USD 235 New Admin, Educator: Miller, Bolton

Loretta George

5 months ago

Dustin Miller, 50, is the new Dean of Students at West Bourbon Elementary School, Uniontown.

Miller is a 1992 graduate of Uniontown High School, earned an associate of science degree at Fort Scott Community College in 1994 and a bachelor of science in education from Pittsburg State University in 2006 in K-6th grade and also 5-8 grade mathematics.

He is currently working on a Master of Science in Education from Emporia State University (projected: Fall, 2024)in educational administration.

“The 2024-25 school year will be my 19^th year in education,” he said. “My first year I taught 5^th grade at Truman Elementary in Nevada, Mo. The rest of my career has been at USD 235. Upon completing my Master of Science Degree in the Fall of 2024, I will become the Principal of West Bourbon Elementary.”

Positions he has held

5^th Grade (6 years: 1^st year was at Truman Elementary in Nevada, MO)
7^th & 8^th Grade Math (2 years)
Title I (10 years serving West Bourbon Elementary)
Junior High Football

“As an educator, one of the best things is the opportunity to inspire and shape the minds of students, watching them grow and learn new things. It is incredibly rewarding to see students succeed and know that you played a part in their development.”

“One of the biggest challenges for educators is meeting the diverse needs of students in increasingly complex learning environments. Each student has a unique learning style, background, and capabilities, making it challenging to create personalized learning experiences for everyone. Additionally, managing large class sizes, keeping students engaged, and addressing individual needs can be a constant challenge for educators.”

In addition to teaching, he has taken on coaching students.

He served two years as an assistant coach for junior high track, two years as co-head coach in high school baseball, one year as assistant coach of high school track, nine years as assistant coach in high school football, and 13 years as assistant coach of high school basketball (women). 18 years with the program, 13 years as head coach.

“I am an active member of the Marmaton Community Christian Church in Redfield. I serve my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ as an Elder, Sunday School Teacher, and Wednesday night youth group leader.”

He has been married to his high school sweetheart, Carrie for 31 years and they have four sons.

Trenton (30), is married to Aubri and has two children: Josie & Ruthie.

Gavin (26), is married to Shelby and has two children: Bennett & Isla.

Hayden (23) and Korbin, (20) who is engaged to Haley Steeley.

Nancy Bolton is a new English Language Art teacher for 7-8th grade at Uniontown Junior/Senior High School.

She has a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education (K-9) from Pittsburg State University and a Master of Science in Education in Library Media (K-12) from Fort Hays State University.

She has been teaching since 1992, as a teacher for 5-8 English Language Arts, 4th grade, 7-8 Social Studies, and as a K-6 and K-12 Librarian.

She and her husband, Steve, have recently moved to Girard for his new position representing the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, for Bourbon, Crawford, and Cherokee Counties. They were both involved in Ellsworth, KS as middle school youth leaders and FCA huddle leaders.

She is also a member of Beta Sigma Phi, PEO, Kansas Association of School Librarians, and a board member of Westminster Woods Church Camp at Fall River.

They are “empty nesters” with twin adult children, Micah and Josiah. who graduated from Friend’s University in 2023. Micah is a band instructor at Goddard High School, Jr. High and 5-6th grade. He plays in the Wichita Wind Symphony as well as gives private music lessons. He is married to Maddison. Josiah is the middle school youth director at Eastminster Presbyterian Church, Wichita. He was a member of the cross country and track team while attending Friends and continues to mentor students from around the Wichita area on running while sharing his faith.

“The best thing about being an educator is seeing the students I’ve helped educate go on to successful lives and careers, some as doctors, lawyers, dental hygienists, brick layers, construction workers, HAVC operators, farmers and ranchers, nurses and so on. I also love sharing my love of literature and the written word.”

“The challenge in education is keeping up with technology and social media that students are exposed to,” she said.