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

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
Boil Water Advisory Issued for the City of La Cygne, Linn County

TOPEKA –The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued a boil water advisory for the City of LaCygne public water supply system located in Linn County. Customers should observe the following precautions until further notice: Boil water for one minute... [More]
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]
More News
- Wisdom appointed Pleasanton Fire Chief
- 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
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