Category Archives: Schools

Fort Scott, Government, Schools

Agenda for the USD 234 Board of Education on December 11

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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

December 11, 2023 – 5:30 P.M.

PUBLIC AGENDA

1.0       Call Meeting to Order                           David Stewart, President

2.0       Flag Salute

 

3.0       Approval of the Official Agenda (Action Item)

4.0       Approval of the Consent Agenda (Action Item)

4.1       Board Minutes

  1. 11/13/23 Board Minutes

            4.2       Financials-Cash Flow Report

            4.3       Check Register

            4.4       Payroll – November 17, 2023 – $2,058,098.00

            4.5       Activity Fund accounts

4.6       USD 234 Gifts           

5.0       Open Enrollment Hearing (Information/Discussion)

            5.1       Open Enrollment Hearing (Action Item)

5.2       Hear from Patrons

5.3       Close Hearing (Action Item)           

 

6.0       Recognitions (Information/Discussion Item)

6.1 Student Recognition

6.2 Employee Recognition

6.3 Board Member Recognition

7.0       Leadership Reports (Information/Discussion Item)

7.1       Superintendent’s Report

            7.2       Assistant Superintendent’s Report

            7.3       Special Education Director’s Report

            7.4       Finance Director’s Report

8.0       Old Business

8.1       Enter Executive Session – Purchase of Property 

8.2       Exit Executive Session

            8.3       Contract on New Preschool Building (Action Item)

8.4       Presentation – Hight Jackson – Architect (Information/Discussion)

 

8.5       Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas Foundation, Inc Grant (Action Item)

9.0       Public Forum

10.0     Other Business – Personnel Matters

10.1     Enter Executive Session – Personnel Matters (Action Item)            

 

10.2     Exit Executive Session.

10.3     Approval of Personnel Report (Action Item)

 

11.0     Adjourn Meeting            David Stewart, President

Bourbon County, Fort Scott, Government, Schools

Second Bourbon County Farm Classroom Planned

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Leadership at Fort Scott USD234 is partnering with Pittsburg-based nonprofit organization, Community GreenFarms (CGF), to bring an innovative farm classroom to the district.

The farm classroom projects being established by the nonprofit are located inside converted shipping containers outfitted with state-of-the-art hydroponic growing systems. Each unit is capable of producing nearly 500 heads of leafy greens per week, all
year round.

Once at the school, Agriculture and other teachers oversee students who manage the farm from seed to harvest, the majority of which is taken directly to the cafeteria and served in school meals. Schools may also choose to sell produce to restaurants or at farmers’ markets, donate it to nonprofits, or even send it home with
students for families to eat.

CGF was recently awarded a $1,000,000 grant from the Kansas Department of Children and Families to accelerate
their statewide farm-to-school program, the goal of which is to improve the health and habits of high school students at seven Southeast Kansas schools while teaching them new skills. The counties of focus are Allen, Anderson, Bourbon, Labette, Linn, Montgomery, and Wilson. While each of these schools will have the cost of their farm classroom covered by the grant, projects in other counties were funded differently.

In Cherokee, Crawford, and Neosho counties, the nonprofit established farm classrooms through a grassroots fundraising
a campaign similar to the one planned for Fort Scott.

This is the second such project planned for Bourbon County, as Uniontown USD235 is being provided one through a grant opportunity. While both schools applied to be the recipient of the grant-funded farm classroom, Uniontown was ultimately the school district selected by CGF.

The leadership at Fort Scott still wanted to bring one to their district and have been in discussion with the nonprofit on how to get that accomplished.

The funds for the project will be raised through a community-wide fundraising effort and the writing of grants.

According to the nonprofit’s Executive Director, Matt O’Malley, the project has the potential to have an incredible impact on students and their schools. “Students who help run these farms get unique experiences that may lead to career paths in agriculture, education, nutrition, business management, or food services.

Not only that, but these farms produce a significant amount of fresh food for schools, in some cases completely eliminating the school’s
need to purchase sub-par lettuce from outside sources. The student-grown food is then introduced to the lunchroom which can change the eating habits and health of entire student populations.”

Uniontown’s farm classroom was delivered last week and is expected to be online in February. The fundraising campaign to bring the farm classroom to Fort Scott will begin immediately, hoping that theirs could be up and running by the spring semester.

For more information, visit the nonprofit’s Facebook page or website at
www.CommunityGreenFarms.org.
Matt O’Malley / picture attached /
Executive Director
Community Green Farms
c) 620-249-6353, o) 620-404-2812
[email protected]

Fort Scott, Schools, Youth

FSHS Thespians Direct Children’s Production of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas 

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FSHS Thespians Direct Children’s Production of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas 

 

The Fort Scott High School Thespians present their children’s theatre production of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas by Kathryn Schultz Miller.

 

Performances are at 7 p.m. on Dec. 8 and 9 at the FSHS Auditorium. Doors open 30 minutes prior to showtime.

 

The mini-musical is based on the traditional Christmas poem by Clement C. Moore with a modern take including Izzy the Christmas mouse played by Theodore Bowman, Rosie the red-nosed reindeer played by Mary Racer, and other holiday favorite characters such as reindeer, elves, and even the Abominable Snowman. Audience members will get to join in the fun throughout the performance. Cast members include fifty local children in 1st-8th grades.

 

‘Twas the Night Before Christmas’ is produced by FSHS Theatre Director Angie Bin with assistance from Levi Bin. Direction and design is by the FSHS Thespians. Junior Cooper George serves as Director with junior Mykael Lewis assisting. Junior Alyssa Popp is the Stage Manager.

 

Tickets are all reserved seating and are $6 from fortscotthighschool.ludus.com or at the door. Seating is limited.

 

# # #

 

Contact: Angie Bin, 620-719-9622, [email protected]

 

Fort Scott, Schools

USD234 is asking for YOUR help to fill out a short survey about Child Care needs in Fort Scott!

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Sending on Behalf of Chamber Member

USD234 Board of Education…

USD234 is asking for YOUR help to fill out a short survey about Child Care needs in Fort Scott!

Click the link below to start the survey!

https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/7592853/Fort-Scott-Child-Care-Needs-Survey.

Deadline is November 29th, don’t wait!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, Schools

Chamber Coffee to be hosted by USD-234 on November 16

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Chamber Coffee to be hosted by USD-234

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to a Chamber Coffee event this Thursday, November 16th at 8 a.m. hosted by USD-234 at Fort Scott High School, 1005 S. Main St. Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served.  Attendees are asked to enter through the main entrance facing Main Street.

Fort Scott city school district was originally organized in 1865 as District No. 55 and the first school opened in the fall of 1865. By 1892 there were eleven school buildings in Bourbon County.  In Kansas, the unified school districts developed after legislation passed in 1962 that was intended to reduce the number of rural school districts.

Today the USD-234 school district serves approximately 1,871 students from Pre-K to 12th grade. The mission statement for the district is that USD-234 will lead in the success of each student in becoming independent, responsible, and productive global citizens. The vision statement for the district is that USD-234 will provide an exemplary education for all.

Join us this Thursday to hear about the current and upcoming programs that are happening at the High School this year. Contact the Chamber at (620) 223-3566 for more information.

***

Fort Scott, Schools

USD 234 Board of Ed. Highlights from November 13 Meeting

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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, November 13, 2023

 

Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, November 13, 2023, for their regular monthly meeting at the board office.

 

President David Stewart opened the meeting.

 

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

Board Minutes

  • 10/9/2023 Regular Meeting
  • 10/30/2023 Special Board Meeting

Financials-Cash Flow Report

Check Register

Payroll – October 20, 2023 – $1,669,587.26

Activity Fund accounts

USD 234 Gifts

FSHS Art Club Fundraising

FSHS Extended Trip Spring Break 2025

FSHS Swimming Fundraising

FSHS Wrestling Fundraising

FSHS Baseball Fundraising

 

USD 234 Licensed Tiger Team Members of the Month are as follows:

  • Rachelle Thomas is in her 21st year of teaching but this is her first year with Special Education. Tonya thanked Rachelle for her willingness to step up and become a leader for the Eugene Ware Special Education department.
  • Stephanie Flanner has been the Behavior Consultant at Fort Scott School District for two- and one-half years. She has been recognized for her ability to help the students even if that is riding the bus to school with them in the mornings. Tonya stated that Stephanie is bringing innovative ideas to her that will help staff and students.
  • Tonya Barnes recognized Rick Scholes. He is in his 12th year with USD 234 as the School Psychologist. Rick is always supportive of teachers and immensely helpful with paperwork and meetings. He is hard working and very ready to help the students

 

Classified Tiger Team Members of the Month was Bryce Daly. Superintendent Brown recognized Bryce for his behind-the-scenes work as District Technology Coordinator. He is willing to work nights and weekends to make sure that the school network is on track. Bryce was thanked for his hard work and being willing to step in wherever needed

 

Eugene Ware recognized four outstanding students:

Elsie Fields and Jace Marbery represented the Leadership Club Team from Eugene Ware. Elsie reported on the annual food drive going on this week and will be donated to our local Beacon. The winning class will receive ice cream bars. Jace explained about Wreaths Across America. The students decorate paper wreaths with a Veteran’s name and displayed in the school. Each wreath is $1, and all money is donated to Diane Tucker who then buys wreaths for the National Cemetery.

Leah Pommier and Audrey McNutt explained about enrichment projects that are being done at Eugene Ware. They reported about their shop where they are selling several school supplies. These students are learning to use Canva to help create parent newsletters.

Superintendent Destry Brown did not present at this time.

Assistant Superintendent Dalaina Smith updated the Board on first- and second-year teacher meetings. She reported that we are seeing great participation and leadership from these teachers. December will start winter testing and teachers are using the data from previous reports. Seeing the students using the latest programs has been encouraging.

 

Tonya Barnes, Special Education Director, presented the Board with a printed report.

Superintendent Brown explained about early payroll as well as ESSER reports that are due for the State.

Superintendent Brown discussed the new requirements for the nonresident student policy. A public hearing was set for December.

 

Superintendent Brown and the Board looked at the district map and discussed a possible change in “at large” voting. This will be discussed further and would be brought to a public vote at a later date

 

The board went into an executive session for possible purchase of property.

 

The board approved the following items:

  • Personnel Report following

 

The board went into an executive session for personnel matters.

 

The board went into an executive session for Superintendent Evaluation.

 

President Stewart adjourned the meeting.

PERSONNEL REPORT – APPROVED EMPLOYMENT

November 13, 2023

 

RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:

 

Whitney Heckman – Middle School Secretary 

 

Rosemary Harris – Middle School Science/Social Studies Teacher

 

Langdon Giddons – Helpdesk Technician

 

 

EMPLOYMENT:

Certified Recommendations for the 2023-24 school year:

 

Sierra Alford – High School English Teacher – 2024 Spring Semester 

 

Classified Recommendations for the 2023-24 school year:

 

Lynette Emmerson – Middle School Secretary

 

Rhonda Perkinson – Middle School Paraprofessional 

 

Brenda Holt – High School Paraprofessional 

 

Gavin Davis – Eugene Ware Paraprofessional

Fort Scott, Government, Schools

U234 Board of Education Agenda for November 13

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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

November 13, 2023 – 5:30 P.M.

PUBLIC AGENDA

1.0 Call Meeting to Order David Stewart, President

2.0 Flag Salute

3.0 Approval of the Official Agenda (Action Item)

4.0 Approval of the Consent Agenda (Action Item)

4.1 Board Minutes

  1. 10/09/2023 Regular Board Meeting
  2. 10/30/2023 Special Board Meeting

4.2 Financials-Cash Flow Report

4.3 Check Register

4.4 Payroll –October 20, 2023 – $1,669,587.26

4.5 Activity Fund accounts

4.6 USD 234 Gifts

4.7 FSHS Art Club Fundraising

4.8 FSHS Extended Trip Spring Break 2025

4.9 FSHS Swimming Fundraising

4.10 FSHS Wrestling Fundraising

4.11 FSHS Baseball Fundraising

5.0 Recognitions (Information/Discussion Item)

5.1 Student Recognition

5.2 Employee Recognition

6.0 Leadership Reports (Information/Discussion Item)

6.1 Superintendent’s Report

6.2 Assistant Superintendent’s Report

6.3 Special Education Director’s Report

6.4 Finance Director’s Report

 

 

7.0 Old Business

 

7.1       Enrollment of Nonresident Students Policy

7.2       Changing Method of Board of Education Method of Elections and Voting Plan (Discussion  

Only)

8.0 New Business

 

8.1       Possible purchase of Property (Discussion Item)

                         Enter Executive Session – Preliminary discussion of the acquisition of property.

 9.0 Public Forum

10.0  Other Business – Personnel Matters

10.1 Enter Executive Session – Personnel Matters (Action Item)

10.2 Exit Executive Session

10.3 Approval of Personnel Report (Action Item)

10.4. Enter Executive Session – Superintendent Evaluation

10.5 Exit Executive Session

11.0 Adjourn Meeting David Stewart, President

Fort Scott, Schools, Sports, Youth

2023 Fall Extravaganza is November 20: Shopping To Support the Swim Team

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Fort Scott Middle School.

The annual 2023 Fall Extravaganza is Monday,  November 20 from 5-8 p.m. at the Fort Scott Middle School. The event began in 2009.

“Fort Scott High School Swimming is sponsoring the event,” said Madeline Martin, the swim coach for both boys and girls teams.
“The purpose of the event is to help our swimmers raise money to attend the 2024 Summer Olympic Swim Trials as well as bring an opportunity to town to support local businesses.”

“We have 56 booth spaces this year, a few more than last year in addition to several new vendors,” Martin said.

On  Facebook: https://fb.me/e/NkwvKmyf

Below is a list of vendors for the event:

About FSHS Swim Teams

“We have 11 boys coming out this year through our cooperative agreement with Frontenac and Pittsburg (school districts),” Martin said. “This girl’s season I am planning on 15+ girls from our COOP with Pittsburg, Frontenac, Arma, Colgan, and Humboldt ( school districts).”

The swim team practices from Monday-Friday in Pittsburg at the YMCA.

“Boys swimming has been active in Fort Scott since the winter of 2019 and then girl’s season began the spring of ’20 but was cut short due to COVID,” she said. “Angie Kemmerer began coaching the team and this will be my third year as swim coach.”

The money raised from booths at the Fall Extravaganza will allow the student-athletes to go to the Summer Olympics in Indianapolis, Indiana in June 2024.

“We are going to be spectators at the Summer Olympics,” she said. “The kids are excited to go watch some of their favorite athletes in person and watch a high-level competition in person.”

 

 

Bourbon County, Elections, Government, Schools

Uniontown School Bond Proposals: Compiled Through Facilities Audit and Community Feedback

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Uniontown High School.
Early voting in Bourbon County has started on whether Uniontown’s school district will get new safety upgrades and expanded opportunities for students.
“The USD 235 bond issue prioritizes projects that were identified as the greatest needs through a 2021 facilities audit and through community feedback via 2022 survey work that went to all patrons,” USD 235 Superintendent Vance Eden said.  “These items constitute safety upgrades and the expansion of educational opportunities for students.”
Vance Eden, superintendent for USD 235. Photo from the school district’s website.
Information about each specific component of the projects can be found on the website, uniontown235.org, under the label Bond Info, he said.
The two-question format on the ballot for a vote,  “is responsive to the feedback we received regarding priorities and tax implications,” he said.
“In this format, Proposition 1 would need to pass for Proposition 2 to have the potential to pass,” he said.”
The tax implications can be found on the district’s website, he said. “Additionally, I’m happy to sit down with any patron who has a prior year’s tax bill and help them figure that out even more precisely,” Eden said.  “The projects proposed do not represent all of the ideas and needs of the district, we have been extremely mindful to prioritize those most important and meaningful projects as parts of the bond.”
The list of those projects are below:
  • “New WBE Preschool- This would include programs for 3-year-old and 4-year-old students.  This would also be a storm shelter all West Bourbon Elementary students and staff could use if needed.
  • Student Support Offices-  We would add offices on both sides of the street for the (student support) providers who are working with students.  
  • WBE Entrance- The aluminum doors are original to the building and are at the end of their life.  This would also address some ADA compliance issues with the entrance.
  • Music Room-  We would move around a couple of classes and make a music room that better fits the needs acoustically.  This would also allow us to better address/ provide special education services in the prior music room.
  • Junior High, and High School Fire Alarm- A new fire alarm would include smoke detection and automatic calling of emergency services when triggered.  Our current system does not do this.
  • HS Multipurpose Room- We would add a multi-purpose room at the HS that will also serve as the storm shelter for JH/HS students and staff. This will be a valuable space for all kinds of needs, including a room for wrestling practice.
  • New Agriculture Classroom, Metals Shop, and Construction Trades Shop-  This building is at the end of its life and needs replacement for Ag and Metals to continue to be a part of our programming.  We would also take the opportunity to add a construction trades program to this building to increase student programs.

6th Grade- 6th grade students would move across the street to become a part of the JH.  This was the most efficient use of space and programming.  It will increase opportunities for these students while creating the needed space at WBE to address their needs there without having to add on with additional new construction.”

‘The proposed USD 235 Bond Issue qualifies for State-Aide,” according to the district’s Facebook page on Nov.1. “If our bond is approved, the State will pay for 32% of the overall cost. If approved, the district will also apply for FEMA funding related to the storm shelters. If awarded, it would cover 50% of the cost of those storm shelters at WBE and UJH/HS.”

Other District Improvements, Not on the Bond Issue-The Community Walking Trail

Eden also provided an update on the walking trail around the school that is used by the community as well.

“The walking trail is currently with the architect to ensure ADA compliance and the project specifications,” he said.
“The layout will largely remain the same.  There will be some ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) adjustments as well as considerations for better drainage in those locations where it is needed.  The trail itself will be concrete construction at a width of 5 feet.”
“It is funded through a Recreational Trail Program Grant with the Department of Wildlife and Parks,” he said.  Through this grant, they will pay 80% of the cost and the district will be responsible for the remaining 20%.  That said, our 20% can be in-kind donations, which will be our preference.
Schultz Squared Architecture is doing this project for the district, he said.  “They are the architect doing our pre-bond work and already had the planning materials needed to fulfill this quickly and efficiently.”
Entertainment, Fort Scott, Schools, Youth

FSHS Thespians Announce Auditions for Children’s Christmas Show

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The Fort Scott High School Thespians are holding auditions for ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas by Kathryn Schultz Miller.

 

Auditions are open to children in 1st-8th grades and take place from 6-8 p.m. on Nov. 13 OR 14 in the FSHS Auditorium. Children do not need to prepare anything in advance, but should plan to stay for the duration of the audition time on one of the nights. Parents should be present at the beginning for information and to fill out audition forms.

 

Rehearsals will generally occur Monday-Thursday from 6-8 p.m. Performances are Dec. 8 and 9 at 7 p.m. in the FSHS Auditorium. There is a $30 participation fee for children cast in the show.

 

‘Twas the Night Before Christmas is produced by FSHS Theatre Director Angie Bin with direction and design by the FSHS Thespians. Please contact Bin at [email protected] or 620-719-9622 with any questions.

Fort Scott, Government, Schools

FSHS Newsletter November 2023

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