Atlantic School Board Adds Bowling to Athletic Programs

The board also approved several other changes and agreements at their recent meeting.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 12:38am

A cubist, geometric painting depicting a high school bowling match, with the players and equipment fragmented into overlapping planes of vibrant color against a muted background.The Atlantic School Board's decision to add bowling to their athletic programs reflects their commitment to expanding extracurricular opportunities for students.Atlantic Today

The Atlantic School Board has approved the addition of bowling to the school's athletic programs for the 2026-27 school year. This was one of several actions taken by the board at their recent monthly meeting, including approving resignations, new hires, budget-related items, and an educational services agreement with Iowa Western Community College.

Why it matters

The addition of bowling expands the athletic opportunities available to students in the Atlantic school district, providing them with more options to get involved in extracurricular activities. This aligns with the board's goal of offering a well-rounded education and supporting student development both inside and outside the classroom.

The details

In addition to approving bowling, the Atlantic School Board also took several other actions at their meeting. This included accepting the resignation of the middle school girls wrestling coach, Bryce Casey, and approving the hiring of new staff members for roles like second grade teacher, summer mowing, and middle school softball coach. The board also discussed the district's budget for the upcoming fiscal year, including tabling some decisions due to uncertainty around enrollment numbers.

  • The Atlantic School Board held their regular monthly meeting on April 8, 2026.
  • The board approved the addition of bowling to the 2026-27 athletic program.

The players

Josh McLaren

President of the Atlantic School Board.

Chase Roller

Newly elected member of the Atlantic School Board, who previously worked as a probation/parole officer and high school football/wrestling coach.

Dr. Beth Johnsen

Superintendent of the Atlantic School District, who was unable to attend the meeting due to illness.

Andy Mitchell

Activity Director for the Atlantic School District.

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What they’re saying

“The seat Roller occupies was formerly held by Laura McLean, who, along with her husband has moved to eastern Iowa.”

— Josh McLaren, Board President

What’s next

The Atlantic School Board will hold a public hearing on the FY27 budget on April 22nd, and will also resume a closed session to evaluate Superintendent Dr. Beth Johnsen on that date.

The takeaway

The Atlantic School Board's decision to add bowling to their athletic programs demonstrates their commitment to providing students with a diverse range of extracurricular activities and opportunities for personal growth. This aligns with the board's goal of supporting a well-rounded education for all students in the district.