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

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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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