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, 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