Category Archives: Fort Scott Community College

FSCC’s Beneficial Effects On Students, Taxpayers and Social Perspectives

A recent economic impact study looked at the benefits of Fort Scott Community College to students,  taxpayers, and social perspectives.

“The economic impact of Kansas community colleges is significant and the workforce development provided by each college
across the state of Kansas is vital to a prosperous Kansas economy,” said Heather Morgan, Executive Director of the Kansas
Association of Community Colleges in a press release.

The study provided insights into how Kansas community colleges contribute not only to individual student success but also to the broader prosperity of Kansas according to Empowering Communities- The Economic Impact of Kansas Community Colleges MW(1)

“The college is excited to see the results of the study, which are highly favorable as it relates to the economic impact both within the community and the region,” FSCC’s President Dr. Jason Kegler said. “Our ability to provide such a positive impact would not be possible without the continued support of our community. This study opens the door for us to pursue additional partnerships designed to enhance our impact. The future of the community and this college is bright.”

In the fiscal year 2021-22, Kansas community colleges were
found to have made a $6.7 billion impact on the state’s economy. Expressed in terms of jobs: the direct and indirect impact from all Kansas community colleges supported 106,234 jobs this last year, according to the press release.

Dr. Jason Kegler, president of Fort Scott Community College. Submitted photo.

“The southeast Kansas community colleges have a higher economic impact than the state average in terms of return on investment for local taxpayers”, said  Dr. Kegler.

The average taxpayers’ return on investment for southeast Kansas community colleges is $2.50 for every dollar invested which is higher than the average across the state, according to the press release.

 

The results of this study demonstrate that FSCC creates value from multiple perspectives, according to FSCC_ExecSum(1). The college benefits regional businesses by increasing consumer spending in the region and supplying a steady flow of qualified, trained workers to the workforce.

FSCC enriches the lives of students by raising their lifetime earnings and helping them achieve their potential, according to an FSCC press release. The college benefits state and local taxpayers through increased tax receipts and reduced demand for government-supported social services. Finally, FSCC benefits society as a whole in Kansas by creating a more prosperous economy and generating a variety of savings through the improved lifestyles of students.

To view the total report in the FSCC press release:

FSCC_MainReport(1)

Celebrating the Life of Martin Luther King, Jr. on January 15

Sending on behalf of Chamber Member

Gordon Parks Museum…..

Celebrating The Life of Martin Luther King, Jr.

All events will be held at the Ellis Fine Arts Center (2108 S. Horton St., Fort Scott, Ks.)

Monday, January 15th, 2024 – Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Events

1:00pm-6:00pm – Day of Service: Canned Food Drive – Join us as we will collect canned and non-perishable food items to donate to the Beacon in Fort Scott. Anyone in the community is invited to drop off canned and non-perishable food.

1:00pm-2:00pm – Showing of the PBS home video documentary “In Remembrance of Martin” in the Gordon Parks Museum. FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center Theatre. This event is free to the public.

2:00pm-3:00pm – Showing of “Martin” – A Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by Gordon Parks. This is a ballet tribute to Dr. King written and directed by Gordon Parks. FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center Theatre. This event is free to the public.

5:00pm-6:00pm – Soup Dinner – Come and join us for free soup followed by a music celebration performance at 6:00pm. Soup, drinks and dessert provided by Great Western Dining. Photo Promotion taken with “I Stand For Signs”. FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center Lobby. This event is free to the public.

For more information, please call 620.223.2700 ext. 5850

Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701

FSCC Nursing Program Remains at Burke Street Campus and Gets Conditional Approval

 

Fort Scott Community College is selling this property at 902  S. Horton. to USD 234.

The Fort Scott Community College Trustees have decided to sell the property it purchased from the Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas to move its nursing department into, at 902 S. Horton.

The building will now be purchased by the Fort Scott School District USD 234, with the intention for the transaction to take place before December 31, 2023.

“I would like to stress the decision to sell 902 Horton was based upon an evaluation of our facility needs,” FSCC President Dr. Jason Kegler said. “We see this as an opportunity to move the nursing program back to campus. Subsequent conversations with both nursing faculty and other college employees confirm this was the right decision for Fort Scott Community College and our community.”

“The lease purchase, it is my understanding, began in the summer of 2023, just prior to my arrival,” Kegler said. “The lease purchase was done with the intention of moving nursing to this location.”

“It is my understanding the previous owners of the property at 902 S. Horton were both Mercy Hospital and CHC,” Dr. Kegler said. “The college had planned to utilize the space for nursing, but decided otherwise after bids for the renovation were received. The decision was made because the college administration wanted to explore different options.”

At the December 11 monthly meeting, the FSCC Trustees authorized Dr. Kegler to complete the appropriate transfers of funds and related paperwork to fulfill the debt obligation to CHCSEK. It is the final installment in a lease purchase payment.

The nursing program will remain in the current Burke Street location, with plans to eventually relocate the program back to the main campus, he said.

 

The Fort Scott Community College Nursing Dept., 810 Burke. Submitted photo.
Also at the December 11 meeting, “The board approved the establishment of a Health Program division within Academic Affairs,” Kegler said. “This division will encompass nursing, allied health, and Emergency Medical Technician (education). There will be responsibility for compliance, oversight, assessment, and potential expansion of the college’s health program options.”

 

A December 13 announcement from Dr. Kegler about the nursing program:

“On November 21, 2023, a correspondence was posted on social media regarding the current status of the Fort Scott Community College Nursing Program. In that letter, the college vowed to provide updates as information became available about the program.
On November 29-30, a team from the Kansas Board of Nursing (KSBN) conducted a site visit to review first-time pass rates of graduates who had completed the program. The team met with FSCC administration, support staff, students, faculty, and members of the Nursing Program’s Advisory Board.
From discussions with these groups, the team identified for key institutional stakeholders, several strengths and opportunities for improvement. The site visit team would issue a report which included recommendations for the future of the program.
The following Monday, December 4, the college received a draft of the report in which the college was to review for errors of fact. That same day, a Nursing Program Task Force was formed to address items within the report as well as to prepare a response to be presented at the KSBN Education Committee meeting on December 12, 2023. The Task Force consisted of faculty, staff, and administrators. The Task Force will be expanded to include students, community members, alumni, and professionals. A list of action items, with suggested completion dates was established. A partial list of those items included:
• The appointment of an Interim Director
• Cease admissions until the program has rectified concerns related to pass rates and other recommendations from KSBN
• Host forums (Community, Alumni, and Professional) to discuss the Nursing Program
• Work to ensure student representation as active participants in meetings with the advisory board and nursing program faculty.
The action items later became part of a strategic plan for nursing. At the request of KSBN, a copy of the strategic plan was provided to the Education Committee.
FSCC President, Vice President of Academic Affairs, and a Nursing Faculty member, attended the KSBN Education Committee meeting on Tuesday, December 12, 2023. The group presented the strategic plan, as well as additional adjustments which lie ahead for the program. After a brief opportunity for questions, the Committee unanimously voted to accept the recommendations of the KSBN team which conducted the site visit.
This morning, the college was notified that the full board of KSBN voted to permit the FSCC Nursing Program to remain on conditional approval with no new admissions until a follow up site visit is done.
This means that the FSCC Nursing Program will continue to operate and serve the current students who have been accepted into the program.
The College is grateful for the KSBN officials who visited the campus and offered feedback on areas for improvement. We are also appreciative of the community who has a longstanding history of supporting this program. We share an understanding of the importance of our nursing program, not only based on the impact to the college, but also its rich tradition within our community.
We appreciate the support and are excited about the future of FSCC’s Nursing Program.”

 

 

 

Minutes of the FSCC Board of Trustees for November 20

FORT SCOTT COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Minutes of the Board of Trustees Meeting
November 20, 2023
PRESENT: John Bartelsmeyer, Dave Elliott, Jim Fewins, Kirk Hart, Bryan Holt, and Robert Nelson
ALSO PRESENT: Jason Kegler-President, Juley McDaniel-Board Clerk, faculty, staff
Chairman Bartelsmeyer called the meeting to order at 5:30 pm in Cleaver-Burris-Boileau Hall.
COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR: Chairman Bartelsmeyer recognized Ronda Bailey and Doug Ropp as newly
elected Board members.
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC: None.
A motion was made by Nelson, seconded by Elliott, and carried by unanimous vote to amend the agenda by moving
Executive session immediately after approval of the consent agenda, revising Item B to read Consideration of FSCC
Foundation Funds, and adding Consideration of Property Negotiations as Item D under Action/Discussion Items.
CONSENT AGENDA: A motion was made by Hart, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote to
approve the consent agenda as amended.

EXECUTIVE SESSION: A motion was made by Nelson, seconded by Holt, and carried by unanimous vote to
adjourn to executive session pursuant to K.S.A. 75-4319 for ten minutes beginning at 5:36 pm for the purpose of
discussing non-elected personnel as it relates to administrative contracts, with no action expected to follow. The
Board invited Dr. Kegler into executive session.
OPEN SESSION: A motion was made by Hart, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote to return to
open session at 5:47 pm.
ACTION/DISCUSSION ITEMS:
A. A motion was made by Fewins seconded by Hart and carried by unanimous vote to approve the Perkins Grant purchases as specified.
B. A motion was made by Nelson seconded by Fewins and carried by unanimous vote to accept FSCC Foundation funds as permitted by law.
C. A motion was made by Fewins seconded by Elliott and carried by unanimous vote to approve the healthcare insurance renewal.
D. A motion was made by Elliott seconded by Holt and carried by unanimous vote to approve the Perkins Grant purchases as specified.
ADMINISTRATIVE UPDATES: The Board reviewed and heard updates from Miami County, Gordon Parks Museum, Instruction, Finance and Operations, Athletics, and Student Services, and President.
ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to come before the Trustees, a motion to adjourn was made at
6:52 pm by Elliott, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote.

Agenda for the FSCC Board of Trustees Meeting on December 11

Board of Trustees
Fort Scott Community College
2108 S. Horton
Fort Scott, KS 66701

The Board of Trustees of Fort Scott Community College will meet in regular session on Monday, December 11, 2023. The meeting will be held in Cleaver-Burris-Boileau Hall at Fort Scott Community College.

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
CONSENT AGENDA, 5
A. Approval of Agenda, 5
B. Approval of Minutes of previous Regular Board Meeting conducted on November 20, 2023, 6
C. Approval of Bills and Claims, 7
D. Approval of Personnel Actions, 5
ACTION/DISCUSSION ITEMS, 18
A. Approval of 2024-25 Academic Scholarships, 18
B. Approval of Sale of Property at 902 S. Horton, 20
C. Approval of Final Installment Lease Purchase Payment to CHCSEK, 21
ITEMS FOR REVIEW, 22
REPORTS, 25
A. Administrative Updates, 25
EXECUTIVE SESSION, 30
ADJOURNMENT, 311
UPCOMING CALENDAR DATES:
• December 11, 2023 (Changed due to winter break) Board Meeting
• December 15, 2023 – January 3, 2024 Winter Break, Campus Closed
• January 15, 2024 MLK, Jr. Day, Campus Closed
• January 22, 2024 (Changed due to MLK, Jr. Day) Board Meeting
• 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,
John Bartelsmeyer, 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
_____ John Bartelsmeyer
_____ Jim Fewins
_____ Dave Elliott
_____ Kirk Hart
_____ Bryan Holt
_____ Robert Nelson3
CALL TO ORDER
A. COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR
B. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC

CONSENT AGENDA
A. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
B. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS
Attached are the minutes of the Regular Board Meeting conducted on November 20, 2023.
C. APPROVAL OF BILLS and CLAIMS
Attached is the Bills and Claims Report.
D. APPROVAL OF PERSONNEL ACTIONS
1) Separations
a) Kris Mengarelli, CTEC Director, effective November 7, 2023
b) Marianne Culbertson, Director of Business Operations, effective November 24, 2023
c) Iban Gama, Regional Recruiter – Louisiana MEP, effective November 30, 2023
d) Alexandrya Morillo, Head Cheer/Dance Coach, effective December 7, 2023
e) Julie Eichenberger, Vice President of Finance and Operations, effective December 31, 2023
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the Consent Agenda items be approved

 

To view the complete packet:

12.11.23 Consent Agenda

 

FSCC announces ABE/GED orientation schedule

FSCC announces ABE/GED orientation schedule

For those intending to enroll in Fort Scott Community College’s ABE/GED (Adult Basic Education/General Education Development) program next semester, orientation is required, noted Aubrey Duft, program coordinator, who also released the tentative orientation schedule.

GED classes, Duft said, are geared toward preparation for the GED test, which includes math, science, social studies and reasoning through language arts.

“In order for students to start with me, they will need to complete an orientation,” Duft said. “During orientation, we fill out the required paperwork, take a pre-assessment in reading and math, discuss a general overview of classes and the GED test, and discuss short- and long-term goals.”

Students ages 16 or older meet the requirements, but, for those younger than 18, a compulsory exemption form is required.

A material fee of $35 is due the week of orientation. GED-testing fees are paid separately at the time of registration for the exam. Students need to know their Social Security numbers and present a photo ID (if they have one).

Class times are from 9 to 11 a.m. or 1 to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday with platforms available for distant learning.

“I can work around schedules if needed,” Duft said.

Following are the tentative dates for spring 2024 orientation sessions: Jan. 9-11, Jan. 23-25, Feb. 6-8, Feb. 20-22, March 5-7, March 19-21, April 2-4, April 16-18, April 30-May 2, May 14-16 and May 28-30.

The ABE program is not limited to GED classes, Duft said.

“If a student already has a high school diploma or credential, but needs to improve basic skills in reading and math, I can help with that,” she said. “In January, I also began teaching ESL (English as a Second Language) students, so I have ESL classes available as well.”

For more information, contact Duft at (620) 223-2700, ext. 4400, or email her at [email protected]. Her office is located in the FSCC library in Bailey Hall.

 

 

 

FSCC Trustees Minutes of Oct. 16 and Oct. 30

FORT SCOTT COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Minutes of the Board of Trustees Meeting
October 16, 2023
PRESENT: John Bartelsmeyer, Dave Elliott, Jim Fewins, Kirk Hart, Bryan Holt, and Robert Nelson
ALSO PRESENT: Jason Kegler-President, Juley McDaniel-Board Clerk, faculty, staff
Chairman Bartelsmeyer called the meeting to order at 5:35 pm in Cleaver-Burris-Boileau Hall.
COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR: Chairman Bartelsmeyer thanked Elliott for stepping up to lead last month’s meeting in his absence.
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC: None.
CONSENT AGENDA: Holt asked about the preliminary notes written on the treasurer’s report. Julie Eichenberger said the UMB transactions are not yet included, but an updated report will be provided when finalized.
A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by Hart, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the consent agenda as
amended.
ACTION/DISCUSSION ITEMS: None.
ADMINISTRATIVE UPDATES: The Board reviewed and heard updates from Miami County, Gordon Parks
Museum, Instruction, Finance and Operations, Athletics, and Student Services.
EXECUTIVE SESSION: A motion was made by Nelson, seconded by Elliott, and carried by unanimous vote to
adjourn to executive session for 30 minutes beginning at 6:50 pm for the purposes of discussing non-elected personnel as it relates to organizational structure. The Board invited Dr. Kegler and Juley McDaniel to join. At 7:20 pm executive session was extended for 20 minutes. At 7:40 pm executive session was extended by 10 minutes.
OPEN SESSION: A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by Elliott, and carried by unanimous vote to return to open session at 7:51 pm.
ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to come before the Trustees, a motion to adjourn was made at
7:52 pm by Elliott, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote.

FORT SCOTT COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Minutes of the Board of Trustees Meeting
October 30, 2023
PRESENT: John Bartelsmeyer, Dave Elliott, Jim Fewins, Kirk Hart, Bryan Holt, and Robert Nelson
ALSO PRESENT: Jason Kegler-President, Juley McDaniel-Board Clerk, faculty, staff
Chairman Bartelsmeyer called the meeting to order at 5:00 pm. In Cleaver-Burris-Boileau Hall.
EXECUTIVE SESSION: A motion was made by Nelson, seconded by Elliott, and carried by unanimous vote to adjourn to executive session for 60 minutes beginning at 5:02 pm to discuss personnel matters of non-elected personnel as it relates to administrative contracts and for consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship as it relates to real estate negotiations. The
board invited Dr. Jason Kegler, Gina Shelton, Juley McDaniel, and Zack Reynolds.
At 6:02 pm a motion was made by Elliott, seconded by Hart, and carried by unanimous vote to return to open session. A motion was made by Hart, seconded by Holt, and carried by unanimous vote to adjourn to executive session at 6:05 pm for 45 minutes to discuss personnel matters of non-elected personnel as it relates to
administrative contracts and for consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed
privileged in the attorney-client relationship as it relates to real estate negotiations. The board invited Dr. Jason
Kegler, Gina Shelton, Juley McDaniel, and Zack Reynolds.
OPEN SESSION: A motion was made by Nelson, seconded by Holt, and carried by unanimous vote to return to
open session at 6:52 pm.
ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to come before the Trustees, a motion to adjourn was made at
6:52 pm by Fewins, seconded by Hart, and carried by unanimous vote.

FSCC Trustees Agenda for November 20

November 20, 2023
Board of Trustees
Fort Scott Community College
2108 S. Horton
Fort Scott, KS 66701
The Board of Trustees of Fort Scott Community College will meet in regular session on Monday, November 20, 2023. The meeting will be held in Cleaver-Burris-Boileau Hall at Fort Scott Community College.

To view the entire agenda packet: 11.18.23 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
CONSENT AGENDA, 5
A. Approval of Agenda, 5
B. Approval of Minutes of previous Regular Board Meeting conducted on October 16 2023, and Special Board Meeting conducted on October 30, 2023, 6
C. Approval of Treasurer’s Report, Bills, and Claims, 8
D. Approval of Personnel Actions, 5
ACTION/DISCUSSION ITEMS, 62
A. Consideration of Perkins Grant Purchases, 62
B. Approval of FSCC Foundation Loan, 63
C. Consideration of Employee Insurance Renewal, 64
REPORTS, 66
A. Administrative Updates, 66
EXECUTIVE SESSION, 79
ADJOURNMENT, 801
UPCOMING CALENDAR DATES:
• November 22 – 24, 2023 Thanksgiving Break, Campus Closed
• December 11, 2023 (Changed due to winter break) Board Meeting
• December 15, 2023 – January 3, 2024 Winter Break, Campus Closed
• January 15, 2024 MLK, Jr. Day, Campus Closed
• January 22, 2024 (Changed due to MLK, Jr. Day) Board Meeting
• 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,
John Bartelsmeyer, 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
_____ John Bartelsmeyer
_____ Jim Fewins
_____ Dave Elliott
_____ Kirk Hart
_____ Bryan Holt
_____ Robert Nelson3
CALL TO ORDER
A. COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR
B. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC4

CONSENT AGENDA
A. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

B. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS

Attached are the minutes of the Regular Board Meeting conducted on October 16, 2023, and Special Board Meeting conducted on October 30, 2023.

C. APPROVAL OF TREASURER’S REPORT, BILLS and CLAIMS

Attached are the Treasurer’s Report and the Bills and Claims Report.

D. APPROVAL OF PERSONNEL ACTIONS

1) Separations

a) Chelsea Yount, Head Cheer and Dance Coach, effective October 31, 2023

b) James Wood, General Maintenance Technician, effective November 6, 2023

c) Jordan Howard, Director of Nursing, effective December 11, 2023

d) Joyce Bates, Office Assistant, effective December 31, 2023

2) Transfers

a) Rory Chaplin, from Academic Advisor to Interim CTEC Director, effective October 16, 2023

b) Alexandrya Morillo, from Assistant Cheer and Dance Coach to Head Cheer and Dance Coach, effective November 1, 2023

RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the Consent Agenda items be approved as
presented.

BOARD ACTION: MOTION _____ SECOND _____ VOTE _____

DISCUSSION:

VOTE: Bartelsmeyer Elliott Fewins

Hart Holt Nelson
5

Gordon Parks Birthday Celebration Is November 30

Gordon Parks. Submitted photo.

 

Phone: 620-223-2700, ext. 5850                                                

Email: [email protected]

Website: gordonparkscenter.org

 

The Gordon Parks Museum at Fort Scott Community College will celebrate the anniversary of Gordon Parks’ birthday on Thursday, November 30th with the showing of films throughout the day. The events are free of charge and the public is invited to attend.

The schedule throughout the day will include:

 

9:25 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. – Showing of the Criterion Collection film, The Learning Tree.

 

11:25 a.m. – 12:05 p.m. – Showing of the Criterion Collection films The Movie Makers, a featurette that shows Parks on location for The Learning Tree film.  And My Father: Gordon Parks, (1969), a documentary made on the set of The Learning Tree, narrated by Gordon Parks Jr., and featuring on the set interviews with Gordon Parks Sr. and members of the cast and crew.

 

12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Join us for Birthday Cake in the Gordon Parks Museum on the Fort Scott Community College Campus Center.

1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Showing of the film Moments Without Proper Names.

 

Throughout the day, visitors will be able to receive a 25% birthday discount on all apparel items.

Parks, born in Fort Scott on November 30, 1912, would have been 111 this year.  He died on March 7, 2006, at the age of 93.  The films will be shown in the Danny and Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center. For more information contact the Gordon Parks Museum at 620- 223-2700, ext. 5850, or by email at [email protected]

###

Bigfoot Is Coming To Town

From left, Thug 1, Doctor Virus, Thug 2, News Announcer, Mrs. Claus, Santa, Bigfoot, Ben II, Jordan, Grace and Ben I. Submitted photo.

“I love the anticipation of Christmas,” AllenTwitchell, Fort Scott Community College’s Theatre Director said in a press release. “Tis indeed the season for memories, for family, for giving, for the promise of snow and a new year, and it is my pleasure to celebrate it with the community on Nov. 16 this year.”

“The gift we present at 7 p.m. that day in the Ellis Family Fine Arts Center is called “Santa ‘Claws’ Is Coming to Town,” the second installment of a three-part trilogy featuring Bigfoot as a central character and written by me because at my previous academic place of employment, the costume closet contained an idle Bigfoot costume,” he said.

“And, for the fifth year, Walmart of Fort Scott is graciously supplying Christmas candy to be distributed by the cast in the lobby following the show,” he said.

“I believe in the power of the arts to bring us together,” Twitchell said. “The theater also provides a palatable platform from which to confront social issues and hopefully inspire positive change. Also, the community supports us with their tax dollars and we want to give back in the form of inexpensive (free) entertainment options.”
About the play

“In part one of the trilogy, “A Very Hairy Christmas,” Bigfoot is pursued by the dreaded Darth Hunter and his henchmen, Dim and Dimmer, but with the aid of three youngsters (Ben, Jordan and Grace) and an ace reporter (Ben’s dad), he escapes the clutches of the evil villain and learns the story of Christmas and then everybody sings.”

“In this year’s offering, Darth Hunter’s demented brother, Doctor Virus, plots to kill Christmas by addicting Santa Claus to a video game and forcing him to miss the midnight deadline for delivering the first present to a select family in Fort Scott, thereby activating the “Santa Clause” and canceling Christmas…as negotiated by the reindeer union during its most-recent contract talks,” he said. “Again, Bigfoot and the kids endeavor to come to the rescue and chaos ensues…along with more singing.”

“Part three, All I Want for Christmas is Bigfoot’s Teeth, performed at FSCC on two prior occasions, unites the two previous “bad guys” with their even-more-sinister sister, Noella DeVile, intent on capturing Bigfoot and extracting his teeth for their magical properties, which include keeping her young and beautiful,” Twitchel said. “Spoiler alert: She is unsuccessful and everybody sings.”

The cast: Clint LaFollette, Will Holliday, Braxton Ferrell, Gia Dickey, Heidi Clevenger, Josh Smith, Nick Shelton, Isaiah Subbert, Ivy Swearingen and Christina King. The singing director is Chris Goddard. Joshua Ramsey and Zach Loper provide tech support. “And, of course, Santa makes an appearance,” he said.

“If this doesn’t sound like fun to you, just come for the candy,” he said.

“In any event, let us be the first to wish you, “Merry Christmas – and a Happy Thanksgiving,” he said.

Allen Twitchell. Submitted photo. 2023
Twitchel is in his seventh year as FSCC’s theater instructor.
“Sharing my passion for live theater with students and young people is my motivation, as well as doing what I can to ensure they leave here not only as better students but as better people,” he said.
Upcoming events on the FSCC Campus:

FSCC cheer and dance squad is sponsoring a Little Greyhounds Cheer Clinic for youngsters in kindergarten -eighth grade from 2 to 5 p.m. Nov. 19 in Arnold Arena. The cost for the clinic is $25. Contact Allee Morillo, head cheer and dance coach, at (913) 230-8869 to register or for answers to questions.

The FSCC Library Book Club meets next Wednesday (Nov. 15) in the library commons area. The featured topic is Women in Science and Diversity and the select book is “Lessons in Chemistry.” Contact Susie Arvidson at [email protected] for more information.

Spring and summer enrollment is open at FSCC.

 

 

FSCC Trustees Meet in a Special Meeting on Oct. 30

The Fort Scott Community College Board of Trustees will hold a special meeting on Monday, October 30, 2023 in Cleaver-Burris-Boileau Hall at 5:00 pm.  The board will immediately adjourn to executive session to discuss personnel matters of nonelected personnel regarding administrative contracts and organizational structure and for consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship as it relates to real estate negotiations.  No action is expected to follow.

 

FSCC Board Agenda for Oct. 16

October 16, 2023
Board of Trustees
Fort Scott Community College
2108 S. Horton
Fort Scott, KS 66701

To view the entire agenda:

10.15.23 Consent Agenda

The Board of Trustees of Fort Scott Community College will meet in regular session on Monday,
October 16, 2023. The meeting will be held in Cleaver-Burris-Boileau Hall at Fort Scott
Community College.
5:00 p.m. Dinner in meeting rooms of Ellis Family Fine Arts Center, followed by regular board
meeting at approximately 5:30 p.m.
THE AGENDA
5:00 DINNER
5:30 ROLL CALL, 3
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
CALL TO ORDER, 4
A. Comments from the Chair, 4
B. Comments from the Public, 4
CONSENT AGENDA, 5
A. Approval of Agenda, 5
B. Approval of Minutes of previous Regular Board Meeting conducted on September 25, 2023, 6
C. Approval of Treasurer’s Report, Bills, and Claims, 7
D. Approval of Personnel Actions, 5
ACTION/DISCUSSION ITEMS, 50
REPORTS, 51
A. Administrative Updates, 51
EXECUTIVE SESSION, 67
ADJOURNMENT, 681
UPCOMING CALENDAR DATES:
• October 5 – 7, 2023 Gordon Parks Celebration
• October 16, 2023 Board Meeting
• November 20, 2023 Board Meeting
• November 22 – 24, 2023 Thanksgiving Break, Campus Closed
• December 11, 2023 (Changed due to winter break) Board Meeting
• December 15, 2023 – January 3, 2024 Winter Break, Campus Closed
• January 15, 2024 MLK, Jr. Day, Campus Closed
• January 22, 2024 (Changed due to MLK, Jr. Day) Board Meeting
• 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,
John Bartelsmeyer, 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
_____ John Bartelsmeyer
_____ Jim Fewins
_____ Dave Elliott
_____ Kirk Hart
_____ Bryan Holt
_____ Robert Nelson3
CALL TO ORDER
A. COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR
B. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC4