4-day weeks, virtual teachers: Staff shortage has KC schools taking desperate measures

7 Wednesday, September 7

4-day weeks, virtual teachers: Staff shortage has KC schools taking desperate measures

info2022-09-07T07:16:21-05:00September 7th, 2022|

With many positions still left empty weeks into the school year, several districts are scaling back operations and finding new ways to keep schools running, while trying to have a competitive edge to recruit and retain enough employees. Unable to fill enough teaching positions, Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools partnered with a company to hire some virtual teachers from out of state, who are livestreaming lessons to classrooms of middle and high school students on their computers, while a staff member watches the kids in person. Source: KC Star Local News

7 Wednesday, September 7

Municipal Bond Trends for September 6, 2022

info2022-09-07T07:12:13-05:00September 7th, 2022|

The interest rate table above illustrates recent changes in a sample of MBIS "investment grade" yields. Every issuer's credit is different. For rates that may be applicable to your municipality, contact our Municipal Bond Advisors, Larry Kleeman and Beth Warren.

7 Wednesday, September 7

Hesston bond issue passes by a hair

info2022-09-07T07:09:37-05:00September 7th, 2022|

Every vote mattered for the Hesston Bond issue, which passed by 11 votes. The Harvey County Canvassing Board (Randy Hague, Chip Westfall, Don Schroeder) certified the bond election and results at a (September) 6 meeting. At the meeting, the board made a determination on which of the 19 provisional ballots were eligible to be counted in the election under state statute. After the County Clerk’s Office tallied the accepted provisional ballots, the final count stood at 800 votes in favor of the bond issue and 789 against. “A vote this close shows how important it is to go vote,” Hague said. [...]

7 Wednesday, September 7

Overland Park new incentive program to recruit snow crews with cash

info2022-09-07T07:10:03-05:00September 7th, 2022|

The city of Overland Park is launching a new incentive to recruit snow crews for the upcoming winter season. During the 2022-23 snow season, crews will receive some extra money for every winter weather event after which they help clear city streets. Overland Park will pay plow drivers on staff $150 per storm. Smaller truck drivers on staff will receive $100 per storm, and support staff will receive $50 per storm. This is in addition to regular pay, which starts at $18 per hour for maintenance workers, as well as any overtime. Plow drivers who work throughout the season will also [...]

7 Wednesday, September 7

Shawnee Mission North turns 100 this week

info2022-09-07T07:10:23-05:00September 7th, 2022|

Shawnee Mission North High School students, staff and alumni are set to celebrate the school’s 100th anniversary over the course of three days later this week, which marks the official centenary for what is believed to be Johnson County’s oldest functioning high school. Known affectionately as “the Brick House,” SM North, which opened its doors as Shawnee Mission Rural High School in 1922, is the oldest high school still in operation in Johnson County, according to local experts. Source: Prairie Village Post

6 Tuesday, September 6

Haysville USD 261 hosts new community retreat

info2022-09-06T23:59:28-05:00September 6th, 2022|

Ahead of the 2022-2023 school year, Haysville Public Schools hosted a new community retreat at the start of August to share about how the district conducts its business. Roughly 80 people attended the retreat, held at Campus High School. Kansas Commissioner of Education Dr. Randy Watson served as the keynote speaker for the event. He discussed the state’s education goals and how districts might implement them. Source: Derby Informer | Area

6 Tuesday, September 6

Residency requirements for City of Topeka employees amended

info2022-09-06T23:57:54-05:00September 6th, 2022|

The Topeka City Council voted to change the residency requirements for employees of the capital city. City employees are now required to live in the state of Kansas while department directors and judges must live in Shawnee County. The city manager must live in Topeka as well. All employees are encouraged to live within the city limits. The city manager does have the ability to amend the requirement for the department directors to live within the county if the position becomes difficult to fill. Source: KSNT 27 News

6 Tuesday, September 6

Johnson County adds $610K to hazardous waste recycling project

info2022-09-06T23:50:24-05:00September 6th, 2022|

Johnson County will allocate additional funds toward creating a new hazardous waste recycling center. The Household Hazardous Waste Facility (HHWF) project was approved by the Johnson County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) as part of the 2022 budget. The $3 million capital project will create a new hazardous waste recycling facility near U.S. 69 Highway in Overland Park. The county has operated the current HHWF in Mission for roughly 30 years. That site accepts, recycles and disposes of common household materials that cannot be thrown away with regular trash, including things like fluorescent light bulbs, aerosol cans and paint. Source: fox4kc.com [...]

6 Tuesday, September 6

We’re running out of water

info2022-09-06T07:42:34-05:00September 6th, 2022|

Aquifers are being depleted by irrigation. Reservoirs are filling with settlement. Fertilizer runoff is contamination water and feeding toxic algae. Kansas water experts provided lawmakers a sobering overview of quantity and quality issues facing all areas of the state. While more money and bureaucratic reshuffling were floated as solutions, the Special Committee on Water left Topeka last week without a clear path forward for the 2023 Legislature. “I think it’s pretty clear: If we continue business as usual, it’s not going to end well,” said Jim Butler, a Kansas Geological Survey geohydrologist. Source: Salina Journal

6 Tuesday, September 6

Honoring farmers in Haven

info2022-09-06T07:41:37-05:00September 6th, 2022|

Understanding the backbone of Haven is in its agriculture. Jake Feil, who runs a goat operation, set out to beautify Main Street with a mural honoring the town’s farmers. Last week, the mural was completed, adding another large artwork to Main Street. “This mural pays homage to our local farmers and farming community,” Feil said. Source: Hutch News