A Florida man is under arrest after being charged with election fraud in Kansas. George Andrews, 30 of Dade City, Florida, was arrested on Feb. 10 for forging signatures on petitions to make “No Labels” an officially recognized political party in Kansas.
“The arrested individual was part of a scheme to defraud Kansas voters by placing their forged signatures on petitions. In Kansas, we take election fraud seriously, and we will prosecute every case where the evidence indicates a crime has been committed beyond a reasonable doubt,” Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach said.
The arrest comes following an extensive investigation by the Kansas Attorney General’s Office.
Andrews is charged with two counts of election perjury and 28 counts of election forgery. He was arrested on Feb. 10 in Dade City, Florida. Pending extradition to Kansas, Andrews will appear in Johnson County District Court.
In 2015, the legislature gave the Attorney General’s Office and the Secretary of State’s Office the authority to prosecute elections crimes in Kansas. When Kobach was Secretary of State, he successfully prosecuted 12 cases of election fraud, including double voting and non-citizen voting. Kobach is the first Kansas Attorney General to exercise the authority to prosecute election crimes.
Andrews should be presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Debate on the Senate floor was intense on a few issues this week. One of the most contentious was SCR 1737, supporting Texas efforts to stop illegals from entering the U.S. The ranking Democrat tried to get the Kansas Senate to say they supported the U.S. Senate border bill in an amendment. When asked what was in the U.S. Senate legislation she didn’t answer the question. Reports say it was over $118 billion spending, giveaways to foreign countries, and requirements that wouldn’t stop the border crisis. Thankfully, her amendment failed. The original SCR passed, supporting legal immigration and making it clear we support Governor Abbott, Texas, and 25 other states working to protect our borders by blocking illegal immigration and illegal drugs from coming across. It passed 26 to 12. I voted Yes. There will be other legislation to fund the Kansas National Guard in these efforts.
Kansas Public Employment Retirement System (KPERS) currently allows 15% of the funds to be invested in alternative investments. SB 23 would have removed the 15% limit. An amendment to increase the limit to 20% passed during debate. All it did is make a bad bill a little more palatable to get 21 votes. We stopped this legislation twice last year but could not stop it this year. It passed 24 to 13. One legislator that was a banker said his bank wouldn’t risk putting money in those types of investments, but then he voted for the bill. Another Senator reminded the body that years ago risky investments cost taxpayers and almost broke KPERS. Legislation was put in place to block alternative investments so it would not happen again. In the ‘90s, legislation was passed allowing up to 5% of KPERS money to be in alternative investments. In 2012 it went to a cap of 15% and now 20% is being considered. The return on these risky investments has been high so some perceive the risk is low. A gamble, I’m not willing to take with taxpayer money.
KPERS Death Benefits would increase to $6,000 from $4,000 if SB 172 becomes law. It passed the Senate 25 to 14. I voted Yes.
Tax deferred savings accounts, ABLE (529A for disabled), 529 (for education), and First-Time Home Buyers contributors would be allowed flexibility in taking subtraction modifications from income in the current or previous tax year when filing their state income taxes if SB 360 becomes law. It passed the Senate unanimously.
Internet sites would be required to use age verification software if 25% or more of the content is pornographic. We couldn’t get a solid answer why 25% was selected. After a lengthy debate, SB 394 passed the Senate unanimously.
Tax Cuts are still a hot topic. At a coffee, constituents from both parties asked that we support the veto override. They understand that a political volley is taking place and taxpayers are the ones’ to loose if we cannot override the veto. If CCR 2284 would become law, over 341,000 low income filers would pay $0 state income tax, and Social Security would be exempt from state income tax. There are inflation busters on income taxes and homeowners’ property taxes. Also, the state sales tax on groceries would go to $0 on April 1st. It isn’t reckless or experimental with over $3 billion in the state coffers and many states have a single rate, including Democrat controlled states like Colorado. Remember the words of Senator Bob Dole, “The purpose of a tax cut is to leave more money where it belongs: in the hands of the working men and working women who earned it in the first place.”
It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.
The agenda was amended due to an error under the consent agenda for Resolution No. 6-2024. The wrong address was submitted from the Codes Inspector.
NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR REGULAR
MEETING OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
CITY HALL COMMISSION ROOM – 123 SOUTH MAIN ST.
February 20, 2024 – 6:00 P.M.
Call to Order
Roll Call – M. Guns, M. Wells, T. VanHoecke, D. Olson, T. Dancer
III. Pledge of Allegiance
Invocation
Approval of Agenda
Consent Agenda:
Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1354-A – $772,929.91
Request to Pay – Invoice #17109 – Project No. 23430 – South Industrial Park Waterline Extension – Earles Engineering and Inspection – Inspection Fees – $10,596.05
Consideration of Resolution No. 6-2024 – RESOLUTION AND NOTICE OFHEARING WITH REFERENCE TO ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE AT 314 W. WALL ST. – L. Kruger/Codes
Consideration of Resolution No. 7-2024 – RESOLUTION AND NOTICE OFHEARING WITH REFERENCE TO ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE AT 110 W. OAK ST. – L. Kruger/Codes
Consideration of Resolution No. 8-2024 – RESOLUTION AND NOTICE OF HEARING WITH REFERENCE TO ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE AT 1801 E. WALL ST. – L. Kruger/Codes
January Financials
VII. Public Comment:Sign up required. Comments on any topic not on agenda and limited to five (5) minutes per person, at the Commission’s discretion.
VIII. Appearances:
Mary Wyatt – Grant Update requested by M. Guns
Cory Bryars/Care to Share – Temporary Street Closure and Temporary Park Closure for Fort Fest 2024
Diane Striler – Ice Skating Rink
Deb Needleman – Repairs to Senior Citizens’ Building
Kendall Schoenrock – DCF Building Update
Old Business:
Suggested Street Advisory Board Ordinance Changes – D. Olson
SEKLS Library Board Charter Ordinance – M. Wells
New Business:
Public Hearings:
RESOLUTION NO. 9-2024 A RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE REPAIR OR REMOVAL OF AN ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE AT 922 E. WALL ST. – Codes Department
RESOLUTION NO. 10-2024 A RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE REPAIR OR REMOVAL OF AN ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE AT 515 S. HEYLMAN – Codes Department
Action Items:
Consideration to purchase (4) Dura Tracker Portable Flow Monitors with sensors and applicable cipher, software and training for Wastewater Collections System – B. Lemke
Consideration to purchase Lexipol Policy Writing Service for Police Department – $14,126.40 – J. Pickert
Consideration to purchase wide-area batwing mower for Woodland Hills Golf Course – M. Wyatt and D. Fowler
Consideration to purchase (3) skid steers for Streets, Wastewater and Water Distribution Departments – T. Coffman
Consideration of Change Order No. 4 – Project No. 21-074 – 17th St. andEddy St. Drainage Improvements Phase I – J. Richardson Construction –Final Measured Quantities – Decrease of $3,320.00.
Request to Pay – Project No. 21-074 – 17th St. and Eddy St. Drainage Improvements Phase I – J. Richardson Construction – FINAL withCertificate of Substantial Completion $14,453.15
Consideration of Change Order No. 1 – Gunn Park Shower House andRestroom – Hofer-Hofer & Associates – Creation of footing for stabilization – additional cost of $2,640.00.
Consideration of Quit Claims Deed – William L. Brittain and Michelle M.Brittain – B. Farmer
Consideration to renew Arnold Schofield’s term to Design Review Board
TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Transportation announces a call for Electric Vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure projects statewide before proposals are accepted for these projects.
Nearly $16 million in National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula funds are available for DC Fast-Charging projects along federally designated EV Charging Alternative Fuel Corridors in Kansas. All awarded projects are required to provide a minimum 20% cash match.
The call for EV infrastructure projects requires a Project Interest Form to be submitted online before the formal proposal process begins.
“This allows KDOT to verify eligibility and receive feedback on locations of interest,” said Tami Alexander, KDOT Transportation Electrification Manager. “The forms will help us to determine support for EV charging in locations around the state.”
A brief overview of the application process is below –
Request for Interest (RFI)
A Project Interest Form is required. To submit a project and for more details, go to the Charge Up Kansas webpage at https://ike.ksdot.gov/charge-up-kansas.
Project Interest Form deadline – forms must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. CST on March 19.
Review of forms – March-April.
Request For Proposals details distributed to eligible RFI respondents – April 11.
Deadline to submit proposals – 11:59 p.m. CST on June 21.
TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced that the Kansas Department of Commerce is now accepting nominations for the 2024 Governor’s Exporter of the Year Award.
The Governor’s Exporter of the Year Award is a prestigious honor given by the Governor to best-in-class Kansas companies involved in international trade. These businesses are honored as examples of Kansas’ excellence in exporting to countries worldwide.
“Kansas businesses create outstanding products sought around the globe, and we’re proud to share those creations with people worldwide,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “The Governor’s Exporter of the Year Award is given to companies that demonstrate unique creativity, innovation and success in this critical sector of the state economy.”
To nominate a business, including your own, click here.
The Kansas Department of Commerce’s International Division and the Kansas International Trade Coordinating Council coordinate the selection process.
“The strength of our exporters is helping fuel the current significant increase in our state’s gross domestic product (GDP),” Commerce International Director Laura Lombard said. “This is the highest award our state offers to exporters. If you know one of these superior businesses, please nominate them.”
To be eligible, companies must be in good standing with the state and currently operating in and exporting from Kansas. Nominations must be received by April 1, 2024.
There are no restrictions on who may nominate a company for the award, and self-nominating is acceptable. For more information on the Governor’s Exporter of the Year Award, including past winners and notable anniversaries, click here.
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
