Approval of Minutes (April 22nd and April 27th) (Page 1)
New Business (Page 1)
Comprehensive Plan Interviews (Page 1)
Public Comment (Page 1)
Next Meeting and Agenda Planning (Page 1)
Adjournment (Page 1)
Detailed Section Summaries
Administrative Approvals The committee will begin by formalizing the meeting structure. This includes the standard Pledge and Roll Call, followed by the formal approval of the current agenda. Additionally, the committee will review and approve minutes from two previous sessions held on April 22nd and April 27th to ensure historical accuracy of the records. (Page 1)
Comprehensive Plan Interviews A significant portion of the “New Business” segment is dedicated to interviews regarding the County’s Comprehensive Plan. This represents a critical step in the long-term strategic development and zoning oversight for Bourbon County. (Page 1)
Public Engagement & Future Planning The meeting provides a designated window for Public Comment, allowing residents to voice concerns or support regarding planning initiatives. Before adjournment, the committee will establish the timeline and primary objectives for the next scheduled meeting. (Page 1)
Administrative Procedures The meeting will open with the standard ceremonial and administrative protocols. This includes the Pledge of Allegiance and a formal Roll Call to establish a quorum. Following these steps, the committee will review and officially approve the agenda for the May 14th session. (Page 1)
Comprehensive Plan Development A primary focus of this session’s “New Business” involves the Comprehensive Plan Interview. This is a vital component of the county’s long-term planning strategy, likely involving discussions or candidate evaluations aimed at shaping future land use and community development goals. (Page 1)
Community Input and Future Scheduling As part of the committee’s commitment to transparency, a Public Comment period is scheduled to allow citizens to address the board directly. Prior to the meeting’s adjournment, the committee will coordinate the schedule and primary agenda items for the next upcoming meeting to ensure continuity in planning efforts. (Page 1)
ARTEFFECT is pleased to announce the 2026 Competition Finalists!
This year, ARTEFFECT received a record-breaking number of submissions from students around the world, with the 2026 finalist pool growing 15% over 2025. Thank you to all the students and educators who participated.
The 201 finalist projects were created by 52 middle school students and 149 high school students representing 32 U.S. states and 15 countries. The selected works span a wide range of styles and media, including painting, drawing, sculpture, mixed media, and digital art.
Through their projects, these students creatively interpreted the stories of 89 Unsung Heroes, including all 10 Spotlight Unsung Heroes. We invite you to explore the artwork and read excerpts from the students’ impact statements.
Congratulations to the 2026 Finalists for their exceptional work, and thank you to the educators, families, and communities whose support made these achievements possible.
In the coming weeks, join us as we celebrate the accomplishments of the 2026 Finalists. The 2026 ARTEFFECT Annual Competition award recipients will be announced on June 1. Stay tuned!
Stay connected with ARTEFFECT and spread the word about the finalists. Be sure follow us on these platforms for announcements, news, professional development, resources and more!
HAWN, RYAN S, 38 Arrested: 5/12/2026 10:31 AM Agency: Fort Scott PD Charges: – Agg Arson; Unknown Circumstance (NO BOND) – Agg Endangering A Child; Reckless <18 (NO BOND) – Criminal Damage To Property; Misdemeanor (NO BOND) – Disorderly Conduct; Unknown Circumstance (NO BOND) – Domestic Battery; Knowing/Reckless Bodily Harm (NO BOND) – Interference With Leo; Obstruct/Resist Felony (NO BOND) Bond: $0
Inmate Released List
CHARLTON, NIKOLAS RAY, 47 Booked: 04/28/2026 Released: 5/12/2026 at 8:44 PM Type: Surety bond Released to: Able Bonding
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to attend a Chamber Coffee on Thursday, May 14th, at 8 a.m., hosted by Medicalodges, Inc. at Medicalodges Fort Scott, 915 S. Horton St. Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served, and attendees will have the opportunity to win a door prize.
Parking at the facility is somewhat limited; however, additional parking will be available in the lot across from the Fort Scott Preschool Center on Horton. Guests may park there and easily cross the street to the front entrance, where staff will be available to welcome attendees.
In recognition of National Nursing Home Week, taking place May 10–16, this week’s Chamber Coffee is being held at Medicalodges Fort Scott to celebrate the dedicated caregivers, staff, and residents who play such an important role in the community each day. Community members will have the opportunity to tour the facility, meet members of the team, and recognize the important impact nursing homes have on families throughout the area.
Medicalodges Fort Scott is a skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility offering long-term care, short-term rehabilitation, therapy services, and personalized healthcare support. As part of the employee-owned Medicalodges, Inc. network, the facility is committed to providing compassionate care while creating a welcoming, home-like environment for residents and their families. Community Care Connections also operates from the location, providing home health services, including skilled nursing care and therapy services for residents and patients returning home who may need additional support in the comfort of their own home.
For more information, contact the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566 or visit the Events Calendar at fortscott.com and click on the “Chamber Coffees” category for upcoming hosts and locations.
Welcome: 11 members from ten agencies attended the meeting in the Scottview Apartments Conference Room.
Coalition Board News: There is an open seat on the Coalition Board. Reach out to Nick if you are interested.
Member Introductions and Announcements:
Lora Wilson shared about what she does for CHCSEK.
Airrick Lee was here from Neosho County Community College with a program called R.S.V.P.- Retired and Senior Volunteer Program
Shelby Moore with FAST -Families Together shared about the different ways her program benefits children and families.
Patty Simpson with Fort Scott Housing Authority shared that they were accepting applications.
Stephanie Breckenridge-Strengthening Families with the Family Resource Center, Her program offers help with resources and Parenting Skills.
Star Culp-Parents As Teachers from Greenbush, has openings in her program in BBCO
Kelli Mengarelli-Early Childhood Block Grant with the Family Resource Center shares about delivering books for preschoolers going to kindergarten.
Janelle Tate the Transitions Coordinator in six counties with the Early Childhood Block Grant.
Craig Campbell-GNAT Good Neighbor Action Team, this program offers assistance for single moms, and the elderly. They have currently been building wheelchair ramps for those in need in Bourbon County. A future project is to paint park benches at Schubitz Plaza. This group has also been able to help with gas line break assistance. They are currently working on a recycling program starting, working with Vernon County.
Theresa Amershek – Safe House Children’s Director
Cheri Walrod from Credo Senior Living brought flyers about the Virtual Dementia Tour they are having during their Senior Care Coalition Luncheon on May 20.
Program:
Jennifer Gum-Fowler our librarian from the Fort Scott Library came to tell us about the programs that are currently happening at the library. She shared a little history about the building which is a Carnegie building, and our library is one of the oldest in Kansas still using the original building.
They received an ALA Grant for $20,000.00 and have partnered with Mental Health to purchase sensory toys and products for neurodiverse adults, teens and children to assist with their sensory needs. They include a Shush Booth, Sensory Table, Light Table, Bean pods to read in, and Toys for therapists.
The Library has had a make over including:
-an adult space upstairs for computers, telehealth, and interviews.
-A Teen space, tv, play station, study area, including two laptops.
The Childrens Program has moved downstairs, with hard and soft play places to include a
zero to three soft area, with a charging space for parents, and a Lego wall .
The Summer Reading Program has started, see the Youth Services flyer
The library has been pairing with Lowell Milken Center offering a great program including a Dig Crew bag
They offer adult reading BINGO with great prizes
They offer hand designed t-shirts that are available with Dig Crew
Golden Aces for 55+, enjoy arts and crafts.
They partnered with DAR for the 250th Celebration.
Road Scholars flyer
They are participating in The National Treasure Duck Hunt, with other community businesses.
Chamber Guide Books are available at the library for free.
The library is a source for various resources available in our community and nationwide. Jennifer is connected to the Library’s National and State committees allowing her to pull in resources and information nationwide.
Benefits of having a library card go beyond just books off the shelf it also grants us access to
Audio Books
Kanopy app which includes Sesame Street, Between the Lions videos free.
Information services
Assist with families in need.
WiFi 24/7
Open to Community Service Volunteers
Jennifer is very excited to share her knowledge and resources with the Fort Scott community, feel free to stop by and see all of their progress and programming. If you need something, the library is a great place to start.
Open Forum: Nothing further came before the coalition.
FORT SCOTT COMMUNITY COLLEGE
BOARD OF TRUSTEES SPECIAL MEETING
ELLIS FINE ARTS CENTER
MAY 14, 2026 – 12:00 P.M.
PUBLIC AGENDA
1.0 CALL MEETING TO ORDER – CHAIR DOUG ROPP
1.1 Roll Call of Trustees by the Clerk
___Bailey___Brown___Cosens___Hoyt___McKinnis___Ropp
2.0 FLAG SALUTE & INVOCATION
3.0 LEADERSHIP REPORTS & UPDATES (INFORMATION)
3.1 Academics – Vice President of Academic Affairs – Dr. Larry Guerrero
3.2 Advancement – Dean of Advancement – Lindsay Hill
3.3 Athletics – Athletic Director – Dave Wiemers
3.4 Finance – CFO – Vice President of Finance & Operations – Gina Shelton
3.5 Student Services – Vice President of Student Affairs – Vanessa Poyner
3.6 Grant Updates – Dean of Advancement – Lindsay Hill
3.7 Presidential Update – President Dr. Jack Welch
4.0 EMPLOYMENT MATTERS OF NON-ELECTED PERSONNEL (ACTION)
5.0 REVIEW OF MAY 18TH AGENDA ITEMS (INFORMATION)
6.0 BOARD MEMBER TRAINING (INFORMATION)
7.0 ADJOURN (ACTION)
USD 234 Board of Education Meeting News Release – May 11, 2026
FORT SCOTT, KS — The Unified School District 234 Board of Education met for its regular monthly meeting on Monday, May 11, 2026, at 5:30 p.m.. The meeting was presided over by President David Stewart.
Meeting Overview
The board approved both the official and consent agendas, which included financial reports, check registers, and activity fund accounts. Key approvals included extended trip applications for the FSHS Band, Art Club, Cheer Camp, and Dance Camp.
District Leadership Reports
Superintendent’s Update: Destry Brown reported on upcoming graduation ceremonies and noted that staff and students are actively preparing for the conclusion of the school year.
Operations & Construction: Assistant Superintendent Terry Mayfield provided updates on current and summer projects, including a revised schedule and drawings for the new Preschool building.
Academic Performance: Assistant Superintendent Zach Johnson shared iReady Math and Reading scores. State assessment results have been received and will be sent home with students this week.
Special Education: Director Tonya Barnes provided updates on Cat Aid and commended the staff for their diligence regarding Medicaid billing.
Board Actions and Approvals
The Board approved several contracts and initiatives for the 2026-27 school year, including:
Occupational Therapy Services with Outreach Occupations Therapy, LLC.
Greenbush Contracts for Low-Incidence and Audiology services.
Capacity settings for nonresident student enrollment.
Implementation of the Fort Scott Tigers Virtual School for the 2026-27 year.
Service bids for parking lot maintenance (crack filling, seal coating, and striping).
Note: Bids for demolition and parking lot construction were tabled for future consideration.
Personnel Report
The following personnel recommendations and changes were approved during the session:
To all moms in our lives, thank you for the love, care and guidance you provide for your families. I’d also like to wish a happy Mother’s Day to my wife, Robba.
Discussing the Importance of U.S.-China Trade This week, I traveled with a bipartisan group of my Senate colleagues to China where we were hosted by U.S. Ambassador to China David Perdue. We met with the Premier of China, the Chinese Foreign Minister and the head of China’s legislature to discuss the importance of robust trade between our two countries ahead of President Trump’s planned presidential summit with Chinese President Xi in Beijing.
At a time when farmers and producers in Kansas and across the country are facing low commodity prices and high input costs, increasing fair trade with China will help bolster our agricultural industry as they continue to feed, fuel and clothe the world. We discussed the importance of opening China’s markets to accept more U.S. agricultural exports, including grain sorghum, wheat, soybeans and beef, and ensuring China abides by our trade agreements.
We also discussed the importance of cooperation to stop the flow of fentanyl precursors, ensure the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, boosting aviation exports to China and supply chain security. The conversations with Chinese leaders ahead of the President Trump’s visit projected confidence in reaching a trade deal that is beneficial to both countries.
Discussing Ag Trade on Kansas Radio
This week, I joined Greg Akagi on WIBW Ag radio and Chip Flory on AgriTalk radio to discuss agricultural trade negotiations between the U.S. and China, as well as the importance of access to expanded commodity markets for Kansas farmers and producers.
Before the congressional delegation’s trip to China, I spoke with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer about the administration’s efforts to strengthen markets for American agricultural producers. While I support the administration finding new trade partners and strengthening existing agreements to lessen the U.S.’s dependence on China, as one of the largest economies in the world, China cannot be ignored.
You can listen to my interview with Greg Akagi on WIBW here and my interview with Chip Flory on AgriTalk here.
Update on U.S. Military Operation in Iran Since the conflict began, I have asked, both publicly and in classified settings, for information regarding what has been accomplished in Iran, our current military posture and what is necessary for victory. Congress – and the American people – have not been adequately informed. Decisions by Congress regarding Iran are complicated by American troops in harm’s way and a desire to be certain Iran does not obtain a nuclear weapon. I continue to consult with other senators on an Authorization for Use of Military Force or invocation of the War Powers Act.
I also understand the American people are facing the consequences of the war as costs for fuel and other commodities surge. I am troubled that, at a time when Kansas farmers are encountering a challenging ag economy, compounded by tariffs and closed markets, the cost of this war may bring greater challenges to U.S. agriculture. Finally, though not a veteran, a significant amount of my time in public service has been devoted to caring for those who suffer from the scars of battle, and I am concerned about the post-service mental and physical health of those who serve.
As the standoff over the strait continues, the sanctions waiver on Russian oil sales is set to expire Saturday, and I renew my call for the administration to resume enforcing sanctions and deprive Russia of revenue that permits Vladimir Putin to continue his unjust war against Ukraine.
Introducing Legislation to Equip Parents to Better Protect Minors Online
I recently introduced the Parents Over Platforms Act with Sen. Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.). This bipartisan legislation would require app stores and developers to establish safeguards that strengthen protections for minors downloading apps online and provide parents with more tools to moderate children’s online access. Requiring app stores and app developers to put safeguards in place will support efforts to protect minors as they navigate an online environment that is too often harmful for young children. As these threats grow, it is important that we put measures in place to be certain parents are equipped with the tools to keep their children’s online access safe and age appropriate.
Reps. Jake Auchincloss (D-MA-04) and Erin Houchin (R-IN-09) have introduced companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives, and I look forward to working with my colleagues and industry leaders to make certain parents have the tools necessary to keep their children safe online.
You can read more about my legislation from Kansan Susan Peters in the Wichita Eagle here.
Raising Health & Safety Concerns of Mail-Order Abortion Drugs to U.S. Supreme Court
This week, I joined several of my Senate colleagues in filing an amicus brief in support of the State of Louisiana’s case regarding the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) policies surrounding abortion drugs. The brief raises concerns about the removal of in-person medical requirements for dispensing abortion drugs and the potential risks this poses to women’s health and safety. It also highlights concerns related to informed consent, coercion and the importance of physician oversight in the prescribing process.
As the Senate continues its oversight responsibilities, it is important that federal agencies remain accountable and that policies impacting patient safety are carefully examined. I will continue supporting efforts to protect women’s health and unborn children.
You can read the full amicus brief to the U.S. Supreme Court here.
Introducing Bill to Extend Rural Community Hospital Demonstration Program I joined Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) in introducing the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration Reauthorization Act, bipartisan legislation that would extend the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration (RCHD) program for another five years. Rural hospitals are essential to the health and economic well-being of communities across Kansas. This program helps rural hospitals test innovative Medicare payment models that improve financial stability and support continued access to care for patients in rural areas.
Since my time in the U.S. House of Representatives, I have supported the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration program because it provides critical support for hospitals working to keep their doors open and continue delivering quality care. Currently, Stormont Vail Health Flint Hills Campus in Junction City and McPherson Hospital participate in the program and use these resources to strengthen services in their communities. Additionally, Mercy Hospital Fort Scott, Mercy Hospital Independence and Bob Wilson Memorial Hospital in Ulysses have also previously participated in the RCHD Program.
I appreciate the support of Kansas health care leaders and will continue working to advance policies that strengthen rural hospitals and support access to care across our state. You can read more about the RCHD program and how it supports rural health providers in Kansas here.
Reintroducing Legislation to Expand USDA Research Programs
I reintroduced the America Grows Act with Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), my colleague on both the Senate Agriculture Committee and Senate Appropriations Committee. This legislation would increase funding for U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) research programs by 5% annually for the next 10 years. For U.S. farmers and ranchers to remain competitive in global markets, our nation must continue making strong investments in agricultural research. Expanding USDA’s research capacity will improve our ability to prevent and respond to plant and animal disease threats, accelerate the adoption of modern technologies and help farmers and ranchers innovate. U.S. agriculture is better prepared for the future through investments in research.
Now Accepting Fall 2026 Internship Applications
My own interest in public service was sparked by an internship for Kansas First District Congressman Keith Sebelius in 1974. As an intern, I had the chance to learn firsthand how a Congressional office operates and how the legislative process works. I am glad to be able to offer this same opportunity in my Senate office today, where I have interns year-round working closely with my staff to serve Kansans.
Applications for internships in my Washington, D.C. and Kansas offices for the fall 2026 session are due Sunday, May 31, 2026. Congressional internships are open to qualified undergraduate and graduate students who have an interest in public service and have achieved academic excellence. Click here for more information and to apply.
Now Accepting Fall 2026 Page Applications
Applications are now open for the fall 2026 Senate Page Program. High school students are afforded a unique opportunity to work in the Senate and learn about Congress and the legislative process. Fall Page eligibility is limited to students who have completed their sophomore year of high school and who will be 16 or 17 years old on or before the date of appointment. The deadline to apply is Sunday, May 31, 2026. Click here for more information and to apply.
Now Accepting 2026 Service Academy Applications
Applications are now open for students to apply to a United States Service Academy for the Class of 2031. 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. Applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. CT on September 18, 2026. 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
Victor Goines and Maryemma Graham will be the recipients of the “Gordon Parks Choice of Weapons Award” at the
annual celebration October 1st – 3rd, 2026 in Fort Scott, Kansas. The celebration is in honor of Fort Scott native Gordon
Parks, noted photographer, writer, musician, and filmmaker. The Choice of Weapons Award was established in Parks’
honor to be given annually at the celebration. More detailed information about the annual celebration events will be
coming at a later date with a full press release.
Victor Goines is an internationally acclaimed saxophonist, clarinetist, composer, and educator
with a career that spans over four decades at the highest levels of jazz performance and
education. A native of New Orleans, Goines began his musical journey at a young age and has
become one of the most respected figures in jazz. During his lengthy tenure as a member of both
the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra and the Wynton Marsalis Septet, he has performed on major
stages around the world and contributed to numerous recordings, including Wynton Marsalis’s
Pulitzer Prize-winning “Blood on the Fields” and Ted Nash’s Grammy-winning “Presidential Suite.”
Goines is also a prolific composer, having created more than 400 original works. Many of
these compositions have been commissioned by prestigious institutions such as Jazz at Lincoln
Center, The Juilliard School, the Woodlawn Cemetery and Conservancy, the Music Institute of Chicago, and the ASCAP
Foundation. His extensive discography includes performances as both a leader and a sideman, collaborating with legends
like Eric Clapton, Dianne Reeves, Ellis Marsalis, Branford Marsalis, Marcus Roberts, Wycliffe Gordon, and Ruth Brown,
among others.
In addition to his performance career, Goines has made a significant impact in the field of music education. He served
as the Director of Jazz Studies at Northwestern University’s Bienen School of Music for 14 years, during which time he
elevated the program to national recognition. Prior to that, he was the founding Director of Jazz Studies at The Juilliard
School, where he shaped the curriculum that established Juilliard as a premier institution for jazz education. Goines
has mentored notable artists including Jon Batiste, Aaron Diehl, Brian Blade, and Yasushi Nakamura. He has also held
teaching positions at Florida A&M University, the University of New Orleans, Loyola University New Orleans, and Xavier
University.
Goines earned a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Loyola University New Orleans and a Master of Music degree
from Virginia Commonwealth University. He is currently pursuing a Doctor of Music Arts in music education at Boston
University.
His last appointment was as the President and CEO of Jazz St. Louis from 2022 until his departure in 2026.
Victor L. Goines is a Yamaha artist and a Vandoren artist.
Maryemma Graham is University Distinguished Professor Emerita at the Department of English,
University of Kansas, and a 2021 recipient of an American Book Award lifetime achievement
recognition for “outstanding literary excellence,” highlighting the broad and lasting impact of her
research, publishing, teaching, and public engagement through humanities-driven initiatives.
The Augusta, Georgia, native is founder and for 38 of its 43 years, the director of The History of
Black Writing (HBW), a digital archive established in 1983, at the University of Mississippi. Focusing
on the preservation and study of Black Literature. HBW is best known for its wide array of initiatives
in the humanities that have redefined the field of literary studies. Graham’s extensive record of
funding includes over $3.5 million from the National Endowment for the Humanities, Ford, and
Mellon Foundations. HBW’s signature work links literary recovery, archival preservation, and digital
scholarship with intergenerational and international networks.
Spearheaded by HBW, Graham created a bridge for the Langston Hughes National Poetry Project, the Language Matters
Teaching Initiative in partnership with the Toni Morrison Society, and the Black Book Interactive Project, a joint effort with
AFRO-PWW at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
AFRO-PWW is now an active digital publishing network led by Marilyn Thomas Houston and Ronald W. Bailey just as HBW
began a new era at Indiana University under the leadership of Ayesha Hardison.
Graham’s research and publications – 15 books and hundreds of articles and essays – point to her national and international
focus as a scholar-activist-collaborater invested in expanding the public’s knowledge. Her notable published works include
The Cambridge History of African American Literature, with Jerry W. Ward, Jr. and the multi-lingual volume Toni Morrison:
Au delà du visible ordinaire / Beyond the Visible and Ordinary (2015) with Andrée-Anne Kekeh and Janis A. Mayes. On
her groundbreaking, late career publication, The House Where My Soul Lives: The Life of Margaret Walker (Oxford, 2022),
Alice Walker comments that Graham “invites us to understand more fully the richness and variety of Southern life . . . the
unstoppable spirit of black creative people. . . and the Universe of Margaret Walker . . . who never stopped honing her skills
of inquiry, observation, and debate.” Largely responsible for the resurgence of interest in Margaret Walker, prior to the
biography, Graham published 4 related books: How I Wrote Jubilee and Other Essays on Life and Literature (1990), On Being
Female, Black, and Free: Essays by Margaret Walker, 1932-92 (1997), Conversations with Margaret Walker (2002), and Fields
Watered with Blood: Critical Essays on Margaret Walker, originally published in 2001 & reprinted due to popular demand in
2014. While Graham’s investment in Walker has defined much of her career, her reputation is extended with articles, book
chapters, introductions, interviews, commemorative editions, book reviews, study guides, and especially interviews. Graham
landed the first major interview with the late novelist Frank Yerby, one of the most widely published American novelists of
his time, whom most did not know was black. Her mentorship of legions of students and initiating collaborative projects are
widely known, and Graham remains highly invested in advocacy efforts, just as she redefined what we mean by “professional
development” with her 20 popular NEH-funded programs, including national summer institutes at Northeastern University
in Boston and the University of Kansas. KU hosted 16 of these events that reached educators throughout the US and abroad.
The kick off for these events was the 2002 Langston Hughes Centennial that brought more than a 1000 people to Lawrence.
In her so-called retirement, Graham is working on three books: “The Cambridge History of the African American Novel,”
with Keith Gilyard (Cambridge), “Margaret Walker’s South” (University Press of Mississippi), and “The Gary Girls” with the
members of her maternal family. Somewhere in there will be her own memoir, “School Teacher’s Daughter.” Born and raised
in Augusta, GA, Graham calls Lawrence, KS her home after nearly 30 years as a resident. Driven by a concern that reading has
gone out of style, she is working with the St. Luke A.M.E. church community and its Pastor Rachel Williams-Glenn in building
a children’s library, commemorating the church and the city, where famous author Langston Hughes spent his childhood.
Schedule and ticket information will be posted at a later date on the website gordonparkscenter.org.
The Board will review the minutes from the previous regular meeting on April 13, 2026, and the special meeting on April 30, 2026. Financial oversight includes the April payroll of $1,814,053.42 and the standard check register and activity fund reports. The Art Club has submitted an application for an extended trip for board approval. (Page 1)
Contractual Services & Agreements
Several specialized service contracts are up for approval for the 2026-27 school year, including Occupational Therapy services through Outreach Occupational Therapy, LLC, and Low-Incidence/Audiology services through Greenbush. Additionally, the board will consider an addendum to the Professional Services Agreement between USD 234 and Fort Scott Community College (FSCC) IT department. (Page 1)
Facilities and Enrollment
The board will review bids for two major facilities projects: the demolition and construction of a parking lot, and maintenance services (crack filling, seal coating, and striping) for existing lots. There will also be a report on setting capacity limits for nonresident student enrollment as required by state guidelines. (Page 1)
Virtual School Implementation
A significant action item involves the official implementation plan for the Fort Scott Tigers Virtual School for the 2026-27 academic year. (Page 1)
Personnel and Executive Session
The meeting will conclude with an executive session to discuss personnel matters, followed by the formal approval of the Personnel Report. (Page 1)
In sports, you learn quickly that fear and winning do not travel well together. Teams that play “not to lose” usually do exactly that, they lose. Coaches who become afraid to make decisions, adjust strategies, or hold people accountable eventually watch their programs decline little by little. The scoreboard may not show it immediately, yet over time fear always appears in the results.
The same thing happens in businesses, schools, organizations, and communities. Too many companies today have people in leadership positions who are afraid of failure. Because of that fear, they hesitate to lead boldly, avoid difficult decisions, and settle for maintaining the status quo rather than moving organizations forward. Instead of striving for excellence, they simply try to survive another day without criticism or accountability.
Organizations cannot grow under fearful leadership. Fearful leadership often sounds safe. It avoids risks, conflict, and change. What it also avoids is vision, innovation, and progress. Slowly, year after year, the organization declines. The losses may not come all at once, yet they come steadily. Morale weakens. Energy disappears. Standards lower. Expectations shrink. Eventually people stop believing improvement is even possible.
I have seen it happen in athletics and in organizations. Winning cultures are never built by leaders who spend all their time protecting themselves. Great leadership requires faith. It requires courage to step forward when outcomes are uncertain. Real leaders understand that criticism comes with leadership. Pressure comes with leadership. Responsibility comes with leadership. Growth also comes with leadership. Remember this, if you desire the same results, keep doing the same thing. If you don’t want the same results, you must change.
In Good to Great, Jim Collins talks about the importance of getting the right people on the bus and in the right seats. Organizations cannot move forward if the wrong people are leading key areas. Vision matters. Courage matters. Accountability matters. Organizations rise and fall based upon leadership.
Turning around a struggling organization is never easy. When companies, schools, or teams have experienced years of failure, people often become conditioned to losing. Fear becomes part of the culture. Some employees stop taking initiative because they fear responsibility. Others lower expectations because accountability becomes easier to avoid.
Championship teams are not built by people afraid to take the final shot. Great organizations are not built by leaders afraid to lead. The Bible tells the story of the servant who buried his talent because he was afraid. Fear kept him from investing what had been entrusted to him. Many organizations today are doing the same thing. They bury opportunities, ideas, leadership, and growth because fear convinces them staying still is safer than stepping forward.
The most successful leaders I have ever been around were not fearless people. They simply trusted their vision more than they trusted their fear. Leadership is not about protecting comfort. Leadership is about creating progress.
In athletics we always said, “Play to win.” The same principle applies in life, business, and leadership. Organizations that move forward are led by people willing to step out in faith, pursue excellence, and let the chips fall where they may. Fearful leadership never builds champions.
Thought for the Week, “To try, is to risk failure. Not to try, is to guarantee failure.” Pam Hutchinson, Frt Scott High School employee
Dr. Jack Welch serves as President of Fort Scott Community College. With a career spanning professional sports, public education, and rural community development, he brings a servant-leader mindset and a passion for building trust-driven cultures that empower people to thrive in the classroom, on the field, and in life. He is also the author of Foundations of Coaching: The Total Coaching Manual.
