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
CANCELED: Statewide Purple Alert issued for missing Yates Center woman

UPDATE WOODSON COUNTY – The Yates Center Police Department reported to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) that Tammara Isaacs was located safely. The statewide Purple Alert is canceled. - - - - WOODSON COUNTY – The Yates Center Police... [More]
Parker mayor seeks affidavits to file charges

Webber cites lake ruts video footage, loose dogs chasing people indoors To assure a method for citing and prosecuting wrongdoings against city ordinance and codes, Parker Mayor Jason Webber is choosing to utilize legal affidavits. At last Thursday’s monthly... [More]
USD 346 board learns of overpayments

During the June 9 meeting of the USD 346 Board of Education, the board learned the district had been notified of overpayments they received between fiscal years 2016 and 2023. The overpayments were discovered when Public Consulting Group (PCG) was reviewing the cost reporting... [More]
More News
- NOTICE
- Commissioners discuss estimate on overlay project
- Pleasanton council meeting heated over fire personnel interviews
- La Cygne gas customers may see rate decrease
- Commissioners form countywide consensus for automatic aid agreements
- SPECIAL: Election cycle will not require primary
- Blue Moon Youth Center to hold matinees this summer
- Pleasanton council divided on Fire Chief appointment
SPORTS
Pleasanton/Jayhawk trapshooting team places seventh at State, Wallace earns State championship

The Pleasanton/Jayhawk trapshooting team traveled to Wichita to compete in the Kansas Trapshooting State tournament. The tournament features more than 110 high schools and over 1,500 student athletes. Pleasanton/Jayhawk compete in the 2A competition which happened on June... [More]
Joey Ewalt impacting youth wrestling here and abroad

Prairie View’s head boys’ wrestling Coach Joey Ewalt does more for the sport than just coaching the Buffalos, he has made an impact on the sport as a wrestler, coach and official. Ewalt began his wrestling career at the very young age of four. His father, Mike Ewalt,... [More]
More Sports
- Pleasanton and Jayhawk baseball on the 2025 All TRL team
- Jayhawk Linn softball has three All TRL unanimous selections
- Trenton Broyles leads Hawks at State track
- Prairie View track earns six medals at State
- Pleasanton’s Gratton wins two golds, sets meet record
- Jayhawk track breaks another school record and qualifies multiple athletes for State
- School records and State qualifiers are made for the Jays at Eureka
- Prairie View track qualifies multiple athletes for State