Steven Ray Smith, age 77, of Pittsburg, Kansas, passed away on Monday. April 10, 2023, after a long battle with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. He was a devoted Christian, husband, father, and grandfather.
Steve was born on April 17, 1945, in Pittsburg, to Gene and Helen Moody Smith. He attended Pittsburg schools, and graduated with Pittsburg High School’s class of 1963. Following high school, he served his Country in the U.S. Army National Guard.
He married Karen Wilson of Fort Scott, Kansas, on April 30, 1980. After 43 years of devoted marriage, Karen survives of the home. Steve and Karen faithfully attended and supported the Pittsburg Church of the Nazarene.
Steve worked for Pittcraft Printing in Pittsburg, and at SeKan Printing in Fort Scott, along with Karen. Following their retirement, Steve and Karen enjoyed many happy years together.
Steve was an honest, honorable, and dependable community citizen, striving to lead by example as a positive role model for family and friends. While friendly to all, he had a quiet demeanor and a dry sense of humor, and was known for his funny stories. A compassionate animal lover, Steve had several special pet dogs in his lifetime – most recently a beloved, yet spoiled, beagle named Maggie, who passed away last year.
Steve was also an auto enthusiast. He took great pride in the meticulous maintenance and detailing of his ever-evolving fleet of cars and trucks, keeping them in pristine condition. A light rain shower that ruined a fresh wax job would send shivers down his spine. Some joked that Steve would nearly buff the paint off of his vehicles in his efforts to keep them looking showroom-perfect.
In addition to his wife, Karen, Steve is survived by a son Scott Smith (Gabriel Wiggins) of Albuquerque, NM, a daughter, Candice Bland (Kyle) of El Dorado Springs, MO, and grandchildren Jacob and Jeremey Smith and Camille Bland. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gene and Helen Smith and his grandparents, Gene and Helen Moody.
Steve and his family have been thankful for the doctors, caregivers, church, and community members who have provided comfort and support through medical treatments, therapy, and prayers over the past several years.
A service to honor Steve Smith’s memory will be held Thursday, April 13, 2023, at 10:00 AM at PittNaz Church, 816 E. Quincy Street in Pittsburg. Burial will follow in the Highland Park Cemetery in Pittsburg. Memorials are suggested to the SEK Humane Society and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the Online Guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, April 10, 2023, for their regular monthly meeting at the board office.
President Danny Brown opened the meeting.
The board approved the official agenda and the consent agenda as follows:
Board Minutes from the 03-06-23 regular board meeting and 03-27-23 special board meeting
Financials-Cash Flow Report
Check Register
Payroll – March 9, 2023 – $1,571,728.00
Activity Fund accounts
Negotiations Training
LEA Assurances
Point of Interest: Board Meeting on May 8th will be at the normal time of 5:30 pm. The Employee Recognition Reception will be held on May 17, 2023, starting at 1:00 pm.
Nick Johnson, Fort Scott Preschool Center Principal, introduced FSPC students Solloman Davis, Ryker Felt, Ronin Flanner, Maizie Fiegener, and Sheridan Stephan. They were joined by FSPC teachers Andrea Heckman, Teresa Hurd, and Megan Webb. The teachers and students did an exercise to teach the board how to “Wake Up Their Brain.”
Classified Tiger Team Members – Superintendent Destry Brown recognized Charlotte Thompson and Laurie Bollinger as the Classified Tiger Team Members of the Month.
Thompson is a paraprofessional over at the Fort Scott Preschool Center. She has worked 7 years with the District but has been at FSPC for another 38 years for a total of 45 years working with our preschool kids. Charlotte pitches in to help with whatever is needed.
Bollinger is a paraprofessional over at Winfield Scott Elementary. She has worked in the District for 30 years as a paraprofessional helping our kids. She is one of those paras that does all kinds of jobs and is an example of the excellence in our classified staff that make our schools work.
Licensed Tiger Team Member – Superintendent Destry Brown recognized Brenda Hill as the Licensed Tiger Team Member of the Month.
Hill is a 5th grade teacher at Eugene Ware Elementary. Mrs. Hill has an awesome classroom where the kids are always doing something and are engaged. She hosted a “Book Tasting” event that the students really enjoyed. Brenda is the epitome of excellence in teaching in the District. Mrs. Hill has taught for the district for 31 years.
Board Members shared comments.
Superintendent Destry Brown invited the board to the Employee Recognition Reception that will be held on May 17th at Fort Scott High School.
Assistant Superintendent Dalaina Smith updated the board on state assessments and work being done on essential standards.
Gina Shelton, Finance Director, noted the June 1 filing deadline for board elections, premium pay, ESSER III plan approval, and the plan to bring in new staff over the summer for orientation.
Superintendent Brown updated the board on expansion of preschool options. The board then directed Superintendent Brown to explore options outside of Legacy Health. The cost to relocate to Legacy Health had become cost prohibitive. These options might include mobile units to be stationed at the existing preschool location.
The board approved the following items:
FSHS Tennis Court resurfacing to Hellas Construction in the amount of $37,400.00
Resolution 22-13 to enter into a lease purchase transaction for energy conservation improvements
KASB Membership & Legal Assistance Fund for 2023-24
Payment to Meridian Roofing in the amount of $90,990.00
Science Textbook purchase from McGraw Hill in the amount of $65,705.07 for grades 3-5 and 6-8
Contract for Occupational Therapy Services with Outreach Occupational Therapy LLC
Premium Pay Rates for the 2022-23 and 2023-24
Approval of Personnel Report (following)
Additionally, Superintendent Brown noted that letters were exchanged with Fort Scott KNEA and the District regarding negotiations.
The board went into an executive session for negotiation and personnel matters.
Vice-President Kellye Barrows adjourned the meeting.
James “Jerry” Henry Lyons, 90, passed away at his home in Fulton, Kansas, on February 8, 2021. He was born on August 16, 1930, in Fulton, Kansas, the son of Luther Byron Lyons and Lucy Christine (Leitch) Lyons. He married Beverly Ann Kluge on June 27, 1964, in Joplin, Missouri. She preceded him in death on December 15, 2006.
Jerry graduated from Fulton High School and Pittsburg State University with a bachelor’s degree. He served in the U.S. Army in Korea from May 1, 1951, until April 22, 1953, and was decorated with the Korean Service Medal w/one Bronze Service Star plus the United Nations Service Medal. After Korea, Jerry joined the Army National Guard where he completed flight training in the L19 and then helicopters. He completed his military service with the guard as a Captain. He met his future wife Beverly in the laboratory where he was working as a Medical Technologist (Med Tech) at General Hospital in Kansas City. Once Beverly had completed her Med Tech training, they both moved to Springfield together where they worked for seven years. Beverly worked at St John’s Hospital and Jerry worked in bacteriology at the state veterinary diagnostic laboratory. During his time away from Southeast Kansas, Jerry’s dream was to always move back to farm in the Fulton area. That dream was finally realized when Jerry and Beverly moved to the 320-acre farm just west of Fulton, they had purchased from Jerry’s parents in 1969. Their daughter Belinda was 7 months old when they moved into the house that Beverly’s parents helped them build.
Beverly was born in northeast Oklahoma on April 1st, 1938. She grew up on a 160-acre farm in northeast Oklahoma located just a few miles from where Kansas, Oklahoma and Missouri join. She helped her parents and siblings raise tomatoes that her dad sold to local grocery stores in Joplin, Galena and Baxter Springs. She was a graduate of Joplin Junior College and the University of Missouri, earning a BA in Creative Writing. After she determined that writing would not support her, she took an extra year of science courses to become a Registered Medical Technologist. In the Ft Scott area, she worked for Mercy Health Systems until she retired after 31 years. She put her creative writing skills to good use as she was an active member of the Fort Scott Writer’s Club and the Kansas Author’s Club, winning many state level awards for her writings. She also was a favorite local writer as she published many of her works in the Ft Scott Tribune over the years. Beverly loved flowers and gardening and graduated from two Master Gardener Programs offered in Nevada and Pittsburg. She was a member of both the Missouri and Kansas Master Gardeners, the Ft Scott Garden Club and Kansas Native Plant Society. She absolutely loved to write, garden, bird-watch, star watch and be in nature. She often volunteered with the Master Gardening Club, and at Country View Nursing Home in Prescott, Kansas.
Always dedicated to farm conservation, Jerry along with his wife Beverly worked tirelessly to control the travel of topsoil from their farm. Jerry had waterways and terraces built and monitored every inch of soil on their farm. They were rewarded for these efforts with two Bourbon County Conservation awards over their lifetime of farming. This was perhaps their proudest achievement.
Jerry and Beverly are survived by a daughter, Belinda Marie (Lyons) Zeitouni and her husband David, of Redmond, Washington; and two grandchildren, Rebecca “Becky” and Daniel.
Following cremation, Jerry and Beverly are being interred together at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, April 13, 2023, at the Fort Scott National Cemetery under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. Military honors will be presented at the cemetery by the United States Army Funeral Honors Detail. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.
Patrick MacDonald stands in the newly repurposed room of the Gamerz Lodge.
Patrick MacDonald, also known as PatMac, has purchased the building at 16 Scott Avenue and has been working to make the place into a family fun venue with the name of Gamerz Lodge.
“The community asked for a family fun entertainment space and that’s what I’m doing here,” he said. “Roughly 10,000 square feet of fun!”
Patrick moved here from Kansas City last year to invest in Pizza Republic after owning a few pizza businesses over the last 30 years. “I love this community,” he said. “I saw this as a way to give back to the community and invest in Fort Scott. Down here I can make a difference.”
The first floor will be his first focus to show what Gamerz Lodge is about.
“We’ll have a few TVs, arcade games, air hockey, shuffleboard, and pool tables,” MacDonald said. “We’re also introducing a ‘leveled up’ concession stand. Some of your favorites with a ‘PatMac’ twist. There will also be ice cream!”
It will be an events center for small concerts and a place for birthday parties as well.
“People can really use this space for creative classes, meetings, comedy shows, and gatherings,” he said. “It has so much potential.”
The renovation of the building, which most recently housed Darlene’s Collectibles, is a huge undertaking. “It’s a lot to take on for one guy but I’m definitely up for the challenge,” he said. “If there’s an investor out there give me a holler!” he said.
The second floor has a large ballroom and two 30 feet x30 feet rooms. The ballroom held meetings and dances from the days of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles, whose emblem is on the outside of the 1924-era building. Some memorabilia still lines the walls.
“The second floor will grow with the business,” he said. “I see cornhole tournaments, VR space, and potentially a putt-putt golf.”
MacDonald also sees the opportunity to create a wedding venue or an Airbnb on this level.
“I see a whole baseball team from LaRoche Stadium could stay here,” he said. “Games, food, and family. What else do you need?”
Patrick McDonald stands in front of the building he purchased at 16 Scott Avenue.
The outside of the building that Patrick MacDonald purchased has the emblem of the Fraternal Order of Eagles and the date of the building’s erection, 1924.One of many plaques on the walls of the large room on the second floor of the building that MacDonald purchased.
Final Action on Conference Committee Reports (CCR) sent many pieces of legislation to the Governor last week. Work was intense the past week, with leadership finally shutting down business after 4 am Friday morning. The legislature returns in late April.
Property, Income and Sales Tax Relief passed the legislature in CCR 169. It still has a final hurdle. The Governor could sign it into law, let it become law without a signature, or veto it. The property tax cut is a result of exempting the first $60,000 of valuation, up from $40,000 on the 20 mil for schools. The Senate had led the effort last year on this and many other tax cuts. The House offered $80,000 and the Senate countered with $60,000 and an increase for inflation each year, which passed last year. It is a difference of around $50 savings per household, which is important, but the Senate position was a much bigger savings, to remove state income tax on Social Security and lowering the income tax rate below 5.25. Final agreements were: a single rate of 5.15% after a subtraction so that it is a tax cut for all; increasing the exemption on Social Security from $75,000 to $100,000 and an increase of $5,000 per year until there is no state income tax on social security; an annual increase on standard deductions based on inflation; accelerating the .5% corporate income tax cut scheduled in 2025 to 2024 and cut the privilege tax (bankers income tax) by .5% in 2024 and another .5% in 2025. The state grocery sales tax that passed last year, will be accelerated to zero in 2024 instead of 2025. Finally, taxpayers are a priority, not growing government. Throughout my time in the legislature, I have fought for tax relief and for fiscally responsible policy. CCR 169 is a major success in those efforts.
Expansion of the Property Tax Freeze for seniors and disabled veterans, property tax exemption for businesses competing against government business, limit filings and penalties for personal property, clarifying agritourism property classification, codifying in statute Revenue Neutral Rate notice language and the state to pay for the mailing for one more year, exempting manufacturer coupons from state sales tax, creating a tax credit for pregnancy center donations, expanding adoption tax credits, and other provisions are included in CCR 8. The House graciously accepted the Senate position on many provisions. I was very grateful as we are trying to help all Kansans. The House voted at 4 am Good Friday on CCR 8. The Senate will vote on it when we return in late April.
Limit on Property Tax Valuations We started with a 3% limit each year on property valuation increases in SCR 1610. It fell one vote short. It requires 2/3 majority in both chambers, to get it on the ballot for voters to decide. Working with others, we were able to keep the topics alive and found that 4% would pass the Senate. It passed with a super majority 28 to 11 (a reminder – the 3% limit failed on a vote 26 to 14). As I led the effort, we all know legislation of this magnitude doesn’t occur in a vacuum – it takes a team. Hopefully, the House will be able pass it this year.
Environmental Social Governance (ESG) was sent to the House with an amendment I offered, prohibiting state investments in countries that are known foreign adversaries to the U.S., such as China, Russa, and others. All investments would have to be divested within 18 months. Disappointingly, the House removed it and weakened the legislation. CCR 2100 was the final language. The Senate killed it on a vote of 16 to 20 to send a message, we didn’t agree with the House excluding the foreign adversaries language. However, we did a motion to reconsider since it appeared it was all we were going to get at this time. It passed 27 to 12. Why is it that a majority of Senators understand taxpayer money should not be invested with foreign adversaries of the U.S., but others do not?
It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.
Come meet and greet Legendary Gold Medalist Olympic Athlete, Billy Mills.
Mills, won the 10,000-meter race in the 1964 Tokyo Olympic Games, becoming an Olympic Gold Medalist. At the time, he set a world record of 28 minutes, 24.4 seconds and is still the
only American to ever win a gold medal in the 10k event. His win was an upset that has been called the second greatest moment in Olympic history.
The event will include a screening of his 1964 gold medal run – an Olympic feat no American had accomplished
before or since him.
Free drinks and dessert will be available for all attendees!
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to a Chamber Coffee on Thursday, April 13th at 8 a.m. hosted by The Artificers. The event will be held at their location at 8 N. National. Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served.
The Freeman’s recently moved to Bourbon County from Kansas City after selling their home and studio. Trent has been a mixed media sculptor for 26 years and received his Undergraduate in Fine Art from Emporia State University. Kate Freeman is a ceramist and acrylic painter as well as the marketing and day to day management of the studio. The Freeman’s have been restoring the Hammons’ Real Estate building and are planning to continue the restoration and have their residence in the upper level. The Freeman’s are glad to be part of the Fort Scott community and are excited and encouraged by the amount of support they have received from fellow business owners and residents of Fort Scott and the surrounding areas.
The Fort Scott High School Orchestra will also be present and will be performing music in the KOMB parking lot.
Contact the Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566 for more information.
Happy Easter!
To God be the glory; great things he has done!
So loved he the world that he gave us his Son,
Who yielded his life an atonement for sin,
And opened the life-gate that all may go in.
Great things he has taught us; great things he has done,
And great our rejoicing through Jesus the Son;
But purer and higher and greater will be
Our wonder, our transport, when Jesus we see.
He is risen! Robba and I hope you and your loved ones had a happy Easter, celebrating, worshiping and reflecting on the reason we celebrate.
Urging USPS to Address Mail Delivery Issues in Kansas
On the one-year anniversary of my postal reform legislation being signed into law, I urged United States Postal Service (USPS) Postmaster General Louis DeJoy to address poor mail service in Kansas.
In recent months, my office has received a growing number of messages from Kansans concerned about missing mail, delayed postal delivery and extended periods with no delivery service at all. Consistent and reliable mail service helps residents in Kansas access necessary services, pay their bills and collect their paychecks. Seniors and veterans also count on the USPS for lifesaving medications, and small businesses need the USPS to ship their products in a timely manner. In addition, with tax season underway, many Kansans are relying on the Postal Service to receive their tax documents and returns. Timely and reliable mail service is crucial to the health and livelihoods of Kansans, but right now, they are very frustrated.
On April 6, 2022, the bipartisan Postal Service Reform Act was signed into law to make certain the Postal Service had the authority necessary to improve its services and financial viability. I introduced this legislation to remove burdensome budget requirements that have contributed to the Postal Service’s deepening financial troubles, improve transparency and mandate six-day mail delivery for mail and packages. It is unacceptable that implementation of certain provisions, including the six-day-a-week delivery service, is not being accomplished by USPS.
You can read my full letter with Representative Sharice Davids to USPS Postmaster DeJoy here.
Securing Mexican President’s Commitment to Work to Stem Drug Flow
This week, it was reported that Mexico has asked China to help control fentanyl shipments. In Mexico City, I spoke with President Lopez Obrador about how the U.S. and Mexico can work together to stem the flow of deadly drugs like fentanyl from crossing our southern border. I appreciated his interest in working together and secured his commitment that he would pressure China to stop fentanyl precursors coming from China to Mexico. I’m pleased President Lopez Obrador has taken proactive steps to deliver on his word and help prevent China from poisoning Americans and Mexicans through the fentanyl drug trade.
Congratulating Newly Announced NASA Artemis II Crew This week, I called the newly announced crew of NASA Artemis II mission to congratulate them on being selected. The crew – Reid Wiseman, Christiana Hammock Koch, Victor Glover and Jeremy Hansen – will fly around the Moon and mark the first crewed flight aboard NASA’s human deep space capabilities. The mission will pave the way for future lunar surface missions.
During the call, the crew shared with me: “Kansas has the best space museum on planet Earth.” I couldn’t agree more with this reference to the Cosmosphere and was excited to share the news with the incredible team there. The Cosmosphere has a stellar, world-renowned reputation that inspires young students and even NASA astronauts. This is well-deserved recognition. I appreciated speaking with the Artemis II crew and look forward to the continued progress of NASA’s Artemis program.
Kansas Community Visits Russell
This week, I was in Russell to join Mayor Jim Cross and Chief of Police Jordan Harrison for the announcement of federal resources for the City of Russell and the Russell Police Department. This investment will be used to update the city public safety communications network and to revitalize the downtown area of Russell. As the lead Republican of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science (CJS) and Related Agencies, I am committed to supporting our law enforcement members and providing necessary resources for our local communities to thrive.
During my time in Russell, I stopped by the Russell County Courthouse to visit with the County Clerk, Treasurer and the County Attorney’s office. I also spoke with members of the District Court staff and the Magistrate Judge.
Colby
It was great to visit Colby Community College this week to announce a federal investment for the school to purchase new equipment for its dental hygiene and agriculture programs. The dental hygiene program on campus trains the majority of the dental hygienists in northwest Kansas. These resources will improve the program and provide free dental care to the community. While on campus, I also had the opportunity to tour the dental hygiene clinic and to speak with students and staff members there. Thank you to Bobette Maier for the tour.
This school has one of the last remaining operations farms among the community college sector in Kansas, and the new equipment will allow Colby Community College to create a realistic learning environment for agricultural students. Under the leadership of President Seth Carter, Colby Community College provides students with a quality education and invests significantly in the nearby community. I want to thank him and his staff for their dedication to preparing students for success.
Participating in Kansas Institute of Diesel Technology Expansion Groundbreaking On Tuesday, I joined Northwest Kansas Technical College’s President Ben Schears at the groundbreaking of the college’s diesel technology expansion project. The diesel technology program, the only such program offered between Denver and Salina, is Northwest Tech’s largest program and has seen an increase in demand in recent years. To meet this demand, the school is using a combination of local funds and a grant from the Economic Development Administration (EDA) to expand the program.
This expansion will include improvements to the building where the program is taught, as well as updated equipment purchases to expand the program to allow the graduation of an additional 75 students each year. The expansion is also anticipated to create 300 new jobs, providing more opportunity to foster talent and support a strong economy for Goodland.
Giving Keynote Address at Goodland Kiwanis Club
On Tuesday, I had the opportunity to give the keynote address for the Goodland Kiwanis Club meeting. During this meeting, we discussed the importance of investing in our local communities and how critical public service is at any level to maintain our way of life in Kansas. It was particularly special to present Aaron Duell with a flag that was flown over the U.S. Capitol for his dedication in chairing the Kiwanis Flag Project for 15 years.
There are many exciting projects in the works for Goodland, including the recent announcement of the Scoular oilseed crush plant and the groundbreaking for the Kansas Institute of Diesel Technology expansion at Northwest Technical Kansas College. I appreciated the chance to catch up with community residents and want to thank these members for their civic involvement.
Wishing Kansans a Happy Passover
Chag Pesach Sameach! I wish all Kansans who are observing Passover a time of joy, peace and happiness.
Recognizing Gold Star Spouses Day This week, we observed Gold Star Spouses Day – a time to honor the spouses of our nation’s fallen heroes and recognize their many sacrifices made out of love for country and others. Military service is family service, and there is no greater example of this than our nation’s Gold Star spouses.
Now Accepting 2023 Service Academy Applications
Applications are now open for students to apply to a United States Service Academy for the Class of 2028. One of my favorite duties as a U.S. Senator is appointing Kansans to the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, New York; the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland; the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York.
For the list of requirements and to apply, you can visit my website here. All application materials are due to my Olathe office by Friday, September 1, 2023. After applications have been reviewed, applicants will be notified of interviews with my Service Academy Selection Board.
Honored to Serve You in Washington It is an honor to serve you in Washington, D.C. Thank you to the many Kansans who have been calling and writing in to share their thoughts and opinions on the issues our state and country face. I appreciate the words of Kansans, whether in the form of a form of letter, a Facebook comment or a phone call, who wish to make their voice heard.
Please let me know how I can be of assistance. You can contact me by email by clicking here. You can also click here to contact me through one of my Kansas offices or my Washington, D.C., office.
Very truly yours,
Jerry
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Hays
1200 Main St.,
Suite 402
P.O. Box 249
Hays, KS 67601
Phone: (785) 628-6401
NPS Photos. One is the YCC interns baking bread in the Bake House.
Youth Conservation Corps program
Fort Scott Kan. – Fort Scott National Historic Site is looking for 6 energetic and outgoing teens to participate in our 2023 summer Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) program running Monday through Friday from June 12 through August 4. This eight-week program is for young people between the ages of 15 and 18 years of age. Shifts start at 8 a.m. and end at 4 p.m. with a one-hour lunch. Salary is $15.00 per hour.
For more information and to download your application, go to www.nps.gov/fosc/learn/kidsyouth/ycc.htm, or pick up an application at the Fort. Applications received by the park on/or before Friday, May 12, 2023, will be considered first. You may hand deliver your completed application back to the park
No previous experience is required, but a willingness and ability to work in a physically active outdoor program, get along well with others, and maintain a positive attitude are essential for success. YCC participants will be immersed in a curriculum of Historic Preservation, Stewardship, Interpretation/Education, and Leadership. The program culminates with a unit on resume building and navigating USA Jobs, the government’s hiring website.
Activities may include ranger-led programs, Living History programs, being guest speakers, enrollee and staff presentations, assisting field rangers and/or scientists, and trips to other parks, businesses, and throughout the area. Participants will also spend time completing projects which may include fence and bench building; repairing/rehabilitating historic structures; general maintenance work; painting/staining; and exotic plant control.
The Bourbon County Democrats will hold a general meeting on Sunday, April 16th, at 2:00 p.m., in the Ellis Center, Room H121, on the Fort Scott Community College Campus.
After a brief business meeting, we will meet aspiring candidate Eli Woody.
Vance Eden. From the district’s online staff directory.
There is a need to upgrade some infrastructure in Uniontown’s School District, Vance Eden, associate superintendent, told a recent Community Connections Panel in Fort Scott. A bond issue is being looked at for the district possibly this year.
USD 235 has 480 students from pre-kindergarten to 12th grade and serves five small communities in the western rural part of Bourbon County.
“If a bond is brought to the community for a vote, we would anticipate that happening in late summer or early fall, but that will be dependent on a variety of factors,” Eden said.
The U235 District bond issue would be for upgrading pre-school, a tornado safe room, an updated fire system, security upgrades, and a hydronic lab.
The board is also looking at a grant to upgrade the walking trail that is around the school district property, which is also used by the community.
The following is an interview with Eden:
What is the need with the preschool building?
“Our current modular pre-kindergarten structure is at a point of deterioration that it no longer makes financial sense to invest funds into it. Additionally, safety and security would be increased by having a structure that is attached to West Bourbon Elementary. One other layer of consideration is that Kansas State Department of Education has expanded its funding stream to include three-year-old students. With this is mind, it makes sense that we consider adding programming for these students as well. There is still much to consider and many factors at play, but we recognize some significant needs related to pre-school programming.”
What is the need for a saferoom?
“Our current facilities do not have tornado safe rooms. Sheltering in interior classrooms and /or in locker rooms is clearly more safe than some other spaces. However, it is now widely recognized that a purpose-built facility is really the only option for ensuring maximum safety. These spaces would be designed for regular use as classrooms and/or multipurpose rooms to maximize the return of our investment. Additionally, the district has the ability to apply for FEMA Grant funds to potentially help offset some of the cost associated.”
What is the need for updated fire alarm system?
” While up to code, the current JH/HS fire alarm is in need of updating. In its current configuration it most broadly relies on pull stations near exits that then sound an audible alarm with flashing strobes. We would like to upgrade to a system that also includes smoke detectors and automatically communicates with emergency services.”
What is the need for security updates?
“It is important that we are always considering student safety as a top priority. There are some needs and opportunities for improvement have been identified, but it is critical that I’m careful as to not share our security vulnerabilities with those who may have malicious intent. These have been identified through professional assessments, our administrative team, and the bond advisory council.”
What is the hydronic lab idea?
” Instead of using a greenhouse, the district is pursuing a “container farm” as a means of providing hands on learning opportunities to students across a variety of programs in addition to providing some produce for our food service programs. We have done a tour and had some initial conversations with Leafy Green Farms of Pittsburg who has these containers. Leafy Green Farms is currently working with Pittsburg High School and several other Southeast Kansas schools to facilitate such a program.”
Also you are looking for grants to update the walking trail around the school?
“The district is waiting to hear back on a response from a Recreation Trail Program (RTP) Grant that had been applied for. We are hoping to get a response any day. Once we get word one way or the other, we will share that information. We recognize that this is a project that many are interested in.”
