(Atlantic) At a special meeting on Monday, the Atlantic Community School Board unanimously approved a $22.5 million bond referendum question that will appear on the ballot Tuesday, November 4.
An approved bond would fund improvement projects at the district’s elementary schools, middle school, and high school.
For the past year, the board and administration collaborated with architects and engineers to evaluate Atlantic CSD’s facilities and develop a Facilities Master Plan that guides improvement plans over the next decade. Approximately $40 million worth of potential improvements were identified through the process.
“Voters will have an opportunity this November to consider a bond referendum that would allow our school district to modernize a number of our educational spaces, enhance safety and security, improve efficiency, and provide more resources for students,” said Superintendent Dr. Beth Johnsen.
Under the bond proposal, Washington Elementary School would see extensive improvements. The oldest portions of the building, which date to 1958 and 1962, would be demolished. A new northwest addition for students in kindergarten and 1st grade would be built, along with an east addition for prekindergarten students.
A new secure entrance would be built at Washington Elementary, along with a cafeteria and specialized rooms for music, art, and special education. Exterior work would include a new traffic loop for safer and more efficient student dropoff and pickup, as well as improvements to the parking lot, bus lanes, and the building’s facade.
Secure entrance improvements would also take place at Schuler Elementary and Atlantic Middle School. A new skybridge and commons between the schools would be constructed, providing a safer connection between the schools and needed space for student dining. The restrooms on all three floors at Schuler would be renovated.
Work at the high school would include secure entrance upgrades, renovation of the media center and commons area, and the addition of classrooms. These improvements, along with updates to other common areas, are designed to support academic programs and growth.
The tax impact of an approved bond issue in November would raise the district’s debt service levy by $1.10 per $1,000 of taxable property value, to $2.50 overall. This levy averaged approximately $3.10 per $1,000 during fiscal years 2020 through 2025.
Atlantic CSD made extra debt payments totalling more than $1.43 million in the previous two fiscal years. These moves reduced interest expenses and allowed the district to retire existing bonds earlier than expected.
“While an approved bond would include an increase in the debt service levy rate, the district will do everything it can to keep the overall tax rate between $12 and $14, which would be below the average rates over the past 24 years and in line with recent averages,” said Director of Finance Lisa Jones.
General obligation bond referendums must be approved by at least 60 percent of voters to pass.
To address the growing demand for gymnasium and practice space at all age and grade levels, the board intends to use a $17 million sales tax bond to construct a multipurpose indoor practice facility at the high school campus. The bond would be repaid with statewide sales tax revenue Atlantic CSD receives from the Secure an Advanced Vision (SAVE) fund instead of local property taxes.
The new facility would have four connecting classrooms and be used as an academic space during the school day, creating more opportunities for all curricular areas and community activities at other times. It would feature three standard courts, a mezzanine level with a three-lane track, a large weight room, and a turf area for batting cages and practice.
“There are many instances where our K-12 students are asked to practice in the evenings because of limited gym availability, which is time when they could be at home preparing for the next school day,” Johnsen said. “The sales tax bond would provide an opportunity to invest in a long-term solution that expands student access and provides a safe and modern space that will serve the district and community for generations.”
