Note: This report is taken from notes provided by USD 346
The USD 346 School Board began their meeting on May 8 with the approval of the consent agenda, which included the agenda for the meeting; the minutes of the last meeting the financial report and the payment of bills and payroll.
Superintendent Shawn Thomas expressed his appreciation for the excellent teachers at Jayhawk in honor of Teacher Appreciation week.
Thomas gave his final legislative update of this session. House Sub for Senate Bill 113 has been passed and is awaiting the governor’s action. If approved, this will increase the BASE state aid by the 3-year CPI average, which would amount to $5,088 per pupil. This bill also would allow non-public students to participate in KSHSAA activities. While this bill would also allow open enrollment, they did provide some clarification including the fact that nonresident children of staff and homeless students are considered residents. House Bill 2236, known as the parent’s bill of rights, was vetoed. House Bill 2089, which was attempting to establish the Kansas Education Enrichment Program (vouchers) was not voted on and didn’t pass. That failed bill, however, also included the $72.4 million increase in special education funding.
Thomas gave a brief update on energy cost projections, noting that natural gas prices are finally starting to level out a bit. Projected prices are approximately half of what last year’s projections were. However, Evergy is renegotiating their contracts and are expecting a 15 percent increase in electric by January 2025, beginning in January 2024.
The board approved the food service management contract with OPAA for an additional year.
The board approved the republished budget for the KPERS fund.
Thomas discussed the budget needs assessment, which takes into account challenges faced, how budget funds can be used to meet said challenges, and looks at the timeframe that this will take. Thomas encouraged the board to review these documents and bring suggestions to the June meeting if they have any.
The board then entered into an executive session for personnel matters and following the executive session, the board accepted with regrets the retirement intentions of John Williamson, JES head custodian, effective July 1, 2023. They also accepted the resignation of Annie Humbolt as Agricultural Instructor and FFA sponsor.
MEETINGS
LINN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS - Monday, October 23, 2023
The Linn County Commissioners met in regular session on Monday, Oct. 23, and began their weekly meeting with the approval of the minutes of the last meeting followed by the approval of claims in the amount of $272,818.97. Linn County Rural Fire Chief Randy Hegwald presented... [More]
LA CYGNE CITY COUNCIL - Wednesday, October 18, 2023
Among actions at the regular La Cygne council meeting last Wednesday, Oct. 18, was a split vote in which the city accepts a draft agreement for title search and warranty deed preparation of seven lots at 402 S. Broadway in exchange for absorbing a $16,400 house demolition bill.... [More]
LINN VALLEY CITY COUNCIL - Monday, October 23, 2023
The Linn Valley City Council held its bi-monthly meeting at 7:00 PM on Monday, October 23, 2023, with Mayor Cindy Smith presiding and all council members present. Following approval of the October 9th and October 14th meeting minutes, Mayor Smith opened the floor... [More]
More Meetings
- USD 362 SCHOOL BOARD - Tuesday, October 17, 2023
- LINN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS - Monday, October 2, 2023
- PLEASANTON CITY COUNCIL - Monday, October 2, 2023
- BLUE MOUND CITY COUNCIL - Monday, October 2, 2023
- LINN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS - Monday, August 28, 2023
- LINN VALLEY CITY COUNCIL - Monday, August 28, 2023
- USD 344 SCHOOL BOARD - Monday, August 14, 2023
- USD 346 SCHOOL BOARD - Monday, August 14, 2023
NEWS
Commissioners hear engineer on Hell’s Bend Bridge
Motion to accept grant funds fails for lack of second Linn County Public Works Administrator Shawn West spoke to Commissioners again this week on the Hell’s Bend bridge project, northwest of La Cygne, noting that a decision needed to be made that day as it was... [More]
Pleasanton pound pups get new kennels
After a warning from the state concerning the condition of Pleasanton’s animal shelter, the city and STARS faculty and students joined forces to create a safer, cleaner environment for dogs held by the city. The new kennels were constructed by STARS welding, construction... [More]
Pleasanton discusses Kansas Police & Fire Pension membership
While trying to hire more police officers, the Pleasanton Council met with KPERS representative Paige Ashley to discuss enrolling the city in Kansas Police and Fire Pension System (KP&F). Ashley explained that the KP&F system is two-tiered as police officers and firemen... [More]
More News
- Commissioners hear reports on Hell’s Bend Bridge
- La Cygne Fire Station ribbon cutting held
- Evergy reps speak about bridges at commissioners’ meeting
- Special: U.S. 69 resurfacing project starts this week
- Special: Governor issues State of Disaster Emergency proclamation for approaching severe weather
- Commissioners hear damage report, declare county as state, local disaster site
- Mayor vetoes vacating 7th Street off of Main
- USD 362 to wait on admin addition
SPORTS
Jayhawk Linn track wins Three Rivers League meet
The Jayhawk Linn track team traveled to Northeast Arma on May 9 to compete in the Three Rivers League meet. The Hawks were the class of the Three Rivers as both the boys and girls placed first at the meet. The girls placed first with a score of 121 while the boys placed first... [More]
Pleasanton baseball falls in Regional semifinal
The Pleasanton baseball team entered the Central Heights 2-1A Regional tournament as a three seed. The Jays hosted the six seed Jayhawk Linn in their first game on May 8 and won 7-5. The next game was at Central Heights on May 13 where they faced the two seed Crest. This is where... [More]
More Sports
- Jayhawk and Pleasanton baseball split in double header
- Prairie View softball goes 4-0 against Osawatomie and Girard
- Jayhawk track has a strong performance at home invitational
- Prairie View track takes top two places at Jayhawk
- Pleasanton track has a school record mark set at Jayhawk Invitational
- Prairie View softball goes 4-2 in busy week
- Pleasanton baseball sweeps St. Paul and Oswego
- Jayhawk baseball splits against Southeast Cherokee