The USD 346 school board met in regular session on Monday, Aug. 14, and began their meeting with the approval of the consent agenda, including the agenda for the meeting, the minutes of the previous meeting, payment of bills and payroll, and out of district requests for enrollment.
The board heard from Mark Proffitt, principal at the elementary, that enrollment is nearly at 100 percent completion with the first day of classes set for Wednesday, Aug. 16. Proffitt did note that the online enrollment process seems to be a bit difficult for some parents and guardians.
He added that it is typical for the school to lose approximately 30 kids over the course of a summer with families moving, etc., but stated they have a good sized pre-school class coming in this year.
Junior High and High School Principal Bob Beckham told the board he has 32 students currently enrolled in the STARS programs but is excited to bring Mark Allen on board as the new Ag instructor and FFA sponsor.
Genea Bruner, Student Improvement Services, reported that 2023-2024 academic year will be a learning year for the district and a time to refine their expectations for students and educators. Bruner stated they will continue to collect data and conduct testing until directives are given to the district in late October, which she will report on in November.
Superintendent Shawn Thomas thanked Wes Cox and his crew for all of their hard work over the summer on the new tech space and the work at the library in the junior high and high school building. He also thanked the custodial staff for their hard work in readying the buildings for the beginning of the year.
Thomas reported that work on the track has been pushed back due to a hold up for the company doing the work, but the new wrestling space is done and is much safer. He added that the work on new playground equipment, as well as, work on the auditorium has culminated in some great things being accomplished over the summer break.
Thomas told the board the district had received a $2,800 donation from the Blue Mound United Methodist Women with $1,000 of the donation earmarked to pay off back lunch debt for students and the remainder to be used for teacher supplies.
A second donation of $1,500 from an anonymous source was earmarked for the football program.
The board gave approval for Thomas to work with a local business owner on the purchase of surplus windows the district has.
The board approved the classified handbook and the licensed handbook as presented.
Thomas updated the board on a new law that, as of January 2024, will allow students to enroll in any district. He noted that the district will need to determine and set their capacities, based on student to teacher ratios and more, prior to that time. Thomas then spoke to the board regarding a new KSHSAA policy that goes hand-in-hand with the new law.
The board entered into a 20-minute executive session to discuss personnel matters.
Following the executive session, the board approved the hiring of Brittany Prattis as JES custodian.
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
- LINN VALLEY CITY COUNCIL - Monday, August 14, 2023
NEWS
SPECIAL: STATEHOUSE REPORTING BUDGET FOR MARCH 28, 2025

FETALPERSONHOOD – The House and Senate on Thursday passed a bill that will require child support for unborn fetuses from the date of conception as well as an income tax exemption. A conference committee report was presented for HB2062 before the... [More]
SPECIAL: U.S. 69 overlay project set to begin in Bourbon and Linn counties

Monday, March 31, the Kansas Department of Transportation plans to begin resurfacing work on U.S. 69 in Bourbon and Linn counties. An overlay will be placed on the northbound lanes of U.S. 69, starting at the south U.S. 54 junction in Fort Scott and continuing... [More]
Commissioners learn of grant for planning phase on courthouse repairs

During the March 24 meeting, the Linn County Commissioners heard from Linn County Public Works Administrator Shaun West on a grant possibility for repair work to the courthouse. SEKRPC (SEK Regional Planning Commission) is willing to assist with the HPF (Historic Preservation... [More]
More News
- La Cygne accepts deed conveyance on split vote
- Commissioners hear from resident on subdivision meeting
- SPECIAL: K-52 resurfacing project will begin soon
- Linn Valley imposes moratorium on new water and sewer construction
- Wind and fire damage dots county
- County hears from Tanglewood residents during public comment
- Commissioners discuss new option for Devlin Road
- Board votes to extend Meik contract
SPORTS
2025 Boys’ Basketball All County team

The 2024-2025 high school boys’ basketball has concluded and it is time once again for the annual All County team. As usual choosing the team was tough as there were many good players this season and plenty more that showed steady progress through the season. As... [More]
2025 Girls’ Basketball All County team

High school girls’ basketball has concluded for the 2024-25 season and it’s time for the annual All County team. Like the boys’ team, and like most years, choosing players was tough. Plenty of girls from all three schools, Prairie View, Jayhawk Linn and Pleasanton,... [More]
More Sports
- A season in review: Jayhawk Linn wrestling
- A season in review: Prairie View wrestling
- Pleasanton boys’ basketball earns Sub-State runner-up
- Prairie View girls’ basketball ends season against Neodesha
- Case leads Prairie View girls’ wrestling with a second-place finish
- McCarty leads Lady Hawks with a fourth-place finish at State
- Blu-Jays win sub-state shootout
- Jayhawk boys’ wrestling sends five to State