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
Pleasanton PD makes drug arrest during domestic call

On July 24 officers with the Pleasanton Police Department responded to a call for an ongoing domestic issue at 605 E. 5th Street in Cabin 3 with the assistance of the Linn County Sheriff’s Office. During the ensuing investigation, it was found that the... [More]
Commissioners review departmental budgets

SEKMHC budget cut During the July 28 meeting, the Linn County Commissioners reviewed several departmental budgets. Discussions began with Linn County Sheriff James Akes. Sheriff Akes explained to commissioners that initially he had budgeted extra hours to cover... [More]
Wisdom appointed Pleasanton Fire Chief

Following the resignation of Jimmy Watts as Pleasanton Fire Chief after last week’s council meeting, the Pleasanton Council appointed Jeff Wisdom as the new chief of the city fire department. Wisdom took the podium Monday night and said he’d spoken to the fire fighters... [More]
More News
- Pleasanton Council cuts to get to revenue neutral
- Local residents warn of bad business practices
- Special: Resurfacing to begin on U.S. 69 in Linn County
- Pleasanton FD again at center of heated discussion
- La Cygne city to be below revenue neutral
- USD 362 files revenue-neutral exceedances
- Commissioners discuss airport future, request more information
- SPECIAL: Resurfacing on U.S. 59 in Anderson County to begin in August 4
SPORTS
Pleasanton trapshooting team shows grit at National Championship

Eight members of the Pleasanton Trapshooting Team traveled to Mason, Mich., last week to compete in the USA Clay Target League National Championship. Five members participated in the team event, and all eight competed individually. The team was among 264 qualified teams competing... [More]
Blue Mound softball earns second place at Crest

The Blue Mound girls’ coach pitch team 1 places second at the TRL girls’ coach pitch tournament at Colony. The tournament took place from July 7 to July 9.
More Sports
- Nobodys wins Blue Mound co-ed softball tournament
- Pleasanton 12-14 baseball wins championship
- Gratton at Nationals
- Summer Ball Tournaments
- Summer Ball Tournaments
- 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