will. The position opens up the opportunity to more individuals since it only requires an IJAG certification instead of a teaching license.
In other business:
*The Atlantic School Board approved the contracts and bonds for the $620,084.00 high school parking lot project. This is the final step needed to officially approve the contract with Precision Concrete Services. The project is funded through the SAVE and PPEL funding sources.
*The School Board approved the proclamation for National Teachers Day as of May 4, 2021. The week of May 3 is designated as National Teacher Week. This proclamation dedicates a day for the district teachers showing appreciation for the difference they make in student’s lives.
*The School Board approved the 2021-2022 Winter Sports Coaching Contracts, except for one individual who had not signed their teaching contract. The instructors name was not released. High School Wrestling-Tim Duff, Assistant High School Wrestling, TBD, Middle School Wrestling, Oran Perkins, Middle School Wrestling, Adam Smith, Head Girls Varsity Basketball, Dan Vargason, J.V. Girls Basketball, Shelby McCreedy, Freshman Girls’ Basketball, Katy Christianson, Middle School Girls/Boys Basketball, Terry Hinzmann, Middle School Girls/Boys Basketball, Trace Petersen, Head High School Boys Basketball, Jeff Ebling, JV Boys Basketball, Jeremy Blake, Freshman Boys Basketball, Derek Hall, Boys/Girls Swimming, Dean Junker, and Football, Wrestling, Basketball, Cheerleading Coach Michella Bartholomew.
*The Atlantic School Board approved the following sharing agreements: Girl’s Swimming: Clarinda and Audubon. Boy’s Swimming: Audubon, Clarinda, and Red Oak. Wrestling: CAM, and Girl’s Soccer: CAM, and Exira/EHK.
*The School Board also approved the transportation and Industrial Tech sharing agreement with Griswold.
*The School Board approved the 2021 Graduating Senior Class.
*The School Board approved Superintendent Steve Barber’s recommendation to offer the current seniors the opportunity to purchase their apple computer they’ve used for the past four years for $125.00.
*The School Board approved a generous $120,000 donation from an individual wishing to remain anonymous. The donation is earmarked for the Washington Elementary Technology.
*The School Board set May 12 for a public hearing for an amendment to the 2020-2021 budget.
*The School Board approved a resolution for an escrow agreement and authorized the call and partial redemption of the General Obligation School Bonds series 2019. The agreement allows the district to move $195,000 collected in debt service property taxes to pay off the General Obligation Bonds to an investment account until the bonds’ call date.
*The School Board also approved two pay applications for the Athletic Facilities Improvement Project.
*The School Board also approved the following resignations: Ashley Coffman, 7th grade Middle School Special Education Teacher. Brielle Cerven, ESL Coordinator/Teacher & TLC Facilitator. Hannah Ridder, Special Education Teacher, Joe Brummer, Junior Varsity Football Coach, Joe Brummer, Middle School Track Coach, Tesia Cleaver, Special Education Paraeducator, Vanessa Proehl, Special Education Paraeducator, Becky Kirchhoff, Special Education Paraeducator, Jordan Franken, Special Education Paraeducator, and Clair Acker, School Bus Route Driver.
*The School Board approved the following contracts recommendations: Holly Esbeck, High School Social Studies, Matthew Best, JV Football Coach and High School Physical Education and Weight Training Teacher, and Evan Adamon, High School Vocal High School Music Teacher.