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
Commissioners meeting canceled due to lack of quorum
On Saturday, Sept. 14, notice was sent by Linn County Clerk David Lamb that the meeting of the Linn County Commissioners set for Monday, Sept. 16, was canceled due to lack of a quorum. A quorum is required for the board of county commissioners to meet and means at least two... [More]
Pleasanton to exceed revenue neutral rate
Council discusses park grant The Pleasanton City Council held a hearing to discuss the Revenue Neutral Rate (RNR) and annual budget hearing and voted to exceed the RNR Monday night. With no public comment on the budget or RNR, the council approved the budget of $3,3320,227,... [More]
Parker mayor resigns from post
Council adopts 2025 budget Ashley Balthazor has resigned as Parker mayor, effective last Friday. Prior to adjournment at last Thursday’s monthly council meeting, Balthazor made the announcement. She cited full-time work and family obligations as reasons that... [More]
More News
- Sheriff Kevin Friend resigns position
- Pleasanton to sell lot at 9th & Main
- La Cygne business, citizen voice public complaints
- Pleasanton Saddle Club member dies in horse accident
- USD 362 approves daycare policies
- La Cygne adopts 2025 city budget
- La Cygne council rejects new stop signs
- Commissioner questions KORA process
SPORTS
Jayhawk cross country has a winning meet at Fort Scott
The Jayhawk Linn cross country team traveled to Fort Scott on Sept. 12 for the Fort Scott Invitational. The Hawks certainly had a winning meet as both the boys’ and girls’ varsity teams placed first at the meet. The girls’ team won with a score of 26 while the... [More]
Prairie View football runs over Santa Fe Trail
The Prairie View football team had all rushing yards and no passing yards in their last game against St. Louis Priory and that trend continued this past week against Santa Fe Trail. The Buffalos traveled to Santa Fe Trail on Sept. 13 for a Pioneer League game against the Chargers.... [More]
More Sports
- Hawks jumpstart season with 38-14 win
- Pleasanton football falls to South Sumner in season opener
- Prairie View volleyball starts year with a strong week
- Osawatomie cancels varsity football for 2024
- Season prediction for the Kansas City Chiefs
- Annual fishing derby again a big hit at the Linn County Fair
- Annual pedal pull well attended at Linn County Fair and Rodeo
- Linn County Fair and Rodeo hosts annual demo derby