Members of Pleasanton USD-344 school board met on Monday, July 10, for their regular monthly meeting.
In his first meeting as superintendent for the district, Superintendent Don Epps provided board members with his monthly report. Epps stated summer school went well, with an average of 55-60 students attending each day. He noted the students who attended were excited to be there, and he hopes to make it even better next summer.
Epps then gave an update on the ground reclamation of the Boy Scout land. The boat ramp has been finished, grass laid down, and a better road have been created to make the land more accessible. Epps shared that this will create many opportunities within the district.
Also within his report, Epps told the board that Southeast Kansas Mental Health (SEKMH) would like to work with the district in providing services within the schools for students in need. This would be at no-cost to the district, and most districts within the area SEKMH covers already have their services in place. SEKMH provides therapists and case workers for students in need.
Allowing SEKMH to meet with students at the school would result in students missing fewer classes. Currently, students serviced by SEKMH must be picked up from the school and taken to SEKMH offices. With SEKMH visiting the students at the schools, the school only needs to provide a discrete room for students to use for these meetings. The board agreed that Epps could move forward with SEKMH in these services.
Board members discussed Negotiations with KNEA representatives. The board voted and approved the negotiations that would include, among other items, an increase in monetary compensation for health insurance coverage for employees; change of payroll date to be the tenth day of each month; changes in sponsorship coverage, and resignation policy updates.
The board then voted and approved with amendment the resolution to have payday for employees be the tenth day of each month, or the Friday before, if that date falls on a weekend.
Epps informed the board that the revenue neutral rate would need to increase due to salary raises, funding, etc. He was currently working with the county clerk on the budget. The board voted and approved the request.
Board member Jay Allen provided an update on the STARS building. Currently, there is remodeling being conducted on the front of the building. One bid on this project was received, from Roy Wade Construction. The board voted and approved the bid.
Allen also noted STARS representatives were working on a CDBG grant with the city of Pleasanton for a storm shelter on the campus. If this grant was awarded, then the future shelter could be used as a community storm shelter.
Discussion followed on the expansion of the STARS program, with over 80 students from four school districts enrolled for the fall semester.
The board voted and approved for STARS students to build a new fence on the parking lot on the east side of the football field.
In other business, board members approved the following items: the agenda for the evening’s meeting; minutes of the previous meeting; monthly bills.
In matters of personnel, the board approved the following hires: Mindy Schuler as elementary teacher and Jacob Crahan as high school assistant football coach.
In matters of personnel, the board approved the following resignations: Taylor Dodson as music/band teacher and Jesse Secrest as math teacher.
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
Notice

The Linn County News and Linn County Printing will be closed on Good Friday, April 18, in observance of the Easter holiday. We wish you all a blessed Easter!
Public comment results in allegations of unethical behavior

Following the approval of claims and adds and abates at the Monday meeting of the Linn County Commissioners, Jason Hightower, Commissioner for District 1, requested a 15-minute session to review the Code of Ethics to be added to the open agenda for the meeting directly ahead... [More]
Parker reinstates local policing

City seeks both chief and codes officer, hires law firm as legal counsel The city of Parker has begun its process of reinstating its police department. At their monthly meeting Thursday, the council voted unanimously to advertise for a police chief, but not before... [More]
More News
- Two charged following vehicular incident in Parker
- Pleasanton approves zoning request
- La Cygne leaders talk future street improvements
- Mound City council raises water rates
- Commissioners terminate public works administrator
- Parker may reconsider police presence
- PWWSD13 explains rate increase
- Pleasanton to hold town hall on eliminating city fire department
SPORTS
Jayhawk baseball earns first victories of the season

The Jayhawk baseball team earned their first victories of the season this past week. The Hawks hosted St. Paul on April 7 and hosted Marmaton Valley on April 10. Jayhawk swept St. Paul in their double-header, 16-6 and 18-0, while falling to Marmaton Valley in their double-header,... [More]
Pleasanton boys’ and girls’ track teams win Oswego Invitational

The Pleasanton track team traveled to Oswego on April 8 to compete in the Oswego Invitational. The Jays did very well as both the girls’ and boys’ teams placed first. Here are the individual results through the top six places in each event. Boys’ Events... [More]
More Sports
- Prairie View softball drops close games against Santa Fe Trail
- Pleasanton baseball falls to Southeast Cherokee and Marmaton Valley
- Jayhawk softball splits against Central Heights
- Prairie View softball starts season 3-1
- Pleasanton baseball opens season 2-2 against Oswego and Crest
- Jayhawk softball starts season 3-3
- 2025 Boys’ Basketball All County team
- 2025 Girls’ Basketball All County team