The USD 344 Board of Education opened their monthly meeting hearing a thank you letter sent to them from Ray Scholarship recipient Landry George who wrote how impactful the full-ride scholarship will be on her future.
Elementary Principal Nathan Meik reported on year-end activities students will be experiencing this week including bouncy houses for Incentives Day on Tuesday, field day is Wednesday, third and fourth grade classes go to Day at the K to watch a baseball game and kindergarten graduation is Friday night at 6:30 p.m.
Meik gave board members data from the MAP test students completed and said math scores were above the projected level of growth and they’ve seen such growth two years in a row. “We have a very healthy math system in elementary; it’s a fantastic achievement.”
He then went on to reading and said “a few grades didn’t make projected growth” as they are using brand new instructional material and the teacher only had a partial year to use it.
Meik told board members that he had no concerns with math and reading was within the average range, restating new instructional material and a new teacher.
The board asked if summer school would help and Meik said it was hard to tell with how non-structured student’s time was.
High School Principal Sarah Conley reported that May 10 is the Junior High and High School awards ceremony; with year end, incoming 6th grade parent’s meeting is May 16.
She has 83 enrolled for summer school.
Conley said teachers asked that a small change be made to the handbook including not calling out gang insignia on clothing. She said it is not an issue in this district.
Meik said he hadn’t discussed the issue with his teachers. The board held off until all the teachers could give their consensus.
Conley also discussed cell phones in the classroom and said teachers discussed no cell phones in classes at all; but they could implement their own policy in their rooms.
Teachers that use phones as part of instruction could continue to allow phones in the classroom.
Academic probation was discussed with grades checked every Monday; a failure three weeks in a row would entail academic probation.
She next said elective credits for STARS students would include English, History and an elective; all other classes stayed the same.
Superintendent Travis Laver said, “Hats off to the welders at STARS!” He highly complemented the program and the student’s hard work.
He next told board members that health insurance premiums increased 8.9 percent at renewal, “the highest it’s ever been.”
Board member Jay Allen said averages across the industries are running from 10 to 14 percent increase.
Laver said he and incoming Superintendent Don Epps “would have to get creative to get additional funds for health insurance.”
Robert Nolan is teaching driver’s education this summer.
Following 25 minutes of executive session, the board accepted the resignation of Shawn Conley, Jessica Myrick as volleyball coach and Richard Nuzum from Transportation Director.
They hired Heather Atherton as elementary secretary, Lewis Dunkleson as football and weights coach and PE teacher, and hired Sydney Dent as high school volleyball coach.
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 vote to remove trash service from Pleasanton unless city signs agreement
Following an executive session for legal matters with attorney Mark Hagen during the Jan. 7 meeting, Linn County Commissioner Danny McCullough noted that the commissioners had been working with cities and communities for some time to bring uniformity and issue resolution to a... [More]
Commissioners learn of taxing options on leased properties
During the meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 7, which was rescheduled from Jan. 6 due to weather conditions, the commissioners heard a report from Economic Development Administrator Chasity Ware who requested a one-year lease option on a property that will bring it current and match it,... [More]
Pleasanton Council tables water rate change
After broaching the subject of changing how water is billed in Pleasanton last month, the council once again discussed it – this time asking for more concrete numbers on how it would affect the city’s bottom line. Councilman Bill Skipper commented that they can’t... [More]
More News
- La Cygne leaders talk property, kennel
- Pleasanton discusses changing how water is billed
- La Cygne leaders wrap up 2024
- Commissioners discuss landfill projects
- Boil Water Advisory Issued for the City of Blue Mound, Linn County
- USD 362 proceeds with Vo-Ag fire damage fix
- County exploring option for new fire station
- La Cygne mulls compactor contract
SPORTS
Jayhawk basketball sweeps Northeast Arma
The Jayhawk Linn girls’ and boys’ basketball teams hosted Northeast Arma on the evening of Jan. 3 for a Three Rivers League contest. The Hawks got the better of the Vikings as the girls won 52-14 and the boys won 60-40. In the girls’ game it was close in the... [More]
Jayhawk Wrestling Champions
Jayhawk Linn wrestling put up multiple champions and medalists in their respective tournaments on Dec. 21. The boys’ team went to Emporia while the girls’ team went to Atchison County. Pictured are the first place medalists from their respective tournaments, left... [More]
More Sports
- Pleasanton boys’ basketball earn wins at Miami
- Jayhawk girls’ wrestling competes at ACCHS Girls Invitational
- Jayhawk Linn girls’ basketball wins Linn County Tournament
- Pleasanton boys’ basketball places second at Linn County Tournament
- Prairie View girls’ basketball places second at Linn County Tournament
- Prairie View varsity girls’ wrestling compete at Spring Hill
- Jayhawk varsity girls’ wrestling start season at KanOkla tournament
- Prairie View football sets multiple school and individual records