(Atlantic) The Atlantic School Board addressed a full agenda, including the approval of the 2025-2026 employment contracts, during its meeting on Wednesday.
School Business Manager Lisa Jones reported that the total increased cost to the district is approximately $418,000. That figure encompasses approximately 580 contracts issued across 21 different forms, including FICA, IPERS, and actual salaries. While the state provided $300,000 in new funding, the district contributed an additional $100,000 toward teacher salaries.
Those figures do not include insurance, which, according to Jones, increased by around 34 percent from the previous year.
Jones says the district is savings of around $100,000 in insurance costs this year.
Jones stated that with next year’s insurance, more staff members chose the higher deductible, which reduces the cost slightly for both the district and the employee.
In other business:
*The board approved the purchase of two 65-passenger diesel school buses for a total cost of $278,484.00.
*The board approved the elevator repair bid of $130,000 from Kone for Washington Elementary.
*The board approved a resolution authorizing bids for the high school roof project. The bid package will be sent out this week. Atlantic Schools Superintendent Beth Johnsen says the bids are due August 12. The School Board will act on the bids at its meeting on August 13th.
*The School Board approved the SVPA Pre-bond referendum Service Fee Schedule, and gave their approval for the engagement letter with Ahlers and Cooney to help the school board navigate through the legal aspects of the district’s general obligation and sales tax bonds this fall.
The School Board also approved the following resignations:
*Jill Miller, Certified Teacher, effective June 2, 2025
*Jim Brauer, Certified Teacher, effective June 2, 2025
*Carolyn Bruck, Mental Health, Professional, Effective June 30, 2025
*Kerry Jepsen, High School Secretary, Effective July 4, 2025
The School Board Approved the Following Hires:
*Liz Reid, Assistant Middle School Volleyball Coach
*2025-2026-Rehires: High School Student Council, Cayleigh McBee, FBLA, Mary Jensen; Skills USA, Noah Widrowicz, and FCCLA, Rebecca Wallace
*Molly O’Hara, Assistant High School Girls’ Tennis Coach
*Emily McLaren, Athletic/Activity Ticket Manager
*Crystal Sunderman, Evening Custodian for Achievement Center & Washington Elementary
The board completed the action items related to school policies.
