Note: This report is taken from notes provided by USD 346
The USD 346 School Board began their meeting on May 8 with the approval of the consent agenda, which included the agenda for the meeting; the minutes of the last meeting the financial report and the payment of bills and payroll.
Superintendent Shawn Thomas expressed his appreciation for the excellent teachers at Jayhawk in honor of Teacher Appreciation week.
Thomas gave his final legislative update of this session. House Sub for Senate Bill 113 has been passed and is awaiting the governor’s action. If approved, this will increase the BASE state aid by the 3-year CPI average, which would amount to $5,088 per pupil. This bill also would allow non-public students to participate in KSHSAA activities. While this bill would also allow open enrollment, they did provide some clarification including the fact that nonresident children of staff and homeless students are considered residents. House Bill 2236, known as the parent’s bill of rights, was vetoed. House Bill 2089, which was attempting to establish the Kansas Education Enrichment Program (vouchers) was not voted on and didn’t pass. That failed bill, however, also included the $72.4 million increase in special education funding.
Thomas gave a brief update on energy cost projections, noting that natural gas prices are finally starting to level out a bit. Projected prices are approximately half of what last year’s projections were. However, Evergy is renegotiating their contracts and are expecting a 15 percent increase in electric by January 2025, beginning in January 2024.
The board approved the food service management contract with OPAA for an additional year.
The board approved the republished budget for the KPERS fund.
Thomas discussed the budget needs assessment, which takes into account challenges faced, how budget funds can be used to meet said challenges, and looks at the timeframe that this will take. Thomas encouraged the board to review these documents and bring suggestions to the June meeting if they have any.
The board then entered into an executive session for personnel matters and following the executive session, the board accepted with regrets the retirement intentions of John Williamson, JES head custodian, effective July 1, 2023. They also accepted the resignation of Annie Humbolt as Agricultural Instructor and FFA sponsor.
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
special: SCOTUS agrees to hear Women's Sports Case

Case paves the way for states to continue to protect women and girl's athletic opportunities Topeka, Kan. July 3, 2025 - Today, the Supreme Court of the United States granted certiorari in Hecox v. Little and West Va., v. BPJ. Rep.... [More]
SPECIA;: Schmidt Votes to Cancel Massive Tax Hike, Secure Border, and Lower Federal Spending

WASHINGTON, DC: Congressman Derek Schmidt (KS-02) issued the following statement regarding passage of the budget reconciliation bill by the U.S. House of Representatives, also called the “One Big Beautiful Bill”: “Last November,... [More]
NOTICE:

The Linn County News and Linn County Printing offices will be closed on Friday, July 4, in honor of the holiday.
More News
- Pleasanton awarded $617,000 KDOT street grant
- Commissioners discuss development zoning appeals
- Questions on employee emails leads to lengthy discussion
- NOTICE:
- Tanglewood Lakes files suit against Board of County Commissioners
- Case filed alleging exploitation of minors, breach of privacy
- La Cygne executes pool bond defeasance
- CANCELED: Statewide Purple Alert issued for missing Yates Center woman
SPORTS
Gratton at Nationals

Pleasanton’s Ashton Gratton qualifies for the Adidas Nationals in Greensboro, North Carolina after winning the 100 and 200 meter dashes in the KSHSAA 2A State tournament in Wichita on May 31. The Adidas Nationals took place from June 20-22 and Gratton did well in both the... [More]
Summer Ball Tournaments

The Parker 8-11 baseball team 1 places first in their league tournament at La Cygne on June 28. See more photos on page B1 of this week's edition.
More Sports
- Pleasanton/Jayhawk trapshooting team places seventh at State, Wallace earns State championship
- Joey Ewalt impacting youth wrestling here and abroad
- Prairie View trapshooting competes at State
- Pleasanton and Jayhawk baseball on the 2025 All TRL team
- Jayhawk Linn softball has three All TRL unanimous selections
- Trenton Broyles leads Hawks at State track
- Prairie View track earns six medals at State
- Pleasanton’s Gratton wins two golds, sets meet record