What is the Foundation?

The Atlantic Community School Foundation is a non-profit organization having a principal fund of its own, managed by its own Board of Directors. It was established to raise funds to foster, promote and encourage the furthering of public education programs for which federal and state funding is not available.

Who governs the Foundation?

Foundation activities are directed by a Board of Directors representing a cross-section of experienced leaders in civic, business, corporate, professional and educational fields within the Atlantic Community School District. Foundation trustees do not receive compensation for their services.

Current Foundation Members:

Ted Robinson, President
Stacey Bean, Vice President
Steve Tjepkes, Treasurer
David Wiederstein, Secretary

John Becker, Jessie Shiels, Madeline Schmitt, Lucas Mosier, Sue Hunt, Brad Henningsen, and Beth Johnsen (non-voting member).

What are the purposes of the Foundation?

1. To foster educational opportunities for the youth of the Atlantic Community School District by providing financial support for educational programs and facilities.
2. To provide individual financial support to students of the school district through scholarships and of the financial aid at the discretion of the Board of Trustees.
3. To develop a higher level of community involvement and financial support for the Atlantic public schools.
4. To reward high achievement in education.

2023-2024 Foundation Meetings

• August 10, 2023
• November 9, 2023
• February 8, 2024
• May 9, 2024

Funding Restrictions

1.  Money will not be used for programs currently receiving government funding.
2.  The Foundation will not engage in influencing legislation, nor shall any of its funds, property or income be used for this purpose. In addition, the Foundation shall not participate or intervene in any political campaign.
3.  The Foundation will accept gifts of property, cash, bequests and memorials. Checks can be made out to the Atlantic Community School Foundation and sent to Steve Tjepkes, Foundation Treasurer, AMU 15 West 3rd, Atlantic, IA. Please direct other inquiries to either David Wiederstein, the Foundation President, or the school Superintendent.

What is application process?
Complete the following form:

Foundation Application  (Google Doc, File Make Copy)

In addition to awarding two $1500 scholarships, two $1000 Academic Improvement scholarships, and two $1000 Personal Growth scholarships each year, the Foundation manages accounts that provide scholarships to many deserving students.  This year, scholarships totaling $34,400 were awarded to 32 graduates at Class Night. Another 19 students renewed their scholarship for a total of $24,000.

The Foundation also funded the following projects/activities during the 2020-2021 school year.

• Washington Media Center Books - $2,000.00

• Schuler Elementary Media Center Books - $2,000.00

• AMS Summer Band Lessons

• AHS Ag Department Aquaponics System - $2,000.00

• 7th Grade Musical - $1,200.00

• 8th Grade Civil War Days - $300.00

• AHS Spanish Program Costa Rica Trip 

• ACSD Physical Education IHT Spirit System Heart Rate Monitor Watches - $4,000.00

• 4th Grade Living History Farms Field Trip $1,206.00

• AHS Musical & Play tools for building sets $1,214.00