(Atlantic) At Wednesday’s regular meeting, the Atlantic school board considered and approved the resignation of schools Superintendent Steve Barber. Barber accepted the position in March 2017. Before coming to Atlantic, he served as superintendent of schools at George Little Rock, a position he had held since 2013.
Atlantic School Board President Laura McLean thanked Mr. Barber and everyone who serves time in the district.
Click the bold print to view Steve Barbers resignation agreement
School Board Member Nick Hunt sent a heartfelt thank you to the District’s Business Manager/Board Secretary, Sarah Sheeder, who resigned to take a similar position with Adair-Casey, and Guthrie Center School Districts.
Austin Sonntag from Snyder & Associates presented the bids for the 35×50 new storage shed. The board voted 3-2 to award United Construction Services Corp. the low bid of $154, 700. Board members Josh McLaren, Laura McLean, and Kristy Pellett voted to accept the bid. Board members Nick Hunt and Jenny Williams voted no.
Hunt voted no due to the high cost of the project. Williams also expressed her opinion on the price and questioned whether the building and trades program could build a pole building instead to lower the cost and provide those classroom students with a project. The shed will be funded through S.A.V.E., the funding stream formerly known as the statewide school infrastructure sales and services tax and the local option sales and services tax.
The Atlantic School Board opened Wednesday’s regular meeting with a public hearing on the 2023-2024 certified budget. The board reviewed the proposal at the March 29 meeting.
The budget includes $325,000 for management, $658,718 cash reserve levy, and $874,900 debt service principal and interest. All other budget parts are generated through the school finance formula or decisions of voted or board-approved actions.
The School Board approved the tentative agreement with the 2023-2024 non-certified staff’s Master Contract. The deal includes the following increases: $2.75 per hour for Bus Route Drivers and Bus AssistMechanicsanic, and 90 cents per hour for all other support staff.
In other business:
*The Board approved May 10 for a public hearing for certified budget amendments. When the board sets the previous year’s budget, they use its’ best estimate to reflect what they feel will be spent in the four areas and not inflate to meet the law. These estimates sometimes need adjustments due to unforeseen circumstances throughout the school year. Overspending the approved certified budget during the school year is not allowed.
*The board approved the graduation list of 118 seniors as presented.
*The board approved the following sharing agreements recommended by Athletic Director Andy Mitchell: Boys Swimming; Audubon, Clarinda, Red Oak, Riverside (host school Atlantic). Girls soccer; CAM, Exira/EHK (Atlantic host school). Girl’s Wrestling; CAM, Nodaway Valley, and Griswold (CAM host school). Boys soccer; CAM, Exira/EHK (Atlantic host school).
*The board approved the Operational Sharing Agreement for the 2023-2024 school year for the Transportation Director with the Griswold Community School District. Griswold pays 20 percent of the Atlantic School Districts’costs for the transportation director. Each School receives state revenue equivalent to four students. This agreement has been in place for many years. The Atlantic Transportation Director constantly communicates with the Griswold transportation department for consultation and route development. If needed, Griswold has access to the Atlantic SchDistricts’cts’ facilities to ensure that their fleet is running smoothly.
*The board approved the following days to show appreciation for the different employee groups:
April 26-Administrative Professional
May 1-Principal and Directors
May 2-Teachers
May 5-School Lunch Food Service Staff
May 10-School Nurse
*The board approved a technology purchase with Inteconnex for $27,626.64. This will replace the access points that are 10-11 years old and need an upgrade. This invoice will purchase access points to replace these older devices and help the internet work more efficiently.
*The board approved the contract and bonds for the Washington Elementary playground improvement construction project. Last month, the board awarded the project to Caliber Concrete, LLC of Adair. The resolution approved the $579,422 contract and bonds associated with this award and executed it through Snyder and Associates.
The School Board approved the following resignations: Lenzi Robinson, 5th-grade teacher; Sarah Sheeder, School Business Offical/Board Secretary; Lori Hayes, Paraeducator; and Tori Woods, Paraeducator.
The School Board approved contract recommendations for Nathan Block, 6th-grade science teacher; Mikayla Stockhaus, High School Vocal Music Teacher; Brett Johnson, Middle School Softball Coach; Caroline Pellett, Middle School Softball Coach.
