The USD 346 board met for the budget and revenue neutral rate hearing at 5:45 p.m. on Sept. 12. Superintendent Shawn Thomas reviewed state assessment result handouts and how Jayhawk students performed in comparison to the rest of the state in Math, English, and Science assessments. Some obstacles USD 346 faces include an increasing number of at-risk students and funding for special education being short each year. To address these obstacles, the district will continue to focus on smaller student-teacher ratios. Within the current budget request, we have taken steps to have something more manageable with the addition of interventionists and an additional teacher at Jayhawk Elementary this year. The district also wants to make sure that the mental health and social-emotional health issues are addressed by continuing to offer support to students facing more than just standard academic concerns.

Thomas recommended that the board pass a resolution to exceed the 2021- 2022 Revenue Neutral Rate. A motion to exceed the 2021-2022 Revenue Neutral Rate was made and seconded, the board approved the motion and then made and approved a second motion to adopt the 2022-2023 budget as published.

The school board then opened their regular monthly meeting and approved the consent agenda, which included minutes of the last meeting, bills and payroll, and all current out-of-district requests.

The board then heard from Kerry Coffel regarding a program at the elementary level which is teaching students responsibility for self by rewarding responsible choices, such as attending school each day, turning in work on time, etc.

Junior high and high school Principal Bob Beckham spoke of illness in his schools and reminded all the rule of thumb is that if the student is running a fever, even low-grade, keep them home.

Elementary principal Mark Proffitt spoke on the lunch program and the difference it is making for kids who are making healthy choices by utilizing the fresh fruit and veggies available.

Genea Bruner reported on the accreditation process, noting that this is the final year of the process and adding that Jayhawk is above average in all required areas.

Superintendent Shawn Thomas reported that students in the STARS classes are doing well; even attending STARS classes on the Friday prior to Labor Day, when USD 346 had no school.

Dawn Carlson, JLHS Art Teacher and Theater Sponsor, spoke to the board about the needs in the auditorium for new curtains, floor repairs and upgraded sound and lighting. The matter was tabled for further discussion at a later date.

The board then entered into an executive session for personnel matters. Following executive session, the board approved the transfer of Chris Felix to kitchen manager at Jayhawk Elementary.

MEETINGS

LINN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS - Monday, October 23, 2023

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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

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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

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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]

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NEWS

Souza resigns county clerk post

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Linn County’s county clerk is resigning. At the weekly Linn County Commission meeting Tuesday morning, delayed a day because of Monday’s governmental Columbus Day holiday, Danielle Souza spoke during the public comment agenda section of her intention to resign the... [More]

Farmers State Bank under new ownership

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Time moves on and things change – and the banking world is not exempt from those changes. When Farmers State Bank owner Dale Sprague passed away in August of 2024, his wife Janice and family made those changes when they sold the three banks this fall to Citizen Bank owner’s... [More]

Linn Valley council updated on water, lagoon projects

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Linn Valley city council held its first meeting of the month on Oct. 13 at 6 p.m. at City Hall. Mayor Lewis Donelson began the meeting by asking city employees present at the meeting to stand up front and introduce themselves and state their job title. The mayor continued by... [More]

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SPORTS

Schneider makes State for Hawks in girls’ golf

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Celeste Schneider made the 3-1A State golf tournament again this year for the Lady Hawks and will be looking to earn another State medal.  To see the full article, check out this week's edition of the Linn County News or check out the online version here.

Wade and Britz advance to State for the Buffalos

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The Prairie View girls’ golf team is doing well. The girls won the Pioneer League championship at Deer Trace on Oct. 7 and then followed that up by placing fourth at 3-1A Sub-State tournament at Crestwood in Pittsburg on Oct. 13.  The Lady Buffs won the league tournament... [More]

Blu-Jays convert takeaways into Homecoming win

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Pleasanton converted two second-quarter fumble recoveries and a third-quarter interception into passing touchdowns to break a three-game losing skid and claim a 41-6 Homecoming win over Southeast-Cherokee Friday at Blu-Jay Nation Stadium. The victory moves the ‘Jays’... [More]

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