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U234 Board of Education News Release

BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING

NEWS RELEASE

Monday, January 9, 2023

 

Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, January 9, 2023, for their regular monthly meeting at the board office.

 

President Danny Brown opened the meeting.

 

The board approved the official agenda, and the consent agenda as follows:

  • Minutes from December 12, 2022, Board of Education meeting
  • Financials – Cash Flow Report
  • Check Register
  • Payroll – December 16, 2022 – $1,571,721.90
  • Activity Fund accounts
  • Second Semester Enrollment Count Report
  • Board Policy Additions/Changes
  • Resolution 22-10 – To Establish Election of School Board Officers
  • Resolution 22-11 – To Establish Regular Meeting Dates

 

Shelly  Charter, Winfield Scott Elementary principal, introduced two students from Winfield Scott. The first student recognized was Sadie Keylon who demonstrates mindfulness by being polite and helpful to friends.  The second student was Megan Hunsaker who demonstrates mindfulness by being humble and leadership through leading by example.  Megan was selected by Peerless Products to have a paint chip named after her.

 

Licensed Tiger Team Member – Superintendent Destry Brown recognized Allison Gorman as the Licensed Tiger Team Member of the Month.

  • Miss Gorman is a 7th grade math teacher at Fort Scott Middle School. She displays on a daily basis the excellence of teaching in our classrooms.  She encourages students, teaches from the beginning of class to the end, and her students know they can be successful in her class.  Miss Gorman has been with the district for 12 years.

 

Classified Tiger Team Members – Superintendent Destry Brown recognized Shawn O’Brien and Alisha Watkins as the Classified Tiger Team Members of the Month.

  • O’Brien is the payroll clerk for the district along with other payroll duties, helps employees upon hire, and schedules orientations. He also is active in the community with volunteering, as well as supporting our kids at school events.   Mr. O’Brien has been with the district 3 years.
  • Watkins is a custodian at both the board office and the middle school, and also fills in around the district when help is needed. She is always willing to do what can to help, fixes things without having to be asked, and responds in a positive manner.  Mrs. Watkins has been with the district for 3 years.

 

Superintendent Brown reported to the board that 98 students were enrolled in 166 courses with Fort Scott Community College for dual credit while attending high school.  Mr. Brown presented a preliminary 2023-24 calendar for the board to review based upon the feedback he received from parents and staff.

 

Dalaina Smith, Assistant Superintendent, provided an update to the board on professional development, PLC conversations, and results of those conversations.  For example, the anticipation is that by this summer, the district will have standards published by grade level that would show parents what their students(s) should learn each school year.  Mrs. Smith also provided an update on resource adoptions, resources needed in reading, and assessments.

 

Gina Shelton, Finance Director, updated the board on the ESSER III application, the state audit, and salary schedule column advancement.

 

The board received an update from Superintendent Brown on the expansion of the Fort Scott Preschool Center to Woodland Hills Blvd.  Mr. Brown presentation included information on why preschool should be expanded in the USD 234 school district and what that expansion would look like.  There was discussion of funding, contracts, and alternative options.  There was no action taken.

 

The board approved the following items:

  • Communications Investment Proposal with Trajectory Strategies, in the amount of $15,660
  • FSHS Course Additions for the 2023-24 school year
  • Revised Classified Pay Schedule to amend the Activity Driver Pay
  • Personnel Report – following

 

The board tabled a proposal for architectural and engineering design services for the preschool from h|d Architecture, LLC until more information was received.  There was also discussion on a school district attorney.

 

The board went into an executive session for personnel matters.

 

President Danny Brown adjourned the meeting.

 

 

 

PERSONNEL REPORT – APPROVED EMPLOYMENT

 

RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:

  • Michelle Martin – Retirement – FSHS Special Education teacher, effective at the end of the 2022-23 school year
  • Carol Bingesser – Retirement – FSMS Science teacher, effective at the end of the 2022-23 school year
  • Kelly Cox – Retirement – Winfield Scott Kindergarten teacher, effective at the end of the 2022-23 school year
  • Cristin Stark – Resignation – Winfield Scott Kindergarten teacher, effective at the end of the 2022-23 school year
  • Trent Johnson – Resignation – FSHS Agriculture teacher and FFA sponsor, effective December 19, 2022
  • Mark Gorman – Leave of Absence – Bus Driver
  • Connie Billionis – Leave of Absence – Deputy Clerk
  • Sarah Hendricks – Leave of Absence – Eugene Ware fourth grade teacher

EMPLOYMENT/REASSIGNMENTS – FOR THE 2022-23 SCHOOL YEAR

  • Tonya Barnes – Special Education Director for the 2023-24, 2024-25, and 2025-26 school years
  • Kyle Parks – Daily rate for the remainder of the semester as a FSHS Agriculture teacher and FFA sponsor
  • Judy Welch – Regular Route Bus Driver (4-hours)
  • Chelsea Killion – Winfield Scott 7.5-hour paraprofessional
  • Jana Walker – Winfield Scott 7.5-hour paraprofessional
  • Julius Hodges – Winfield Scott 7.5-hour paraprofessional
  • Destry Brown – Superintendent – Contract extension

Obituary of Nancy DeWitt

Nancy DeWitt, age 81, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Monday, January 9, 2023, at the Medicalodge in Ft. Scott.  She was born January 31, 1941, in Los Angeles, California.  Prior to moving to Ft. Scott, Nancy had made her home in Iola, Kansas.  She loved dogs especially chihuahuas and meticulously kept a photo album of all the pets she had over the years.

 

She is survived by several nieces and nephews.  Nancy was preceded in death by a brother, Robert and a sister, Lorraine.

 

Rev. Chuck Russell will conduct funeral services at 1:30 P.M. Monday, January 16th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Following services there will be cremation.

Burial will take place at the Greensburg Cemetery in Greensburg, Kansas at a later date.

Services are under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, Kansas.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online g

Amended Agenda For FS City Commission Meeting for Jan. 10

NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR MEETING
OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
CITY HALL COMMISSION MEETING ROOM

123 SOUTH MAIN STREET

JANUARY 10, 2023
6:00 P.M.

I. Roll Call:

J. Jones T. Van Hoecke M. Wells E. Woellhof K. Harrington

II. Flag Salute:

III. Invocation: Led by: M. Wells

IV. Approval of Agenda: Amended from original release on 1/6/2023

V. Consent Agenda:

A. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of December 20 th, 2022.

B. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1327-A totaling $519,425.14

C. Request to Pay – BakerTilly – $9,775.78 – Jeff Hancock Services and

Expenses for November 2022, Expenses for October 2022.

D. Request to Pay – BakerTilly – $5,104.04 – Interim Financial Management
for November 2022.
E. Request to Pay – EPEC – $459,666.73

1. Cell 1 Aeration Upgrade – $424,088.60 – 65% of Total

2. Baffle Curtain – $35,578.13 – Installation has been completed

F. Request to Pay – Foley Equipment – $180,000.00 – Caterpillar 936K Track
Loader Model 963K.
G. Approval of CMB License For Consumption on the Premises – Debra Cagle
DBA Fifthwheel Tavern – 206 N. Humbolt
H. Resolution No. 1-2023 – DESIGNATING THE OFFICIAL CITY NEWSPAPER
FOR THE ENSUING TERM OF THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS.
I. Resolution No. 2-2023 – DESIGNATING THE OFFICIAL DEPOSITORIES FOR THE PUBLIC FUNDS OF THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS –
(Possibly hold)

J. Resolution No. 3-2023 – EXEMPTION FROM GENERALLY ACCEPTED
ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES UNDER K.S.A. 1120

VI. Reorganization of City Commission
Election of Mayor

Commission President

Bourbon County REDI Representative

Land Bank Representative

Fort Scott Housing Authority Delegate

Lake Advisory Board

Library Board (Mayor)

VII. Public Comment:

(Sign up required. Comments on any topic not on agenda and limited to five (5) minutes per person, at Commission discretion)

VIII. Old Business:

A. December financials by Ben Hart

B. Update of progress with Code compliance at 102 S. Horton

C. Lake Dock Locations – Doug Guns

IX. Appearances:

A. Renodry USA – Michael Clancy will address the Commission

regarding their services

X. Public Hearing: None

XI. New Business:

A. Approval of Bid for Demolition of 523 S. Heylman, Bid #48-2022 – Dave’s Demolition at $1,800.00 or Skitch’s Hauling and Excavation at $3,425.00

B. Approval of 2023 Holiday Schedule

C. Consideration of Jeff Hancock’s Amended Contract – BakerTilly

D. Permission to go out for picnic table grant – Dave Bruner

E. Consideration of Brick Street Policy – M. Wells

F. Consideration to Go Out for Banking Bids – J. Jones

XII. Reports and Comments:

A. Interim City Manager Comments:

B. Engineering Comments:

C. Commissioners Comments:

J. Jones – National Street School Sign

T. VanHoecke –
M. Wells –

E. Woellhof –

K. Harrington –

D. City Attorney Comments:

XIII. Executive Session If requested, (please follow script in all motions for
Executive Sessions)

XIV. Adjournment:

Letter to the Editor: Deb McCoy

Reflections of the City/County The Past Five Years


In reflection of the last five years, the revolving doors and actions of the City/County Officials have been concerning. There continues to be no clear plan for the future of our community.


Have decisions been made with consideration of the impact those decisions will have on the community or merely to satisfy personal agendas?


Are committees created without a Master Plan? When was the last time we saw an actual blueprint of a 1 year, 2 year, 5 year, or 10 year Master Plan that clearly laid out a vision for this community?

In order to experience growth, we have to create a master plan that will improve our infrastructure, create jobs to support the economy, and provide housing to the families we hope will locate here.

We also need a solid health care system, a strong school system, and
amenities that provide entertainment and recreation.

The projects should be prioritized and completed in an orderly manner before moving into the next phase. Community planning must be accomplished while remaining fluid enough to account for changing needs. We can use any past mistakes to make present decisions better and future decisions the best possible.


Protocols, Procedures, Ordinance and State Statutes are a part of governing. Attention to those guidelines are key to the formulation of a plan that will benefit all.


Contracts are a vital process within any organization and are vital to the success of any public endeavor. Contracts of employment, contracts that involve major projects, or any other business
transaction that is entered into should have clear precise wording that is in accordance with the Rule of Law.


Over the past years has there been any accountability?


– One local business closed after several years of operation and full approval by city officials. Who was responsible for the closure of a business that had been successfully operating for several years, when suddenly the tables turned and they failed to meet
expectations regarding building issues?
– Who was directing the completion of a million dollar taxpayer expense to provide a parking lot for tenants or a newly renovated building? Why was the parking issue not addressed as plans for this project unfolded?
– Who was accountable for the approval of a second renovation by the same company without a contract for an eight million dollar project between the City and the Company? This led to additional costs to the taxpayers as well as legal issues. Again there was no planning for parking! This created problems for viable downtown
businesses.

Again the taxpayers are burdened with costs to rectify the situation that could have been avoided with proper planning.


– Who was accountable when 525 people signed a petition that was certified and approved to go to vote and yet ignored? The people spoke and their civil rights were denied.
– Whose activities brought the city into an investigation by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation?
– Who was accountable when downtown buildings were allowed to deteriorate long after they were condemned? This led to huge expenses for demolition and repairs to surrounding structures. Failures of city officials not only caused undue expenses borne
by taxpayers, but also cost owners of adjacent buildings.
– Who is accountable when we have had personnel contracts drawn up and approved by our officials that extend not for one year, but up to five years. What foolish organization would lock themselves into a contract of this type? Government entities are in charge of
evaluating their personnel on an annual basis. By entering into multi-year contracts, no allowance is made for the ways in which this becomes a very bad idea! It places the taxpayers into an unnecessary financial expenditure. We have experienced this already, too many times.


– Who was accountable for overseeing the contract with the ADM Company and the transporting of wastewater? The taxpayers were cheated of millions of dollars in revenue, only to be burdened with the results of negligence in maintenance of our lagoons.
– Who was accountable for reviewing the history of the two companies involved in the hospital contracts. There were red flags and warnings regarding the motives of the companies involved and yet officials gave up millions of our tax dollars on a deal that will
be of no benefit to our community!
– Who is accountable for overseeing the meetings of the City and County Commissioners to make sure that Kansas Open Act Meeting regulations are followed?
– Who is accountable for their actions as an appointed or elected official? –
Who is accountable for voting these elected officials into office? We are!


We as citizens need to be held accountable and diligent in educating ourselves regarding the candidates, their visions, their ability to communicate, their strategies and critical thinking
abilities, their open mindedness, their creativity and flexibility, their authenticity, and their ability to have the tenacity to do what is right in order to bring about necessary improvements for our
community. We not only need to hold them accountable, but we need to hold ourselves accountable to also do what is expected of us as citizens.


Sincerely,
deb mccoy
1/9/2023

U.S. Senator Jerry Moran Newsletter

Swearing-In Ceremony
This week, I was joined by my family as I was sworn in to serve Kansans for a third term in the United States Senate. Representing Kansas in the U.S. Senate is one of the greatest privileges of my life and a solemn responsibility I do not take lightly.

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As the 118th Congress begins, I took the time to reflect on those who have served before me and on the significance of the duty Kansans have placed with me. I am humbled by this responsibility and look forward to continuing to advocate for Kansas values in Washington, D.C.

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2022 in Review
Throughout the past year, I visited with thousands of Kansans across the state. I am grateful to each of you for these conversations and for the insight you offer into the many issues we are facing as a country.

I am also reminded of one of the most important tasks for my office: helping Kansans navigate and resolve issues with federal agencies through casework. Please do not hesitate to reach out to my office if we can be of any assistance regarding Social Security, Medicare or veterans’ affairs, or if you have other concerns regarding federal issues. You can learn more about how to do this here.

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Continue reading U.S. Senator Jerry Moran Newsletter

Mary Kay Consultant Open House Jan. 15

Sending on Behalf of Chamber Member
Lauren Wagner – Mary Kay Consultant…
Come and enjoy an at home experience with your local
Mary Kay Consultant.
1516 S. Main Street Fort Scott, KS 66701
There will be hot coco, coffee, peppermint sticks, and cookies!
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members below!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701

Obituary of Caleb Warner

Caleb Scott Warner, age 30, resident of Erie, KS, died Wednesday, January 4, 2023, at Freeman Hospital, Joplin, MO.  He was born January 13, 1992, in Lee’s Summit, MO, the son of Michael Dale Warner and Tammy Sue Hockett Warner.  Caleb graduated from Girard, KS High School with the class of 2010.

He served in the National Guard and was deployed to Germany as a heavy equipment operator.  He was greatly loved and will be missed.

 

Survivors include his mother, Tammy Sue Hambric and husband Rob, Hepler, KS; grandmother Evelyn Hockett, Chanute, KS; daughter Ember Rose Warner, Erie, KS; sister Ashley Villela, Kyle, TX; and brothers Justin Messershmidt, Hepler, KS, and Joshua Warner, Fort Scott, KS.

He was preceded in death by a sister, Amanda Warner, grandmother Alta Faye Warner, grandfather Noble Warner, grandmother Evelyn Hendricks, and grandfather Larry Hockett.

 

There was cremation.  Memorial services will be held at 11:00 Saturday, January 14th, at the First Baptist Church, Fort Scott.

Memorials are suggested to the Ember Rose Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.