(Atlantic) The Atlantic School Board began its meeting Wednesday evening with a moment of silence for 2026 graduate Lucy Cohrs, who passed away on June 28 following a vehicle accident.
Following the moment of silence, the board received a presentation from Vanessa Perkins and James Northwick on the TAG program and heard a report from Superintendent Dr. Beth Johnsen, who said the district’s building project is continuing to move forward.
Dr. Johnsen said the project has reached the point where the district can begin sharing information and design plans with the public.
In other business, the school board approved a proposal allowing eighth-grade students to participate in high school athletics on a case-by-case basis.
Athletic Director Andrew Mitchell said a new state law directed the State Board of Education to have rules in place by August 1. Because there was not enough time to develop permanent rules, the board adopted emergency rules that temporarily leave the decision up to local school boards. Mitchell said Atlantic’s coaches agreed that participation should be determined on a case-by-case basis.
Mitchell said several factors will be considered, including a student’s physical ability, mental readiness, and the potential impact on the middle school team.
In other action, the school board approved the hiring of Heidi Hennen as the School Business Official, approved the recommendation for 2026-27 sports medicine and athletic coverage, approved the recommendation to replace an HVAC unit for a classroom at Washington Elementary School, and approved the sale of the Building Trades student project house at 1014 E. 3rd Street in Atlantic.
