The Shawnee Mission school district is appealing a decision from the Kansas Department of Labor, which ruled the district committed a “prohibited practice” when it imposed a rare three-year unilateral contract on the teachers union. In filing the appeal in Johnson County District Court, the district argued the labor department “committed numerous, highly problematic errors” in reaching its decision, calling its procedure unconstitutional. District spokesman David Smith said the appeal will not impact this year’s teacher contract or upcoming negotiations this spring — which will likely take place remotely due to the coronavirus pandemic and metrowide stay at home order. But [...]

Early results from Johnson County’s random community testing program show mitigation strategies appear to be working to reduce the spread of coronavirus, officials said Tuesday. But Sanmi Areola, public health director, said it is still too early — and data is still too limited — to draw any definitive conclusions. He warned that residents must continue following social distancing requirements and abiding by the stay at home order — which leaders have said could be extended past next week. “I will say that our tactics appear to have worked pretty well. But it is way too early to definitively say that. [...]

The view from a mayor’s desk in Johnson County — which is brimming with agendas, budgets, ordinances and regulations — could be considered daunting and even disheartening. But several Johnson County mayors have said they are seeing special deeds and actions in their communities changed by COVID-19. They see acts of kindness in the form of fresh flowers anonymously sent to seniors, teddy bears in home windows for children to count and warm greetings from those on walking trails. (Read more: Joco 913 News)