The USD 346 School Board met on Monday, April 17 in a meeting that was postponed a week due to the Easter holiday.
The meeting began with the approval of the consent agenda, which included the agenda for the meeting; the minutes of the previous meeting; the financial report; and the payment of bills and payroll.
It was reported that JES students will finish up state assessments on April 20 and then will do make up tests as needed.
JLHS students are currently working on makeup tests. The testing window closes on Friday, April 28, and results are supposed to be available one week after.
On the KESA update it was reported that cycle one has been completed and USD 346 is accredited through June 30, 2028.
JLHS has 32 students that have expressed interest in taking courses at STARS next year, which is double what the district had last year. All Jayhawk students that participated in STARS this year that aren’t graduating are planning to return next year.
It was noted that JES received the Challenge Award for 2022 recognizing “outstanding achievement and uncommon accomplishment based on Kansas math and reading assessment results and other qualifying factors.”
Superintendent Shawn Thomas gave a brief legislative update beginning with the fact that as of now, the legislature still hasn’t passed a K-12 budget. It was previously a part of a piece of legislation that failed – House Sub for Senate Bill 83. This bill also included the voucher portion, which establishes an education savings account for qualified students (ex: private school and home-schooled students). House Bill 2080, which allows virtual students to take virtual state assessments passed. House Bill 2238 which requires that “female athletic teams only include members who are biologically female” passed after being vetoed by the governor, but overridden by legislature. House Bill 2236 passed in both chambers and includes the parent’s bill of rights as well as the ability for parents to object to curriculum or coursework, requiring schools to provide alternative to said class or coursework. House Bill Sub for Senate Bill 113 was voted down, which included a funding increase of 3 percent based on the Consumer Price Index.
Thomas stated he has met with a few people about upgrading deck space above the gym locker rooms into a dedicated wrestling area and will be meeting with the fire marshal in a few days to look at the space.
The board discussed whether to move forward with OPAA Food Service Management for next school year. No action was taken at this time and it will be discussed further at next month’s meeting.
Health insurance providers were discussed. Currently, USD 346 is a member of Kansas Educational Insurance Trust (KEIT). Renewal numbers should be announced soon. Thomas will continue gathering information to be further discussed at a future meeting.
Following an executive session for personnel matters, the board accepted, with regrets, the retirement intentions of Lisa Avery, JES 5th grade teacher effective Sept. 1, 2023. They also hired Alyssa Coleman and Jessica McGriff as licensed elementary teachers for 2023-2024. Lastly, they updated the classified staff list to include the hiring of Amanda Stahl as JLHS custodian.
Note: This report was completed from meeting notes provided by the district.
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
Linn County News website gets new update

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

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

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]
More News
- Sheriff speaks out on employee benefits
- Jayhawk Blast set for Saturday, Sept. 6
- Pleasanton Council readies city for General Pleasonton Days
- Parker 2026 city budget could exceed revenue neutral
- La Cygne proceeds with facilities improvement
- Economic Development Director resigns
- Pleasanton moves forward with streets plan
- USD 344 adopts new cell phone policy
SPORTS
Frog gigging a new ‘old sport’

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

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

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]
More Sports
- From the Bleachers – 717
- Annual demo derby kicks off this year’s Linn County Fair and Rodeo
- From the Bleachers - 719
- Pleasanton trapshooting team shows grit at National Championship
- Blue Mound softball earns second place at Crest
- PV Cheer has strong performances at UCA Summer Camp 2025
- Nobodys wins Blue Mound co-ed softball tournament
- Pleasanton 12-14 baseball wins championship