By BARBARA PROFFITT | May 10, 2023

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.