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Agenda for the FSCC Trustees on February 19

The Board of Trustees of Fort Scott Community College will meet in regular session on Monday,
February 19, 2024. The meeting will be held in the meeting room of Ellis Fine Arts Center at Fort
Scott Community College.

To view the entire packet:

2.19.24 Consent Agenda

5:30 p.m. Regular monthly Board meeting
THE AGENDA
5:30 ROLL CALL, 3
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
CALL TO ORDER, 4
A. Comments from the Chair, 4
B. Comments from the Public, 4
C. Review of Programs – Volleyball, 4
CONSENT AGENDA, 5
A. Approval of Agenda, 5
B. Approval of Minutes of previous Regular Board Meeting conducted on January 29,
2023, 6
C. Approval of Treasurer’s Report, Bills, and Claims, 10
D. Ratification of Contracts, 45
E. Approval of Personnel Actions, 5
F. Approval of Gordon Parks Center Policy Revisions, 48
DISCUSSION ITEMS, 50
A. First Reading of Policies, 50
1. Board Member Conflicts of Interest, 50
2. Board Meeting Rules of Order, 50
3. Employee Tuition Scholarship, 51
4. Campus Closings Due to Weather, 51
B. Five Year Financial Plan, 52
C. 2024-25 Academic Year Fees, 59
D. FSCC Hall of Fame Guidelines, 60
ACTION ITEMS, 61
A. Resolution 2024 – 1: Approval of Petty Cash Increase, 61
B. Resolution 2024 – 2: Consideration of Sycamore Grove Apartments Lease Agreement, 62
C. Resolution 2024 – 3: Approval of Bank Signee Resolution, 63
REPORTS, 65
A. Higher Learning Commission, 65
B. Gordon Parks Museum, 661
C. Foundation, 65
D. Administration, 68
EXECUTIVE SESSION
ADJOURNMENT, 71
UPCOMING CALENDAR DATES:
• February 19, 2024 Board Meeting
• March 11 – 15, 2024 Spring Break, Campus Closed
• March 18, 2024 Board Meeting
• April 15, 2024 Board Meeting
• May 20, 2024 Board Meeting
• May 27, 2024 Memorial Day, Campus Closed
• June 17, 2024 Board Meeting
Sincerely,
Bryan Holt, Chair
Jason Kegler, President
FSCC’s vision for the future is to support “Students First, Community Always” through a
central focus on teaching and learning; advancing strong, innovative programs and
departments; maximizing and leveraging opportunities; initiating efficient and effective
processes; and developing the region’s workforce.2
ROLL CALL
_____ Ronda Bailey
_____ John Bartelsmeyer
_____ Jim Fewins
_____ Bryan Holt
_____ Chad McKinnis
_____ Doug Ropp3
CALL TO ORDER
A. COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR
B. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
C. REVIEW OF PROGRAMS – VOLLEYBALL

CONSENT AGENDA
A. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
B. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS
Attached are the minutes of the Regular Board Meeting conducted on January 29, 2024.
C. APPROVAL OF BILLS and CLAIMS
Attached are the Treasurer’s Report, Bills, and Claims Report.
D. RATIFICATION OF CONTRACTS
Attached are contracts for amounts less than the threshold required for Board approval.

E. APPROVAL OF PERSONNEL ACTIONS
1) Additions
a) Karl Hubig, Harley-Davidson Custodian, effective February 15, 2024

2) Separations
a) Luke Demko, Associate Dean of Students/Athletic Director, effective January 31, 2024

3) Transfers
a) Allie Birket, from Instruction Office Assistant to Kansas Migrant Office Assistant, effective February 19, 2024
F. APPROVAL OF GORDON PARKS CENTER POLICY REVISIONS
Attached are policy changes presented by the Gordon Parks Center.
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the Consent Agenda items be approved as
presented.
BOARD ACTION: MOTION _____ SECOND _____ VOTE _____
DISCUSSION:
VOTE: Bailey Bartelsmeyer Fewins
Holt McKinnis Ropp

Minutes of the Fort Scott Community College Trustees on January 19

FORT SCOTT COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Minutes of the Board of Trustees Meeting
January 29, 2024
PRESENT: Ronda Bailey, Jim Fewins, Bryan Holt, Chad McKinnis, and Doug Ropp
ALSO PRESENT: Jason Kegler-President, Juley McDaniel-Board Clerk, faculty, staff, community members
Board Clerk McDaniel called the meeting to order at 12:02 pm in the meeting rooms of the Ellis Fine Arts Center.
A motion was made by Fewins seconded by Bailey and carried by unanimous vote to appoint Bryan Holt as chair pro tem.
COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR: Chair pro tem Holt stated Chair Bartelsmeyer was sick and unable to attend.
He then led the room in the Pledge of Allegiance.
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC: Steve Anthony spoke to the Board about his desire to be able to get former FSCC players who are now playing in the NFL inducted into the FSCC Hall of Fame. He volunteered to lead whatever work is required to allow the induction of those 4 former students who are now playing professional football. If a policy is preventing the induction, he advocated for a change of policy.
REVIEW OF PROGRAMS – JOHN DEERE: John Deere Technology instructors Kent Aikin and Dale Griffiths presented an update about FSCC’s John Deere program. They provided a history of the program and offerings, adding that twenty-one other institutions offer the program. John Deere Corporate makes annual contributions to
FSCC’s program with training aids, new machines, instructor education, and budgetary assistance for classroom learning, banquets, and recruiting assistance. Last year this amount was near $19,000. Ninety-five percent of graduates are hired full time at their sponsoring dealership, and their salaries can range from $50,000 – $100,000 annually. FSCC’s program provides required certifications for these students to work in the industry, as well as an
Associate of Applied Science Degree, which can be used to obtain a bachelor’s degree at Pittsburg State University
or Kansas State in Salina by way of a 2+2 agreement. The proposed changes to FSCC’s program will easily double the number of students graduating every year, and FSCC is serving as the pilot school for this change in every other school in the country. Currently there are 21 freshmen, 17 sophomores, and a waiting list for the beginning of next semester. FSCC will increase enrollment from 22 new students to 48 new students per year, and up to 68 new
students per year in five years. The increased enrollment would require a third or even a fourth instructor. Students in John Deere are eligible for FAFSA and Kansas Promise Act.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST DISCLOSURE: Dr. Kegler reviewed a Conflict of Interest Disclosure form with the Board requesting the Board to identify their conflicts of interest. A blank form will be posted to the website. Signed documents should be returned to Juley McDaniel. Should the board approve an upcoming policy in next month’s meeting, all employees will be asked to complete a Conflict of Interest Disclosure in the future.
AFFIRMATION OF SERVICE: Dr. Kegler reviewed an Affirmation of Service form. One form will be signed by all Board members. Signed documents should be returned to Juley McDaniel, and the signed document will be posted to the website.
EXECUTIVE SESSION: A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by Ropp, and carried by unanimous vote to adjourn to executive session for 5 minutes beginning at 12:40 pm for the purpose of discussing non-elected personnel as it relates to appointment of officers, positions, and officials with action expected to follow in the
appointment of officers, positions, and officials. The Board invited Dr. Kegler to join.
OPEN SESSION: A motion was made at 12:46 pm by Fewins, seconded by McKinnis, and carried by unanimous
vote to return to open session.
ELECTION OF OFFICERS:
A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by Ropp, and carried by unanimous vote to appoint Bryan Holt as Board Chair.
A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by McKinnis, and carried by unanimous vote to appoint Doug Ropp as Board Vice-Chair.
APPOINTMENT OF OFFICERS, POSITIONS, AND OFFICIALS FOR 2024:
A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by Ropp, and carried by unanimous vote to approve appointments below for 2024.
INFORMATION OFFICER Juley McDaniel
CLERK OF THE BOARD Juley McDaniel
TREASURER Gina Shelton
KPERS REPRESENTATIVE Juley McDaniel
KACCT REP AND COUNCIL OF PRESIDENTS REPRESENTATIVE Chad McKinnis, Ronda Bailey
GREENBUSH REP John Bartelsmeyer
DESIGNATED BANK FOR GENERAL FUND Landmark National Bank
DESIGNATED ATTORNEY Zackery Reynolds
OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER Fort Scott Tribune
CONSENT AGENDA: A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by Bailey, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the consent agenda.
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
A. Foundation Donation – Dr. Kegler reported the Foundation Board has given FSCC a very generous donation. The gifted funds are to be used at the discretion of administration who will meet with Sarah
Smith in the Foundation Office to determine how the funds will be distributed. Dr. Kegler said the funds are being considered for use toward operational expenses, and some will go to payments of COPs and lease payments. Dr. Kegler stated the donation takes some of the stress and pressure of trying to make some of
the decisions currently being made. An upcoming meeting with the Foundation will be held on February 1.
There was additional conversation about the ongoing audit process and recently receiving state aid and property tax. Fewins requested the board receive an outline of when the college receives funding from various resources.
B. Institutional Workstudy – Dr. Kegler informed the Board a determination has been made that institutional workstudy being received by baseball and softball students could be eliminated. He acknowledged the decision impacts seventeen students receiving $3,200 per academic year, but it is an opportunity for
expenses to be reduced. Students employed as an institutional workstudy on the academic or student services departments would not be impacted. He cited the need to look at other cuts such as personnel or deeper budget cuts if institutional workstudy is not cut. Board members asked questions about how many
students currently on institutional workstudy qualify for federal workstudy, and Dr. Kegler reported the Financial Aid office indicated a handful of those students would qualify for federal workstudy funds. Dr. Kegler also addressed having those students report to the athletic director as opposed to their coaches so it
appears cleaner. The baseball and softball institutional workstudies are reportedly for field maintenance, and Dr. Kegler said he has offered to reassign an employee from maintenance to take care of those facilities.
Board members Bailey, Fewins, and McKinnis expressed concern about impacting students this semester by eliminating funds students were under the impression they would receive. Dr. Kegler said alternative action can certainly be considered, but FSCC needs to reduce its payroll, as the monthly payroll is too much. The Board reiterated their hope is that workstudy students be a last resort to be cut, and agreed that set guidelines need to be defined for institutional workstudy in the future.
C. Five Year Financial Plan – Dr. Kegler informed the Board that Carolyn Sinn is working on a 5-year plan of the last 5 years. He says it will give administration the ability to see increases to salaries and benefits.
D. Administrative Restructure – Dr. Kegler explained the revised organization chart proposed to be effective 7/1/24, saying the revised structure is a model many institutions already have or are putting in place. He noted many institutions are faulted in the accreditation process for having too many vice presidents. FSCC
has had three to four vice presidents in recent years, and Dr. Kegler reported reducing the amount of vice presidents will make FSCC’s structure more in line to other institutions who have gone to a provost-type model. The proposed organization chart would create a Vice President of Student Development. This
position would oversee all functional areas that impact students at FSCC. Dr. Kegler stated the current vice presidents would become Deans or Associate Deans in the proposed organization chart, and salaries will be aligned with responsibilities. Dr. Kegler cited a need for consistency in how things are being done and how the student experience is flowing. He stated the restructure will also bring some salaries into line with responsibilities. Dr. Kegler added it is important to minimize some of our administrators and
administrative titles, stating the same work is going to be done, just not at the level it is currently. He stated an internal search would be conducted to fill the new Vice President of Student Development, saying he didn’t think it would be necessary to do an external search.
ACTION ITEMS:
A. A motion was made by McKinnis seconded by Ropp, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the John Deere Certificate as described.
B. A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by Ropp, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the revision to the Associate of Applied Science in Agriculture Technology for John Deere as described.
C. A motion was made by Ropp, seconded by McKinnis, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the Heavy Equipment Operation Program.
There was consensus of the board to take a five-minute recess at 2:06 pm. The meeting resumed at 2:13 pm.
D. A motion was made by Bailey, seconded by Ropp, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the Mission, Core Values, and Vision Statements as presented.
E. A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by McKinnis, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the 2024-25 academic calendar as presented.
F. A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by McKinnis, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the bank signer resolution, listing John Bartelsmeyer as the board appointed signature.
ITEMS FOR REVIEW: The Board reviewed items of appreciation and correspondence.
REPORTS:
• HLC – Dr. Kegler described the process the HLC preparation committee is going through in preparation for HLC’s upcoming visit October 13 – 14, 2025. The group is meeting weekly to review each criterion and will be spending the next year and a half writing the document. Sara Sutton is co-chairing the committee.
• GORDON PARKS MUSEUM – The Board reviewed a report provided by the Gordon Parks Museum.
• FOUNDATION – Dr. Kegler said he has asked the Foundation Board to come to a Board of Trustees meeting quarterly. He stated the Foundation has committed to being more of a supporter and partner of the college, including agreeing to help FSCC with the funding for the Foundation Director position.
• ADMINISTRATION – The Board reviewed and heard updates from Miami County, Academic Affairs, Finance and Operations, Student Services, and President.
The Board requested an opportunity to evaluate Hall of Fame requirements for the next meeting.
Chairman Holt suggested sending the employee satisfaction survey now, as it would send the message that the board cares what employees are thinking. He recommended the executive team discuss and determine if it should be sent now.
EXECUTIVE SESSION: A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by Ropp and carried by unanimous vote to adjourn to executive session for 10 minutes beginning at 4:15 pm for the purpose of discussing non-elected personnel as it relates to performance evaluations and discussion of identifiable personnel information of non- elected personnel with no action expected to follow. The Board invited Dr. Kegler and Gina Shelton to join.
OPEN SESSION: A motion was made at 4:27 pm by Fewins, seconded by Bailey, and carried by unanimous vote to return to open session.
EXECUTIVE SESSION: A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by Ropp and carried by unanimous vote to adjourn to executive session for 10 minutes beginning at 4:30 pm for the purpose of discussing non-elected personnel as it relates to performance evaluations and discussion of identifiable personnel information of non-
elected personnel with no action expected to follow. The Board invited Dr. Kegler and Gina Shelton to join.
OPEN SESSION: A motion was made at 4:45 pm by Fewins, seconded by Ropp, and carried by unanimous vote to
return to open session.
ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to come before the Trustees, a motion to adjourn was made at
4:46 pm by Ropp, seconded by McKinnis, and carried by unanimous vote.
Chairman Clerk

The Obituary of Judith Mack

Christina Judith “Judy” Mack, age 80, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Sunday, February 11, 2024, at the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City, Kansas.

She was born July 24, 1943, in Grenada, West Indies, the daughter of Donald “Sam” Perrotte and Brownie Bonaparte.  At the age of eighteen, Judy left Grenada and moved to England where she attended nursing school.  While working as a nurse, Judy met her future husband, Devney Mack, Jr. of Ft. Scott, Kansas who was serving with the United States Air Force.

Judy and Devney were married on January 29, 1969, at Bedford, England.  After their marriage, they moved to Ft. Scott and Judy began working at Mercy Hospital.  Judy continued at Mercy as an ICU nurse until she retired at age seventy.  Judy was an active member of the United Missionary Baptist Church.  She was a Deaconess and served on the Evangelistic Committee.  She was also secretary of the Trustee Board and secretary of the Neosho Valley District Mission Department.  Judy loved music and sang in the church choir.

In her spare time, she enjoyed crocheting and traveling.  Judy had a eye for design and enjoyed decorating and arranging flowers.  She was an avid fan of local sports teams and faithfully attended Tiger and Greyhound sporting events.  She also cheered on the Kansas City Chiefs and the Golden State Warriors.

 

Survivor include her children, Craig Davis (Jammie) of Haslet, Texas, Estella Lamfu (Charles) of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Devney Mack III of Springfield, Missouri and Cyn-De Mack of Ft. Scott; thirteen grandchildren, Jarran Davis (Claudia), Michael Davis, Kyrin Armour, John Davis, Alexis Davis, Angel Mabwai, Alicia Dodd, Brent Dodd (Diana), Angelique Glasgow (Osagie), Brianna Lamfu, Adrian Lamfu, Raven Bouray (Michael), and Christian Mack and ten great-grandchildren, Jax, Jordan, Romeo, Marcus, Tamara, Maya, Jayla, Tiyana, Rory and Lilith.  Also surviving are numerous brothers and sisters including her sister, Diana Mitchell and niece, Allison both of England.

Judy was preceded in death by her husband, Devney on January 2, 2007.  She was also preceded in death by two grandsons, Lance Davis and Matthew Dodd.

 

Rev. George Proctor will conduct funeral services at 11:00 A.M. Friday, February 23rd at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to Care to Share and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Statewide Virtual Job Fair is Feb. 21

Commerce Encourages Jobseekers to Attend Year’s First Statewide Virtual Job Fair

TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland encourages jobseekers and employers searching for talent to take part in the first Virtual Statewide Job Fair of the year. Hosted by KANSASWORKS, the job fair will be from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 21.

“Our state continues to see a surge in job growth as companies look to expand in Kansas,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “There are jobs available for everyone that is looking, and our KANSASWORKS team is here to assist all Kansans find employment opportunities at every skill level.”

The Virtual Statewide Job Fair portal features helpful information such as a jobseeker training video, a list of participating employers and channels for attendees to register and log in. Jobseekers are encouraged to dress professionally, as employers may request to engage in a video interview.

Candidates can participate through any digital device. Any individual with a disability may request accommodations by contacting their nearest workforce center at (877) 509-6757 prior to the event.

Registration is required to participate in virtual job fairs, regardless of previous participation. To register, click here.

About KANSASWORKS:  

KANSASWORKS links businesses, job candidates and educational institutions to ensure that employers can find skilled workers. Services are provided to employers and job candidates through the state’s 27 workforce centers, online or virtual services KANSASWORKS is completely free for all Kansans to use. Learn more at KANSASWORKS.com. State employment opportunities can be found at jobs.ks.gov.

About the Kansas Department of Commerce:

As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021, 2022 and 2023, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.

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The Obituary of Justin Hersh

Justin Dean Hersh, age 45, a resident of Overland Park, KS passed away unexpectedly Thursday, February 8, 2024, at his home. He was born February 10, 1978, in Fort Scott, KS. to Jack D. Hersh and Ann (Cook) Hersh. He graduated from FSHS with the class of 1996, and then attended Kansas State University with degrees in Wildlife Biology and Natural Resources.

 

He is survived by his parents Leon and Ann Stark; sisters, Lisa Young, Amy Major (Mark); nephews, Jacob Major (Logan) and Alex Major; niece, Monica Hampton; aunt, Diann Tucker (Raymond), uncle, Garry Cook (Karen); and several cousins. He loved his constant companion, his dog, Lemmy.

 

He was preceded in death by his father, Jack Hersh; paternal grandparents, Paul and Evelyn Hersh, Cecil and Marie Stark; and maternal grandparents, Amos and Alberta Cook.

 

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, family gatherings, and K-State friends get togethers. He was an avid K-State Wildcat and Kansas City Chiefs fan.

 

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM Friday, February 16th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery, Fort Scott.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 PM Thursday evening at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to either Community Christian Church or Fort Scott High School Scholarship 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 online at cheneywitt.com.

 

USD 234 Board of Education Met on February 13

Unified School District 234

424 South Main

Fort Scott, KS 66701-2697

www.usd234.org

620-223-0800   Fax 620-223-2760

 

 

DESTRY BROWN                                                                                                                                                        

Superintendent                                                                                                                                            

 

 

 

 

BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING

NEWS RELEASE

Monday, February 12, 2024

 

Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, February 12, 2024, for their regular monthly meeting at the board office.

 

President David Stewart opened the meeting.

 

The board appointed Joe Wimmer as board member for the next two years.

 

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

Board Minutes

01/08/24 Board Minutes

Financials-Cash Flow Report

Check Register

Payroll – January 19, 2024 – $1,662,919.06

Activity Fund accounts

USD 234 Gifts

Resolution 23-15 KMIP Signers

FSHS Baseball Extended Trip – March 13-15, 2024

 

Tiger Team Members of the Month was the Fort Scott SPED Department Speech Team.

Speech Team – Danette Popp, Christie Smith, Afton Hyer, Liz Underwood, Jodi Brown
Michelle Lisica, Mikiah Anderson, Shelly Yocham

Liz Underwood, Winfield Scott, Michelle Lisica, Eugene Ware, and Shelly Yocham, Eugene Ware, are in their first year as Speech Paras for the district. Mikiah Anderson is in her third year with Preschool.

Afton Hyer, Winfield Scott, has been Speech Therapist for the district the last six years and a total of twelve years.

Christie Smith, Eugene Ware, is in her second year with USD 234 and twenty-five years altogether.

Danette Popp, Preschool, has been with the district for twenty-six years and a Speech Therapist for thirty years.

Jodi Brown just started part time with Fort Scott this year and a Speech Therapist for the last twenty years.

Attending through Zoom was Tessa Alumbaugh, she is in her first year with Fort Scott as a Tele-therapist and has been a Speech Therapist for almost eleven years.

Mrs. Barnes recognized each of the team by congratulating them for being flexible and always willing to do whatever it takes to help and support the students.

Mrs. Barnes also recognized three Winfield Scott Paraprofessionals, Rachel Pommier, Francis Torres, and Laurie Bollinger. Mr. Garzone and teachers at Winfield Scott spoke very highly of these three Paras. They are positive and willing to work hard and be available for the students.

Chris Garzone – Assistant Principal
Laurie Bollinger, Francis Torres, Rachel Pommier – Winfield Scott Paras

 

Superintendent Destry Brown reported about the Preschool grant that the district did not receive, but that we will apply for the next round soon. Several students at the High School have requested to start Zero Reasons Why program which is to help “remove the stigma of mental health and prevent teen suicide.”  These students are extremely excited to get this started in our District. Mr. Brown also spoke out the KSDE Audit that was finished this last week.

Tonya Barnes, Special Education Director, gave a summary of the Speech team and their caseloads. She reported on upcoming training that she will be involved with during the end of this month. Also, Mrs. Barnes gave information on Medicaid reimbursements and deadlines for those reports.

Travis Laver, School Finance Consultant through Greenbush, came to update the Board on the District Finances. He explained about Senate Bill 386 that could potentially effect Fort Scott School District. Also, he was able to give guidance on Preschool enrollment and other options for the district. Travis thanked the district for being helpful and easy to work with during this time. He also is waiting for results from the KSDE audit to know final numbers.

Robin Button, Food Service Director, presented to the Board information about the Free Lunch Program that is District Wide this year. We have seen an increase in student participation in most buildings. She was able to explain the process for school reimbursement from various programs.

Superintendent Brown went over the contract from Hight Jackson for the remodel of the Preschool Building. Going forward the district will be able to do dirt and drainage work. An estimate of this summer was given before the final drawings from the architect would be completed.

 

As a discussion item, Superintendent Brown brought to the Board the rough draft of a new cell phone policy to be implemented. They were provided with a list of what that policy could potentially look like in the future, including times, devices, as well as disciplinary actions. There will be further discussion on this policy.

The board approved the following items:

  • Hight Jackson Fort Scott Preschool Contract

 

The board went into an executive session for personnel matters.

 

President Stewart adjourned the meeting.

 

 

 

 

 

PERSONNEL REPORT – APPROVED EMPLOYMENT

 

February 12, 2024

 

RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:

 

Bergmann, Mark – Resignation – English Teacher – High School

Crapson, Sydney – Resignation – 1st Grade Teacher – Winfield Scott

Hall, Dakota – Resignation – Assistant Wrestling Coach

Yarick, Gail – Resignation – Business Manager

 

TRANSFERS/REASSIGNMENTS/LEAVE OF ABSENCE:

For the 2023-24 school year:

Lee, Becky – From Food Service to Full – Time Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott

 

EMPLOYMENT:

Certified Recommendations for the 2023-24 school year:

 

Cosens, Jayci – 7th Grade Social Studies – Middle School 2024-25

Hampton, Breanna – 6th Grade ELA – Middle School 2024-25

Hastings, Nicolette – Adaptive Special Education Teacher – High School – 2024-25

Oxholm, Chris – Adaptive Special Education Teacher – High School – 2024-25

Payne, Melissa – 6th Grade ELA – Middle School -2024-25

 

Classified Recommendations for the 2023-24 school year:

Black, Carla – Part Time Paraprofessional – High School

Claypool, Kaitlyn – Paraprofessional – Eugene Ware

Endicott, Jencyn – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott

Graham, Jenna – Paraprofessional – Middle School

Uhler, Laurie – Paraprofessional – Middle School

 

Supplemental Recommendations for the 2023-24 school year:

Jones, Madi – Assistant Track Coach – High School

Myers, Brent – Assistant Track Coach – High School

Robertson, Tom – Head Boys Golf Coach FSHS

 

 

The Board moved to extend Administrator Contracts as presented.

 

Legislative Update by State Senator Caryn Tyson

Caryn Tyson

 

February 9, 2024

 

The Budget starts with the Governor proposing spending for departments and agencies.  The legislature then has hearings and considers the requests with minimal information.  Some states like Ohio, will work on budgets for months without working on any other legislation.  That does not happen in Kansas.  While working on all other topics of bills, legislators also work on the budget.  The Governor’s proposed budget is presented the day after the State of the State speech, which is usually the second or third week of session.  This process needs to be changed so that legislators have more information and more time to research and consider the spending.

 

The Senate has the standing committees look at the corresponding departments budget.  When working on the Department of Commerce budget, a motion was made to give $28 million of Kansas taxpayer money for the World Cup Soccer Tournament coming to Chiefs stadium.  The money will go to a non-profit with no guard-rails on how the money will be spent.  The World Cup will have teams practicing in Kansas, some could be as far away as Manhattan.  A few of us did not support this spending but it passed out of committee.  I did make a successful motion to cut Public Broadcast System (PBS) funding by 10% because the taxpayer funded station pushes their political agenda using tax dollars.  PBS has some good programs on cooking, sewing, travel, history, and many other topics.  However, a couple of the PBS stations in Kansas choose to push a political agenda without showing both sides of an issue.  If they choose to do so tax dollars should not be funding it.

 

Proposed Pay Increases for the legislature has made national news.  It’s a massive increase that myself and others are trying to block.  A commission was formed and proposed the increase.  I understand there needs to be some increase so that we get legislators from different walks of life who can serve.  But the commission’s proposal is over a 90% increase in one year.  If the legislature doesn’t take action, the increase goes into effect next year.  There was an attempt to go around leadership by pulling the resolution to block the increase out of committee and force a debate on the Senate floor.  It needed 24 votes but only received 21.

 

Tax Cuts were vetoed by the Governor because she refused to sign into law tax policy in CCR 2284 that she calls a “reckless flat tax experiment, taking us back to Brownback years”.  How can this be true when several states have this policy, including Colorado, Michigan, Kentucky, North Carolina, Utah, and others?  “North Dakota looks to follow lead of Idaho, Georgia, Arizona, and Mississippi, becoming [the] nation’s 24th flat tax state,” according to a 9/2/22 Forbes article, “More States To Join The Flat Tax Club.”  Let’s be clear, a flat tax is what people are calling a single rate and that is what is being proposed in Kansas. More accurately, Kansas could be considered a dual rate proposal because low income amounts will not be taxed at all.  The Governor is wrong that CCR 2284 would be a “failed experiment”.  There are red and blue states that have adopted a single rate income tax.  Kansas would tax Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) at 5.25 after subtracting $12,300 ($6150 for individual).  This subtraction makes it a tax cut for all.  It is proven policy, not reckless, not an experiment, and would not break the state – there is over $3 billion in the state coffers.

 

Remember, over 341,000 low income filers would pay $0 state income tax, Social Security would be exempt from state income tax, there are inflation busters on income taxes and homeowners’ property taxes.  Hopefully legislators from all parties will vote for the veto override and put the people of Kansas above politics.

 

It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.

Caryn

 

Chamber Coffee Hosted by Gordon Parks Museum/Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes

Join us for Chamber Coffee!

Thursday, February 15th, 8am

Hosted by the Gordon Parks Museum and the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes at the Gordon Parks Museum

2108 South Horton

The Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes and the Gordon Parks Museum will be having a combined Chamber Coffee in honor of Black History Month and the Unsung Hero and Black Musician James Reese Europe. The Lowell Milken Center and the Gordon Parks Museum is asking the community to join them at 11:00am on February 15th for a special event which includes a soup lunch, the FSHS Jazz Band, Speaker Lem Sheppard, and a cakewalk! Join us this Thursday for nourishment, not only for your morning caffeine but for your brain as well!
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members

shown below…

Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce

231 E. Wall St., Fort Scott, KS 66701

620-223-3566

fortscott.com

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Obituary of Keith Gibson

Keith E. Gibson, age 89, a resident of rural Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Saturday, February 10, 2024, at his home.  He was born March 31, 1934, in Mount Ayir, Iowa, the son of George Gibson and Violet Rowena Newman Gibson.

Keith served with the United States Navy from 1952 to 1956.  Following his military service, he married Barbara Stuckey on September 29, 1957, at Porterville, California.  He had worked for several years in the roofing business.  Keith will be remembered as a quiet man who could fix almost anything.  He especially enjoyed motorcycles and dune buggies, watching football and reading western novels.

 

Survivors include his wife, Barbara, of the home; two sons, Randy Gibson and wife Julie, of Alpine, California and Russ Gibson and wife, Jill of Gentry, Arkansas; six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.  Also surviving are three brothers and a sister.

He was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers.

 

There was cremation and no services are planned at this time.

Memorials are suggested to the charity of the donor’s choice and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg earns High 5 for Mom & Baby recognition

A photo of part of the OB team.  Submitted.

Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg earns High 5 for Mom & Baby recognition

Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg has continued its commitment to infant and maternal health by once again earning High 5 for Mom & Baby recognition from the United Methodist Health Ministry Fund, a program developed by the United Methodist Health Ministry Fund to increase breastfeeding initiation and duration rates in Kansas.

“Our OB team takes pride in caring for their patients and has continued to set the bar high,” says Janelle Wade, director of Inpatient Services, which includes Women’s Health. “I am so proud of their commitment to helping the approximately 600 babies born at our hospital each year get the healthiest possible start in life.”

Ascension Via Christi in Pittsburg first received High 5 recognition in 2018 and has maintained it each year since that time.

High 5 for Mom & Baby provides resources and a framework to help Kansas hospitals implement 10 evidence-based practices proven to support successful breastfeeding, improve maternal and infant health outcomes and reduce racial and ethnic health disparities.

To obtain this recognition, each facility is asked to complete a voluntary and self-reported evaluation and must follow five of its 10 evidence-based practices:

  • Have a written maternity care and infant feeding policy that addresses all 10 High 5 for Mom & Baby practices supporting breastfeeding
  • Maintain staff competency in lactation support
  • Provide all expectant mothers with information and instruction on breastfeeding
  • Assure immediate and sustained skin-to-skin contact between mother and baby after birth
  • Provide all families individualized infant feeding counseling
  • Give no food or drink to newborns other than breastmilk unless medically indicated
  • Allow mothers and infants to remain together 24 hours a day
  • Encourage feeding whenever the baby exhibits feeding cues, regardless of feeding methods
  • Give no pacifiers or artificial nipples to breastfeeding infants
  • Provide mothers with information about community resources for breastfeeding support following their discharge from the hospital

These steps are designed to increase breastfeeding initiation and duration rates in the state of Kansas. Factors that influence how long or if a baby is breastfed include hospital practices, education and encouragement, policies or support in the workplace, and access to community support.

According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, six out of 10 mothers stopped breastfeeding sooner than they had planned.

“We aim to provide the support that mothers and babies need to be successful through delivery and then breastfeeding, for as long as they desire to do so,” says Miranda Caskey, RN, the certified lactation consultant who led the hospital’s High 5 Mom & Baby efforts. “By empowering them to have better breastfeeding outcomes, we’re uplifting the health of our community.”

That support is critical, particularly during a pandemic, which is why Ascension Via Christi converted its lactation and childbirth education classes to virtual offerings led by a registered nurse and offered them at no cost to parents. Breastfeeding mothers also can schedule in-person follow-up appointments and weight checks with Caskey to help ensure a successful breastfeeding experience.

Earlier this year, Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg also earned designation from Blue Cross Blue Shield as a Blue Distinction Center+ for Maternity Care, showing it demonstrates expertise and a commitment to cost-efficient quality care for vaginal and cesarean section deliveries and have better overall patient satisfaction.

To learn  more about Labor and Delivery at Ascension Via Christi, visit viachristibaby.com.

For more information on the High 5 for Mom & Baby, contact Cara Gerhardt, program coordinator, at [email protected], or visit the website at https://www.high5kansas.org/

 

Need A Job? FS/Bourbon County Job Fair is February 22

Fort Scott – Bourbon County

JOB FAIR

Hosted by KANSASWORKS with co-sponsors

Bourbon County REDI, Fort Scott Area Chamber, & HBCAT

Now taking registrations for employer booths!

Employers interested in having a booth

can click here to register online.

Click here for a printable copy of the Job Fair flyer if

you can post it to help us promote the event.

The event will take place

Thursday, February 22nd from 2:30-5pm.

Early Access for Veteran’s at 2:00pm

The Legacy Building

401 Woodland Hills Blvd

ALL job seekers welcome ~ ALL types of jobs available!

KANSASWORKS will be onsite at the Job Fair to provide resources and any assistance to employers or job seekers!

The deadline to register for an employer booth is

February 19th.

Over 31 booths ranging from employers, recruiters, and community resources.

Peerless Products

Pittsburg Community Schools – USD250

Diamond Pet Foods

Jakes fireworks

SEK-CAP, Inc.

Labconco Corporation

Niece Products SBDC

Key Industries, Inc..

Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center & Ashley Clinic

Cobalt MedPlans

Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas

Medicalodges, Inc.

HBCAT

Unique Metal Fabrication, INC

Archer Daniels Midland

Kansas Army National Guard

Iconex

Kendall Packaging

US Army Active/Reserves

MFA Incorporated

City of Fort Scott

REDI

KANSASWORKS Southeast

Murphy Family Ventures

USD 235-Uniontown

USD 234

US Navy

CHC/SEK. Tobacco Cessation Program

WardKraft Inc

Walmart

Contact the Chamber for more info. or any questions:

620-223-3566 or [email protected]

Thank you to our Chamber Champion members below!
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Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701