Students at Atlantic High School staged a walkout in early February 2026, saying the district failed to adequately address safety concerns tied to an ongoing investigation involving a staff member. The employee, identified in school board records as a high school counselor, was placed on administrative leave after a parent report in mid-January.

While state child welfare officials found specific abuse allegations to be unfounded, local law enforcement continues to review the matter for potential criminal conduct. Students say a lack of transparency from school leadership fueled their decision to protest, while district officials maintain that personnel privacy laws limit what can be publicly shared as the investigation continues.