(Atlantic) The Atlantic School Board held a lengthy discussion on Wednesday night regarding the budget and tax levy rate for the fiscal year 2024-2025.
Lisa Jones, Director of Finance/Board Secretary, presented several options. The current levy rate is $13.00 per one thousand dollars of valuation. At last month’s meeting, the proposed levy rate on the table was $12.91. Jones says the $12.91 pays a total $740,000 surplus payment on the school bond, which would pay off in 2026.
Jones says the board does not have to make the extra payment this year, which drops the levy to $11.97; however, the board consensus was to keep the tax levy stable and avoid a yo-yo effect when the district proposes a bond for another major capital project when this one is paid off.
Board member Laura McLean said the district has needs, which means another bond issue could return to the table in a couple of years.
Jones crunched the numbers again and stated if the district paid an extra $400,000 instead of a full payment, the tax levy would drop to $12.34 per one thousand dollars of valuation, and a $500,000 surplus payment set the levy rate at $12.51.
The total budget proposal will be sent to the newspaper on Thursday for the public to view before a final public hearing on April 24. The School Board will vote on the official levy rate after the public hearing.
In other action, the School Board approved the 2024-2025 School Calendar. School starts on August 23, with new teacher in-service days on August 15 and additional in-service days on August 16, 19, 20, 21, and 22. Students will be dismissed early on November 27 for Thanksgiving break. The Christmas break is from December 23 to January 2, Spring break is from March 24 to March 28, and classes will dismiss for the summer on May 23 with a two-hour early dismissal.
The School Board also approved the Apple quote for Teacher Computers for the 24-25 Fiscal Year and approved the purchase of a Dump Trailer from Olsen’s Outdoor Power and the Vodec Contract.
The School Board also approved the following resignations, as well as contracts.
Resignations:
Chelsey Christensen, Kitchen Effective Immediately
Terry Hinzmann, 8th Grade Girl’s Basketball Coach for 24-25 Season
Holly Esbeck, NHS Sponsor for the 24-25 Season
Alyssa Boltz, Assistant Volleyball Coach for the Fall of 24-25 Season
Contract Recommendations and Letters of Assignment:
Brett Johnson, Full-Time Grounds Supervisor, Starting April 11, 2024
Kerry Jepsen, High School Office Secretary starting July 1, 2024
Laura Horn, K-12 Librarian for 24-25 School Year
Julie Coffey, ELL, Teacher for 24-25 School Year
Nicole Corpela, 2nd Grade Teacher for 24-25 School Year
Cory Bartz, High School Math Teacher for 24-25 School Year
Title 1 teacher, Schuler Elementary
Stacey Schmidt, Director of Student Services
Nick Bennett, Special Education Para Thru TPRA Grant
Cambry Miller, Girl’s Swim Coach
Alyssa Boltz and Jesse McCann Soccer Coach Stipends
The School Board will hold a final budget hearing on April 24 at 5:30 p.m. Following the hearing, the board will meet for a work session.
