(Atlantic) The Atlantic School Board approved a resolution supporting the proposed issuance of approximately $18.5 million in School Infrastructure Sales, Services and Use Tax Revenue Bonds.
The bonds, which may be issued in one or more series over multiple fiscal years, would fund construction of a new multipurpose indoor practice facility at Atlantic High School, along with site improvements, issuance costs, and a possible reserve fund. Any remaining proceeds would go toward other school infrastructure projects under the district’s Revenue Purpose Statement.
The approval followed a public hearing. The board received one public comment at the meeting from Justin Williams, a former educator of the Atlantic School District. Williams said he was in attendance to advocate for financial responsibility.
Board President Laura McLean said they also received a written comment from Tammy DeBord, whose concerns echoed other emails the Board has received about poor communication and the perception that using SAVE funds for the fieldhouse prioritizes it over the other projects. During the discussion portion of the meeting, McLean spent some time addressing those concerns. She said the concerns about communication are legitimate and she admitted that she doesn’t feel they have been doing a great job with communication. She also explained the reason for moving the fieldhouse project away from the GO Bond.
Board Member Josh McLaren explained why they would not be able to use SAVE dollars for all of the projects.
Board Member Kristy Pellett pointed out that in the last 30 years or so, they have only had two GO Bonds, one for the High School Building that was built in 1995 and the other one around 2019 for the outdoor facility needs.
Travis Squires with Piper Sandler also took some time to explain how the board arrived at its current position and outlined the property tax impacts.
The full school board meeting, which runs about an hour and a half, can be viewed on YouTube by searching “ACSD School Board Meeting 8-27-2025.”
In other action, the School Board approved the High School Roof Replacement Bid from Rigid Edge and approved the following:
Recommendations to Hire
Angela Gallegos Nutrition Cook
Janet Carpenter, Nutrition Cook
Michelle Andersen HS Musical Pit Director, supplemental pay
Benjamin Cordova, Special Education paraprofessional
Dillon Cox, Special Education paraprofessional
Gracey Pelzer, Special Education paraprofessional
Kourtney Baier, Special Education paraprofessional
Luke O’Reilly, Special Education paraprofessional
Lennae Grandin, Special Education paraprofessional
Laura Retallic, Special Education paraprofessional
Resignations
Nathan Block, Freshmen Boys Basketball Coach
Brett Johnson, Grounds Crew Supervisor
Brett Johnson, MS Softball Coach
Amber Jipsen, Athletic/Activities Secretary
Approve Open Enrollment – In/Out
Vendor Contracts
-Athletic Training Contract with Peak Performance
-Council Bluffs Consortium Agreement for Children’s Square (learning services) and Heartland Family Service (therapeutic services), Heartland of Omaha
-Athletic Sharing Contract for Swimming: Griswold School District
-Early Childhood Consultation
