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
Kansas to follow Trump’s No Tax on Tips initiative

TOPEKA – This morning, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall joined Kansas Senate President Ty Masterson and Senator Caryn Tyson, who is Chair of the Senate Tax Committee, at a press conference announcing that Kansas will follow President Trump’s No Tax on Tips initiative.... [More]
Souza appointed new Linn County clerk

The Linn County Republican Central Committee held a nominating convention Sunday, Feb. 2 to replace Linn County Clerk David Lamb who resigned effective January 31. The convention was chaired by Becky Johnson with 19 precinct committee men and women present. Johnson read the... [More]
Commissioners hear from citizen on plat approval near Parker

During the weekly meeting on Monday, Feb. 3, Linn County resident Jan Longenecker spoke to commissioners regarding a plat change and construction on a property near his property that he had previously protested during its initial process for a subdivision plat. Longenecker... [More]
More News
- Pleasanton Council allays fears of losing compactor
- Donations sought for families following accident
- Juveniles fall through ice, drown at Lake Chaparral
- Trash compactor negotiation continues with Pleasanton and county
- USD 362 gives ‘go-ahead’ on fire repairs
- Parker patron questions city spending
- La Cygne holds line on water rates
- County Clerk David Lamb tenders official resignation
SPORTS
Jayhawk girls’ basketball defeats Pleasanton and falls to Southeast and St. Paul

The Jayhawk Linn girls’ basketball team was busy last week as they faced Pleasanton, Southeast Cherokee and St. Paul. They traveled to Pleasanton on Jan. 28 and then Southeast on Jan. 30 before hosting St. Paul on Ja. 31. The game against Pleasanton saw the Lady Hawks... [More]
Pleasanton girls’ basketball falls to Jayhawk and Arma

The Pleasanton girls’ basketball team hosted Jayhawk Linn and Northeast Arma this past week. They faced Jayhawk on Jan. 28 and then Northeast on Jan. 31. The girls battled in each game but lost both, first to Jayhawk 11-44 and then to Arma 21-32. The Lady Jays faced Jayhawk... [More]
More Sports
- Prairie View girls’ basketball are champions of the Kenny Holt Memorial tournament
- Pleasanton boys’ basketball team placed seventh at Kenny Holt Memorial Tournament
- Jayhawk girls’ basketball takes second at Uniontown
- Jayhawk boys’ wrestling places sixth at Wellsville
- Prairie View girls’ basketball has a busy week against Pioneer League competition
- Prairie View boys’ varsity wrestling places seventh at Louisburg
- Jayhawk boys’ varsity wrestling competes at Louisburg
- Jayhawk basketball sweeps Northeast Arma