Jayhawk-Linn High School students who attend a career education program like the STARS center in Pleasanton would be able to get a Senior English credit and a math credit under a plan under consideration by the Jayhawk USD 346 Board of Education. (Journal file photo)
With reporting by Kayla McGrew, Board Clerk, USD 346
MOUND CITY – Jayhawk-Linn High School students could soon be able to earn “embedded” graduation credits through the Career Education Technology (CTE) programs. The Jayhawk USD 346 Board of Education on Monday, Jan. 9, learned that the district was working to give credits to students taking technical courses such as the one at the Southeast Technical Academy for Rural Students (STARS) in Pleasanton that is run by Fort Scott Community College.
Under that plan, students attending a STARS course or taking other approved technical courses could earn one senior Englis) and one math credit if the course meets the criteria and they choose to do so. The issue will be revisited at the February meeting.
The board also learned that the district's process to renew its accreditation will undergo a final review this month and then may be ready to be considered by the State Board of Education in February. Genea Bruner, director of student services for the district, said that the normal five-year process to renew accreditation had taken a year longer because of the COVID pandemic.
In other business, the board:
• Learned that auditorium renovations at the junior high/high school are in full swing, and that the stage floor was installed over winter break. Work is set to begin on the dressing room and storage area within the next few weeks.
Approved the Drivers Education fee for 2023.
Learned that the free ACT test for juniors is scheduled for March 28.
Learned that the process of evaluating and revising Jayhawk’s crisis plan has begun.
Learned that the Kansas Legislature will likely take up the issue of an interstate compact, which would set a benchmark for teacher licensure across the country.
Approved Board Members Kitty Rhynerson and Daniel Earnest to be members of the board’s team that will negotiate the teachers contract.
Approved the employment of Terri Gentry as summer driver’s education instructor and accepted the resignation of Lacey Earnest as school nurse.