Board members of Pleasanton USD-344 met on Monday, Sept. 12, for their regular monthly meeting.

Elementary principal Nathan Meik provided his monthly update to the board for review. He noted on Sept. 2, students in grades 4-7 met with their former teachers at the Olathe Community Center pool to celebrate accomplishments in state testing from the preceding year. Meik also shared that the PTO had raised money to purchase t-shirts for every student and staff member in the elementary building. They also purchased water bottles for each child, and are raising money to fund spring field trips for each grade.

High school principal Sarah Conley’s monthly report was also submitted to the board. She informed the board that the school had applied and received the Dollar General Grant for Literacy, allowing $4,000 for new books for the library.

Conley provided WIN Time Seminar information. WIN (what I need) is a time for students to receive additional support, if needed. Those not needing extra support are allowed to select an enrichment activity during seminar time. WIN has a rotating schedule for teachers, and is four days a week.

Conley included updates on school safety. She stated that the district is working on the process of a single entry. In addition, every junior high and high school student’s backpack gets checked in the morning, as well as many of the elementary students. Conley is also working on improving safety by locking locker rooms when not in use, and keeping bathroom doors open at all times.

Other high school updates included information on the Athletic Summit to be held on Sept. 21, hosted by the Three Rivers League. Four students and Tara Carpenter will be attending. The summit will have guest speakers and classes to encourage sportsmanship on teams and schools.

Superintendent Travis Laver discussed with the board the possibility of the district switching to a four-day school week in the future. A preliminary survey was recently conducted, with the majority of parents having a positive opinion on the matter, and staff nearly being 100 percent in favor of it. Laver explained that studies have shown districts with four-day weeks have better attendance from students, and higher staff retention. If Pleasanton were to switch to four-day weeks, the school year would run longer, and the daily school hours would be extended. Laver did note that one major concern among parents was childcare. More information will need to be gathered before any decisions are made. 

The board approved the hiring of the following: Corey Zacarello, high school history teacher; Mike Holsman, special education driver; Cathy Sherman, special education driver; Kara Cana, substitute special education driver; Jesse Secrest, substitute driver; Taylor Dodson, Music Teacher; JoVoli Clark, elementary teacher; Sharon Adams, teacher aide; and Connie Krull, continuing assistance as needed in the offices.

The board accepted the resignation from Dan Saulsberry as driver education instructor.

In other business, the board approved the following: agenda for the evening’s meeting; minutes of the previous meeting; payment of monthly bills; and all out of district student requests.

MEETINGS

LINN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS - Monday, October 23, 2023

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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

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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

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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]

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NEWS

Linn County News website gets new update

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Recently you may have seen our notification on our website or our Facebook page that we were undergoing some changes on our website at www.linncountynews.net. We here at the News are happy to announce those changes are nearly complete. Changes to the website include an easier... [More]

Commissioners vote 1-1 on motion to not exceed revenue neutral

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County now required to cut budget to meet the RNR rate BY $837,000   The Linn County commissioners, with Commissioner Jason Hightower absent, began the revenue neutral hearing on Monday, Aug. 25, by welcoming those in the audience and stating the purpose and objective... [More]

Linn Valley looks at option for fire truck purchase, new vehicles

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The Linn Valley City Council held a special meeting at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 21, with Mayor Lew Donelson presiding and all council members present except for John Weers. City Attorney James Brun was also present. The meeting began with a presentation by city’s financial... [More]

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SPORTS

Frog gigging a new ‘old sport’

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It’s another one of those…So…stories. So, last weekend was an adventure. I’ve gotten involved with the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks Wild Foods Academy (WFA) that is a pilot program designed to educate many ‘left-0ut’ people’s... [More]

Fishing Derby kicks off at Linn County Fair

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The annual Linn County Fair and Rodeo Fishing Derby was held on the morning of Aug. 9.  Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks fish biologist Don George has been heading the derby since 1987 and this year was no different.  The derby was divided into three age... [More]

Linn County Farm Bureau hosts annual pedal pull

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The Linn County Farm Bureau Association hosted the annual kids’ pedal pull on the evening of Aug. 8. Kids 4 to 12 can compete in the event for a chance to earn a spot at the State pedal pull at Hutchinson.  Trophies and a place at the State fair was awarded to the... [More]

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