Unified School District 362 board of education members heard and accepted its audit report for the 2021-22 fiscal year at its monthly meeting Feb. 13.

Sean Gordon, auditor for GordonCPA, Lawrence, said the district would receive an unmodified opinion, the “highest and cleanest opinion,” on its regular financial health, as well as on a separate audit required when spending $75,000 or more of federal funds, in this case for a COVID-19-related nutrition grant.

“This reflects very well on the financial and internal controls of the district,” said Gordon in voicing his appreciation for the work of Kylee Capp, district business manager and board clerk.

The board voted 6-0 to accept the report, with Russell Pope participating via phone and Richard Gravelle not present.

During the citizen’s open forum, Jenna Thompson, a Prairie View High senior, read a prepared statement asking for expansion of seniors in all activities to be recognized during seasonal athletic senior nights. 

She cited administrative recognition as a way to improve “lack of student involvement and lack of participation.” She said that rallies for students earning state participation in music and Scholars’ Bowl activities occurred after sponsors “pushed for them. Past traditions should not serve as a condition now.”

During the meeting, board members heard preschool data presented by Tiffany Ellett, La Cygne Elementary principal. 

She reported that the majority of 4-year-old preschoolers are kindergarten-ready, citing data on literacy, mathematics, penmanship, and writing alphabet letters.

“Most are above Kansas standards,” she said.

On a related note, Beth Sandness, student services director, said that the state of Kansas next year will fund 3-year-old at-risk preschoolers “if we have space.”

During her report, Sandness noted that the high school’s National Honor Society induction will occur at 6 p.m. March 6 in the Performing Arts Center, an hour earlier than the 7 p.m. monthly board meeting moved up a week to avoid conflicting with spring break.

Sandness also previewed this past Monday’s in-service, headlined by Gerry Brooks, whom she characterized as a “YouTube Facebook star” whose focus is on building positive school cultures. She said all district staff and those from other school districts had been invited.

During the curriculum report, Brad Heide, board member, questioned a high school course of woodworking principles replacing the vocational construction design (house building) class.

Joseph Hornback, Ed.D., high school principal and district curriculum director, said the second house during the five-year program will be finished this school year.

He said a combination of “no other lot and changing teachers” led to the decision. David Reynolds is retiring, said Hornback, and the woodworking principles was added to fill Scott Bauer’s schedule for next year.

Questioned by Brian Uphoff, board member, about what equipment Bauer’s classes might need, Hornback said the first step will be to “find out what are the projects and then work backward to see what equipment we need.” Mentioned by Hornback as a future project idea, “maybe a tiny home.”

Other changes for high school courses as noted by Hornback will be a forensic science course expanding from a semester to full year to comply with new state career technical education pathway requirements, along with possible introductory entry-level history courses earning concurrent credit from Fort Scott Community College with enrollment of at least five students.

In other business, the board met for five minutes in executive session concerning student confidentiality, with no follow-up public action. 

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

Linn County News website gets new update

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Recently you may have seen our notification on our website or our Facebook page that we were undergoing some changes on our website at www.linncountynews.net. We here at the News are happy to announce those changes are nearly complete. Changes to the website include an easier... [More]

Commissioners vote 1-1 on motion to not exceed revenue neutral

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County now required to cut budget to meet the RNR rate BY $837,000   The Linn County commissioners, with Commissioner Jason Hightower absent, began the revenue neutral hearing on Monday, Aug. 25, by welcoming those in the audience and stating the purpose and objective... [More]

Linn Valley looks at option for fire truck purchase, new vehicles

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The Linn Valley City Council held a special meeting at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 21, with Mayor Lew Donelson presiding and all council members present except for John Weers. City Attorney James Brun was also present. The meeting began with a presentation by city’s financial... [More]

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SPORTS

Frog gigging a new ‘old sport’

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It’s another one of those…So…stories. So, last weekend was an adventure. I’ve gotten involved with the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks Wild Foods Academy (WFA) that is a pilot program designed to educate many ‘left-0ut’ people’s... [More]

Fishing Derby kicks off at Linn County Fair

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The annual Linn County Fair and Rodeo Fishing Derby was held on the morning of Aug. 9.  Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks fish biologist Don George has been heading the derby since 1987 and this year was no different.  The derby was divided into three age... [More]

Linn County Farm Bureau hosts annual pedal pull

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The Linn County Farm Bureau Association hosted the annual kids’ pedal pull on the evening of Aug. 8. Kids 4 to 12 can compete in the event for a chance to earn a spot at the State pedal pull at Hutchinson.  Trophies and a place at the State fair was awarded to the... [More]

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