Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition
General Membership Meeting Minutes — August 5, 2026
Welcome: Fourteen members from twelve 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
- Aslee Reeder – Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center
- Rene Hibdon – CHC SEK, Patient Resource Specialist. Rene was previously working with young clients and their families. She is now working with clients of all ages.
- Henry Coronado – SER Corporation. The SER Corporation facilitates grants for students in the tech field, especially agriculture. They work frequently with the John Deere and welding programs at FSCC.
- Amanda Portwood – Ward Kraft Recruiter
- Alyssa Hess – Safehouse Crisis Center. Alyssa can provide presentations on healthy relationships to students in grades 6–12.
- Janelle Tate – Early Childhood Block Grant. The grant is starting up the school year and getting ready to serve multiple counties in Southeast Kansas.
- Michelle Stevenson – Early Childhood Program Coordinator. Michelle works with families who have children prenatal through age 6. She works with families to encourage a child’s development and track progress toward milestones.
- Star Culp – Parents As Teachers. Star serves USD 234 Fort Scott, USD 235 Uniontown, and USD 256 Marmaton Valley.
- Shelby Moore – FAST Program. Shelby works with families providing special education assistance.
- Kathy Romero – Manager, Angels Care Home Health. Angels Care offers PT, OT, speech, nursing, and education services. Angels does not accept Medicaid but will help find services.
- Theresa Amershek – Child Exchange & Visitation Center (CEVC). CEVC provides services for anyone who needs visitation with their kids. They have security available to assist with difficult visitation situations and work with the domestic violence center.
- Shelby Blagg – Victim Advocate at Safehouse Crisis Center. The Safehouse provides shelter and advocacy for domestic and sexual violence victims.
Program
Dr. Zach Johnson, Superintendent, USD 234 Fort Scott
Dr. Johnson is beginning his fifth year at USD 234. Previously, he was the middle school principal for three years and Assistant Superintendent for one year. He has also taught, coached, and been an administrator in the Springfield area and Coffeyville school district. Dr. Johnson’s wife is a clinician at KRI.
USD 234 is beginning a strategic planning process to develop a mission and vision. Four community events will be held this fall. The school district is inviting community members to participate in these strategic planning sessions to learn more about the school district and provide input into the planning process. Surveys will also be available for the community. Dr. Johnson is working to develop partnerships between the school district and community through this process. The plan will guide the district for the next 3–5 years.
School begins Friday, August 14. Staff will return to work Monday to prepare classrooms and attend professional development sessions, including a guest speaker, Dave Burgess, who will speak to staff the following Wednesday.
Strategic Planning Sessions (all held at FSHS Commons Area, 5:00–8:00 PM):
- August 27, 2026
- September 17, 2026
- October 8, 2026
- October 29, 2026
Amanda Portwood, Ward/Kraft Recruiter
Ward/Kraft has developed a priority of recruiting within a 30-mile radius of Fort Scott. Amanda was hired to lead this recruiting initiative. She has been working with churches, schools, teams, and organizations to identify potential employees and help them begin the application and interview process.
Ward/Kraft has a paid apprenticeship program for some jobs — apprentices can earn $15 per hour while learning a new job. Multiple positions are currently available, ranging from IT and Account Managing to entry-level jobs, including housekeeping, machinist, production worker, and account manager. The production division runs three shifts Monday–Friday and rotates every three weeks. Office jobs are 8:00 AM–5:00 PM, Monday–Friday. Ward/Kraft will work with people who have had difficulties in the past.
Reach out to Amanda for more information: aportwood@wardkraft.com
Open Forum
Nothing further came before the coalition.
Adjournment
The next General Membership meeting will be September 2, 2026.
Documents: