Unified School District 234
424 South Main
Fort Scott, KS 66701-2697
620-223-0800 Fax 620-223-2760
DESTRY BROWN
Superintendent
BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING
NEWS RELEASE
Monday, April 13, 2026
Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, April 13, 2026, for their regular monthly meeting at 424 S Main St.
President David Stewart opened the meeting.
The board approved the official agenda, and the consent agenda as follows:
Board Minutes
03-09-2026
Financials – Cash Flow Report
Check Register
Payroll – March 12, 2026 – $1,840,933.48
Activity Funds Accounts
USD 234 Gifts
Resolution 25-17 – Bank Signers
LEA Assurances
There was one present for the public forum. The Board went into executive session.
Amy Harper and Lisa Chaplin presented information about that Honor’s Flight that will be taking place this summer. They have raised over $60,000 thanks to various benefits, fundraisers, and community members. The flight will include twenty-four veterans and twenty-four high school students. They will be flying to Washington D.C. and visiting several locations to honor the Veterans. It is a privilege that our community and school district will be involved with this event and hopefully in years to come.
Superintendent Destry Brown reported on current district enrollment. Tiger Academy has four full time students and there have been great gains for those involved. Kansas Renewal Institute has fifty-six students and are seeing successes in the students.
Assistant Superintendent Terry Mayfield provided a shared document. Mr. Mayfield updated on various that grants that the district is applying for. Some have met with those involved in the Preschool building and the progress being made.
Assistant Superintendent Zach Johnson updated the Board on testing that has been taking place all throughout the district. iReady scores will be presented at the May board meeting. Kindergarten Round up was a success with many children and parents attending.
Special Education Director Tonya Barnes shared an update and invited everyone to Special Olympics on April 29th at Pittsburg State University.
The Board approved the following:
- Approval of Professional Services Agreement with FSCC for Technology Leadership Services
- Declarations of Surplus Property – 1996 Ford Mustang
- Jobs for America’s Graduates Program Renewal 2026-27
- School Based Health Services Agreement Renewal – CHC 2026-27
- Strategic Planning Proposal – Teeter Leadership Group
- FSHS Electrical Modernization Project
The Board went into executive session for negotiations.
The Board went into an executive session for personnel matters.
President David Stewart adjourned the meeting.
PERSONNEL REPORT – APPROVED
April 13, 2026
RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:
Blythe, Lauren – Resignation – Paraprofessional – Middle School – End of year
Cosens, Jayci – Supplemental Resignation – Assistant Girl’s Basketball Coach – Middle School
Gorman, Alison – Supplemental Resignation – Summer Conditioning – Middle School
Gorman, Allison – Supplemental Resignation – Girls’ Summer Conditioning – High School
Hall, Candice – Resignation – Paraprofessional – Middle School
Harper, Amy – Supplemental Resignation – National Honor’s Society – High School
Hatfield, Amber – Resignation – Paraprofessional – High School
Jackman, Sara – Supplemental Resignation – Building Leadership Team – High School
Jackman, Sara – Supplemental Resignation – Social Studies Department Chair – High School
Sewell, Vickie – Retirement – Science Teacher – Middle School
Sprague, Sierra – Resignation – Special Education Teacher – Winfield Scott
Sprague, Sierra – Supplemental Resignation – Head Cheer Coach – High School
Steury, Jessica – Resignation – Math Teacher – Middle School
Steury, Jessica – Supplemental Resignation – Assistant Volleyball Coach – Middle School
Weber, Betty – Resignation – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott
TRANSFER:
Davenport, Sam – Paraprofessional to Student Support Center Supervisor – Middle School
EMPLOYMENT:
Certified Recommendations for 2026-27 School Year:
Brown, Jodi – Speech Language Therapist Full Time
Certified Staff Renewal – Eugene Ware
Certified Staff Renewal – High School
Certified Staff Renewal – Middle School
Certified Staff Renewal – Preschool
Certified Staff Renewal – Special Services
Certified Staff Renewal – Winfield Scott
Ellis, Jennifer – Science Teacher – Middle School
Pickert, MaKayla – 2nd Grade Teacher – Winfield Scott
Smith, Alyssa – Special Education Teacher – Preschool
VanBuskirk, Don – Business Essentials, Electives, History Instructor – Middle School
Classified Recommendations for 2026-27 School year:
Pitts, William – Cook – Middle School
SUPPLEMENTAL RECOMMENDATIONS:
Carney, Drew – Boys’ Summer Conditioning – High School
Collins, Clayton – Boys’ Summer Conditioning – High School
Elementary Summer School Staff
Kiel, Samas – Assistant Track Coach – Middle School
KRI ESY Larsen, Danny – Boys’ Summer Conditioning – High School