By BARBARA PROFFITT | October 12, 2022

The USD 346 School Board met on Monday, Oct. 10, and began their meeting with the approval of the agenda, the minutes of the last meeting, the financial report, and the payment of bills and payroll.

Superintendent Shawn Thomas reported that the audit with Diehl, Banwart and Bolton went well and the auditor stated he expected no problems.

Nikki Traul reported on Successful Practices highlighting the need to follow those students who need help in elementary into junior high. Traul stated they are reviewing data history in order to better serve current and upcoming students.

Elementary principal Mark Proffitt reported they are currently working on a project with the Mound City Library.

Junior high and high school principal Bob Beckham reported they are trying something different with parent teacher conferences and he has teachers reaching out specifically to students who may be struggling in their classes and inviting them over.

Thomas reported on enrollment numbers noting that enrollment is up and pointed out that the district currently has 60 7^th grade students enrolled.

Thomas then told the board that the district had received two bronze stars from the Kansans Can STARS program, as well as, a Commissioners Award for exceeding expectations. He went on to explain that the program looks at data and then assigns a percentage to the district of the number of students they believe will go on to college based on the data and the district had exceeded that expectation.

Thomas then reported that a crew had been in to look at the auditorium and they will be submitting a three-tiered bid on the work needed there. Crews are coming soon to look at the track as well

Thomas then told the board that part of the new legislation requires the district to have specific verbiage regarding part time students and KASB has provided the verbiage they recommend.

Thomas went on to state that the verbiage basically applies to home school students who want to attend Jayhawk for an art or music class. The board passed a motion to insert the verbiage as provided by KASB on a unanimous vote.

Thomas then asked the board to consider raising rates of pay for substitutes not only teachers, but classified staff as well, drivers in particular, so that the district can stay competitive. The matter is to be revisited at the November meeting.