ATLANTIC COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOND REFERENDUM
ELECTION DAY: NOVEMBER 4, 2025
PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE
On Tuesday, November 4, 2025, residents of the Atlantic Community School District will vote on a $22.5 million general obligation bond referendum.
For more than a year, the Board of Education and administration have invested significant time and effort identifying the facility challenges that exist in our schools and considering potential solutions.
This process involved collaboration with iCAT/Estes Construction to complete a comprehensive assessment of the buildings and grounds in July 2024, as well as the creation of a Master Facility Plan to serve as a roadmap for maintenance and development.
From January to May of this year, SVPA Architects and Estes Construction met with the board and administration to gather feedback about existing facility challenges and the district’s long-term goals.
An approved bond would provide the necessary funds to implement improvements in four of our schools, ensuring students have the learning environment and resources they need to reach their full potential.
The estimated property tax impact of the bond issue would be $1.10 per $1,000 of taxable value (not assessed value). This would result in an approximate increase of $72.93 per year (or $6.08 per month) on a home worth $150,000.
An approved bond issue would move the district’s debt service levy to $2.50 per $1,000. This rate would be lower than the $3.10 average that district property taxpayers experienced between fiscal years 2020 and 2025. District officials are also committed to maintaining a cumulative tax levy rate between $12 and $14 per $1,000, which is below the average rate of the past 24 years.
OUR PROPOSAL
The funds provided by a voter-approved bond would be invested in four of our schools and impact students from prekindergarten to high school.
The oldest portions of Washington Elementary date to 1958 and 1962. Under the bond proposal, these areas would be demolished to make way for new additions. Specifically, an east addition would house prekindergarten students, while a northwest addition would serve kindergarten and 1st grade.
A new secure entrance and a new cafeteria would be constructed at Washington Elementary, along with specialized classrooms for art, music, and special education. A new traffic loop is planned to improve safety and efficiency for student dropoff and pickup, and improvements would occur to the bus lanes, parking lots, and the school’s facade.
At Schuler Elementary and Atlantic Middle School, a new skybridge would be built to create a safer connection between the buildings. This project would include a new commons area that would provide needed space for student dining and gatherings.
The restrooms on all three floors of Schuler would undergo renovations, and secure entrance upgrades would take place at both schools.
Atlantic High School would also receive secure entrance improvements, and renovations would take place in the media center.
Four new classrooms would be added and a new multipurpose gathering space would be created to accommodate small groups.
The general obligation bond proposal and its project scope are separate from the district’s plans to address its need for additional gymnasium and practice space.
On August 27, the board approved the issuance of $18.5 million worth of sales tax bonds to fund the construction of a multipurpose practice facility at the high school campus. These bonds would be repaid with revenue Atlantic CSD receives from the statewide sales tax fund known as Secure an Advanced Vision for Education (SAVE).
Plans for the new practice facility have not been finalized, and all project renderings are conceptual. This venue could feature up to three standard courts, a mezzanine level with a three-lane track, a large weight room, and a turf area for batting cages and practice.
CONTACT US
Please use this form to submit questions about the bond referendum.