Category Archives: Fort Scott Community College
Breakfast with Santa Dec. 4 at Fort Scott Community College
Football Program Information by Alysia Johnston
The decision to terminate the legendary football program at Fort Scott Community College was made with the best interest of student-athletes, coaches, FSCC, and Bourbon county taxpayers.
It was a very difficult decision, as it is hard to place a dollar amount on the value our football athletes have provided to our college and community.
Many of our football students bring needed diversity and perspective to our campus and community.
Our football students have provided many hours of community service, as evidenced by the recent downtown clean-up.
Although many things have changed in the last several years regarding the football program, the opportunity we provided to young men who wanted to advance their college education by means of a football scholarship was not one of the changes.
Although the football program has provided invaluable opportunities for FSCC and football athletes, we had to evaluate the financial impact the program has on the college, as well as the sustainability of providing football students with the best opportunity to play on a competitive team.
Below is a summary of information that was critical in the decision made by the FSCC Board of Trustees, and supported by myself, to close the program.
- At this time the cost vs revenue analysis of the football program indicates the football program is losing approximately $400,000 annually.
- The Jayhawk conference changed the rules in 2017 from allowing D1 community colleges sports programs to provide student-athletes with books and tuition scholarships only – to allowing scholarships for books, tuition, fees, room, board, and $500 in school supplies. The previous cap on the number of out-of-state players for football was removed allowing for up to 85 out-of-state players certified. Two years ago the number of out-of-state football players was changed again and now 55 out-of-state players can be certified. There are no other options to compete in the Jayhawk Conference for football, baseball, golf and track other than D1. The conference also changed the rules for D2 sports scholarships in 2017 from books and tuition only – to books, tuition, and fees only. At FSCC we are designated D2 in women’s and men’s basketball, women’s volleyball, women’s softball.
- Gender equity and equity for all athletes, regardless of the sport played, is required by the Federal Government. We must spend approximately the same dollar amount per student-athlete which is very difficult when D1 and D2 sports have different rules for scholarships.
- The bottom line is, any additional dollars we would add to the football program in an attempt to make them more competitive, we must also add to all our sports programs to meet equity in athletics requirements.
- The 2021 FSCC football roster had 16 Kansas players, 1 player from Bourbon County who quit the program in September. There are 19 community colleges in Kansas of which 8 have a football program. Each school can certify 85 football players for a total of 680 players (this does not include red-shirts or medical red-shirts). The 8 football programs had 163 Kansas players listed for the 2021 season. Local and Kansas students are not as numerous on football rosters as they were before the rule change.
- In 2014/2015 the FSCC football program had a deficit of more than $400,000 in their foundation activities account. It was determined in 2015 for every student credit hour generated, $1 in student fees would be used to reimburse FSCC Endowment for the deficit. Student fees have refunded FSCC Endowment approximately $35,000 to $40,000 each year since then. We currently have approximately $186,000 left of the original $400,000 deficit.
- The cruel, false, and inaccurate accusations that have been shared on many social media platforms, by mostly anonymous individuals and groups, regarding the football program has severely damaged our reputation and negatively affected our ability to move forward with the recruitment of student-athletes.
- FSCC has fewer football coaches than any other school in the Jayhawk Conference. For example at the last FSCC game vs Independence Community College, we had 6 coaches on the sidelines and ICC had 14 (some of which are volunteers as they currently list 9 on their website). Butler has 11 football coaches listed, Coffeyville -8, Dodge – 7, Garden – 8, Highland – 12, Hutchinson – 10, Independence – 8, and FSCC – 6. Fewer coaches means fewer people recruiting students and fewer experts working with individual players on key skills. It also means we would need to spend more money and hire additional coaches to be at a similar level as the other programs in the Conference.
If the money we lose on the football program each year was the only consideration in determining whether to continue the football program at FSCC, we would not have made the tough decision to terminate the program. However, the current losses are only a part of the financial picture in determining the sustainability of a competitive football program at FSCC. When putting together the financial figures for the Board I looked at our current budget, revenue, expenses, and economic impact of the football program. Previous to hiring the current coaching staff I consulted with a past Jayhawk Conference football coach to see what he believed a minimum football budget would be to allow us to be competitive in the conference. He provided me with a detailed breakdown of what he believed we would need to spend based on his past coaching experience in the Jayhawk Conference, and it was more than twice our football budget at the time, which was $273,000. That did not include the fact if we increased the football budget, we would have to do the same for all of our other sports programs. Our FY 2021 unaudited football budget is $365,000, which does not include all football program expenses.
I believe when considering all the financial needs to fund a competitive football program it would take at least an additional one million annually, which would be an additional 10 mils the Bourbon County taxpayers would have to bear. The FSCC Board of Trustees, and myself as president, do not believe continuing the football program would uphold the fiduciary responsibility placed in us by taxpayers. We will continue to provide multiple opportunities for students allowing them to earn a scholarship to advance their educational goals by participating in activities and athletics that allow them to learn and have positive, transformational experiences while at FSCC.
Respectfully,
Alysia Johnston
FSCC Football Program Is Terminated
Football Program Termination
The termination of the historic and legendary Fort Scott Community College football program was a difficult and emotional decision.
A competitive football program at FSCC is not sustainable due to the cumulative effect of limited resources, changes in Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference (KJCCC) football eligibility rules in 2016, and the changing ethos of football in general.
We simply do not have the resources to maintain a football team that would be competitive in the Jayhawk Conference.
The FSCC football program has afforded thousands of young men the opportunity to attain a college education and was the positive, transformational experience that allowed them to be more successful in life.
The dedication, expertise, and contributions of the many outstanding coaches, community supporters, and support staff who have been part of the football program over many years is one of the reasons FSCC is loved by many of our alumni.
We would especially like to thank the current football players and coaching staff who have represented FSCC with honor, pride, and dignity this season in very trying competitive circumstances.
FSCC will honor scholarships for all football student-athletes who choose to stay at FSCC and continue their education.
Sincerely,
FSCC Board of Trustees
Alysia Johnston, FSCC President
FORT SCOTT COMMUNITY COLLEGE Minutes of the Board of Trustees Meeting
FORT SCOTT COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Minutes of the Board of Trustees Meeting
October 18, 2021
PRESENT: John Bartelsmeyer, Dave Elliott, Jim Fewins, Kirk Hart, and Robert Nelson
ALSO PRESENT: Alysia Johnston, President, Juley McDaniel, Board Clerk, faculty, and staff
Chairman Bartelsmeyer called the meeting to order at 5:30 pm in Cleaver-Burris-Boileau Hall. The meeting was opened
with the Pledge of Allegiance.
COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR: None from Bartelsmeyer. Board member Nelson said the Gordon Parks Celebration was a great event and very well put together.
PERKINS RECOGNITION: Adam Borth presented Darlene Wood with a plaque from Kansas Board of Regents (KBOR). KBOR honored Darlene with their Perkins Grant Excellence Award. Darlene has coordinated FSCC and PSUs Perkins data for the past 13 years.
CONSENT AGENDA: A motion was made by Elliott, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the consent agenda.
ACTION/DISCUSSION ITEMS:
A. A motion was made by Elliott seconded by Nelson and carried by unanimous vote to approve the call for sale of certificate of participation for baseball and softball turf financing.
B. A motion was made by Hart seconded by Fewins and carried by unanimous vote to approve the bid from Dynamic Fitness & Strength for weight room equipment.
ITEMS FOR REVIEW: The Board reviewed letters of correspondence.
REPORTS:
A. ADMINISTRATIVE UPDATES: The Board reviewed and heard reports from Grants and Special Projects, Student Services, Instruction, Finance and Operations, and the President.
ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to come before the Trustees, a motion to adjourn was made at 6:29 p.m. by Elliott seconded by Hart, and carried by unanimous vote.
Chairman Clerk
FSCC All-American Meat Judgers
Submitted by Sara Sutton, Fort Scott Community College Agriculture Instructor
“Our season has come to an end but I wanted to share some exciting academic news,” she said. “Eight All-American meat judgers are selected at the end of each season. This is based on high contest scores as well as GPA. Our program had 4 of those 8 spots! This is not an easy accomplishment so if you have or see the following students, please congratulate them.”
First Team All American
Sierra Graham
Cord Dodson
Second Team All American
Ethan Westerman
Lila wood
FSCC Trustee Meeting Date Changed
Fort Scott Community College’s regular monthly board meeting has been rescheduled from November 15 to November 8, at the Same time and place.
Submitted byJuley McDaniel, Director of Human Resources at FSCC
FSCC TRIO Student Support Services celebrate First Generation Day
Fort Scott, KS. — Fort Scott Community College’s TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) program will be celebrating First-Generation College Celebration Day on November 8, 2021.
“First-Generation College Celebration Day is a day to recognize and celebrate the bravery and tenacity of first-generation college students,” says Holli Mason, Director of TRIO SSS at FSCC.
First Generation College students are students who are the first in their families to attend college.
In 2017, the Council for Opportunity in Education (COE) and the Center for First-Generation Student Success (Center) launched the inaugural First-Generation College Celebration.
COE and the Center said, “We are particularly excited to elevate the celebratory efforts of the community and technical colleges, and Minority-Serving Institutions, as these institutions serve and graduate a significant proportion of first-generation students.”
FSCC TRIO is participating by hosting an inspirational speaker, Juan Cangas from CoolSpeak. He will speak to students about making smart decisions and decisions that will make a positive difference in their lives.
“Student morale starts to drop towards the end the semester, so we thought this would be a great pick-me-up to motivate students to finish the semester strong,” says Stacy Bishop, a TRIO Advisor and chairperson for FSCC First-Generation College Celebration Day.
“We will be sharing motivational quotes, highlighting First Gen students, faculty, and staff, and hosting a reception following Juan’s presentation,” explains Bishop.
Mason explains how important TRIO programs are to Bourbon County, Ft. Scott, and FSCC:
“Nationally, approximately 1/3 of students seeking higher education are first generation students. 54% of FSCC students are first gen, and 80.8% of Bourbon County residents over age 25 have not obtained a bachelor’s degree.”
TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) is a federally funded program that provides academic support to 150 eligible students enrolled at Fort Scott Community College. SSS provides the following services to all members, free of charge: mentoring, academic advising, personal coaching, transfer and scholarship assistance, campus visits, cultural events, tutoring services, and workshops.
Friday Night Free Concert: Bethel Community Church
Bethel Community Church will provide the music for this week’s Friday Night Concert. “The performing musicians and vocalists represent a diversity of ages and talent. The audience is sure to enjoy their program of gospel music excellence,” concert-series organizer Ralph Carlson said. “I’m very pleased to welcome the Bethel Community Church to the park pavilion. The concert season is nearly over, so we encourage everyone to take advantage of this musical presentation Friday evening.”
The concert begins at 7 p.m. at the Heritage Park Pavilion at First and Main Streets. The shows, sponsored by the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, are free and open to the public. Dave Oas of Parsons serves as sound technician each week. Due to limited seating, attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs.
In the event of inclement weather, the concert will be moved to the Common Ground Coffee Co., 12 E. Wall Street.
FSCC Trustee Minutes of Sept. 20
FORT SCOTT COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Minutes of the Board of Trustees Meeting
September 20, 2021
PRESENT: John Bartelsmeyer, Dave Elliott, Jim Fewins, Kirk Hart (via Zoom), Bill Meyer, and Robert Nelson (via Zoom)
ALSO PRESENT: Alysia Johnston, President, Juley McDaniel, Board Clerk, faculty, and staff Chairman Bartelsmeyer called the meeting to order at 5:33 pm in Cleaver-Burris-Boileau Hall. The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.
COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR: None
KACCT Update: Kirk Hart gave a summary from the recent KACCT Quarterly Meeting that took place on August 27 and
28.
BUDGET HEARING:
COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR: None
COMMENTS FROM THE BOARD: None
APPROVAL OF RNR: A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by Elliott, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the
budgeted mill levy of 29.299 for Budget 2022, which slightly exceeds the revenue neutral rate of 28.055.
APPROVAL OF THE BUDGET: A motion was made by Elliott, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote to
approve the 2022-23 budget as presented.
CONSENT AGENDA: A motion was made by Nelson, seconded by Hart, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the consent agenda.
ACTION/DISCUSSION ITEMS:
A. A motion was made by Elliott, seconded by Nelson, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the KJUMP
Symmetry Settlement Agreement for a reimbursement of $16,348.70.
B. A motion was made by Meyer, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the KJUMP contract with WoodRiver Energy for natural gas transport.
C. A motion was made by Elliott, seconded by Nelson, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the quotes from Ash Hollow Fabrication & Fence for the revision to the alleyway and chute on the south end of Arnold Arena for$13,913.00
D. A motion was made by Nelson, seconded by Hart, and carried by unanimous vote to continue following the
COVID protocol that has been in place since August 11, 2021.
ITEMS FOR REVIEW: The Board reviewed letters of correspondence.
REPORTS:
A. ADMINISTRATIVE UPDATES: The Board reviewed and heard reports from the Miami County Campus, Gordon Parks Museum, Public Relations, Student Services, Instruction, Finance and Operations, and the President.
Board member Jim Fewins commended the facilities crew who have worked on Garrison Apartments saying they have done a tremendous job!
Board member Robert Nelson reminded attendees of the upcoming Gordon Parks Celebration in October. He said the committee has worked very hard preparing the celebration. “They’re doing a great job!”
ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to come before the Trustees, a motion to adjourn was made at 6:59
p.m. by Meyer, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote.
Chairman Clerk
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Agenda for FSCC Trustees Meeting Oct. 18
October 18, 2021
Board of Trustees
Fort Scott Community College
2108 S. Horton
Fort Scott, KS 66701
The Board of Trustees of Fort Scott Community College will meet in regular session on Monday, October 18, 2021. The meeting will be held in Cleaver-Burris-Boileau Hall at Fort Scott
Community College.
5:00 p.m. Dinner in Cleaver-Burris-Boileau Hall at 5:00 followed by regular board meeting at 5:30 p.m.
THE AGENDA
5:00 DINNER
5:30 ROLL CALL, 3
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
CALL TO ORDER, 4
A. Comments from the Chair, 4
B. Perkins Recognition, 4
CONSENT AGENDA, 5
A. Approval of Agenda, 5
B. Approval of Minutes of previous Regular Board Meeting conducted on September 20, 2021, 6
C. Approval of Treasurer’s Report, Bills, and Claims, 7
D. Approval of Personnel Actions, 5
ACTION/DISCUSSION ITEMS, 60
A. Consideration of Baseball and Softball Turf Financing Bids, 60
B. Consideration of Weight Room Equipment Bids, 67
ITEMS FOR REVIEW, 74
REPORTS, 78
A. Administrative Updates, 78
EXECUTIVE SESSION, 88
ADJOURNMENT, 89
UPCOMING CALENDAR DATES:
• October 18, 2021: Board Meeting
• October 18, 2021: Math Relays
• November 15, 2021: Board Meeting
• November 22 – 26, 2021: Thanksgiving Break, Campus Closed
• November 30, 2021: Graduate Assessment Exam
• December 7 – 10, 2021: Finals
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• December 13, 2021: Board Meeting
• December 17, 2021 – January 4, 2022 Christmas Break, Campus Closed
• January 7, 2022: In-Service
• January 12, 2022: Spring Semester Begins
• January 17, 2022: Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Campus Closed
• January 24, 2022: Board Meeting
• February 21, 2022: Board Meeting
• March 14 – 18, 2022: Spring Break, Campus Closed
• March 21, 2022: Board Meeting
• March 25, 2022: Aggie Day
• April 15, 2022: Good Friday, Campus Closed
• April 18, 2022: Board Meeting
• May 10 – 13, 2022: Finals
• May 14, 2022: Graduation
• May 16, 2022: Board Meeting
• May 30, 2022: Memorial Day, Campus Closed
• June 20, 2022: Board Meeting
Sincerely,
John Bartelsmeyer, Chair
Alysia Johnston, President
FSCC’s vision for the future is to support “Students First, Community Always” through a central focus on teaching and learning; advancing strong, innovative programs and
departments; maximizing and leveraging opportunities; initiating efficient and effective processes; and developing the region’s workforce.
A. COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR
B. PERKINS RECOGNITION
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CONSENT AGENDA
A. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
B. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS
1) Attached are the minutes of the Regular Board Meeting conducted on
September 20, 2021.
C. APPROVAL OF TREASURER’S REPORT, BILLS and CLAIMS
Attached are the Treasurer’s Report and the Bills and Claims Report.
D. APPROVAL OF PERSONNEL ACTIONS
1) Additions
a) Conor Chadwell, Head Athletic Trainer, effective September 23, 2021
b) Tonya Umphenour, Cosmetology Instructor, effective October 4, 2021
c) Veronica Snow, CAMP Academic Student Support Coordinator, effective October 18, 2021
d) Deborah Stedman, Resident Hall Housekeeper, effective October 18, 2021
2) Separations
a) Courtney Goucher, Cosmetology Instructor, effective September 20, 2021
3) Transfer
a) Santos Manrique, HEP Instructional Coordinator, effective October 1, 2021 (retaining associate dean responsibilities)
To view the entire trustee packet:
Education and Entertainment: the Gordon Parks Celebration
The annual Gordon Parks Celebration weekend Oct. 7-9 was packed with events to educate and entertain.
The Gordon Parks Museum is located on the campus of Fort Scott Community College, 2401 S. Horton.
Parks was an African American documentary photojournalist, photographer, musician, writer and director, with humble beginnings in Fort Scott.
He died in 2006.
There were photo exhibits and a local photo contest, speakers, tours, film showings, entertainment, book discussions, and the opening of the Learning Tree Tourism Trail.
Two African American men were honored as the “Choice of Weapons” annual recipients, Kyle Johnson and Eli Reed.
Parks Choice of Weapons Award Winners Announced
During the weekend celebration, The Learning Tree Tourism Trail was introduced.
The Learning Tree Tourism Trail is a series of signs located at the different locations where the filming of The Learning Tree took place around Fort Scott. The signs include QR codes, to be used with a smartphone, along with a virtual tour of the identified scene locations of the film, according to a Gordon Parks Museum press release.
To learn more:
The Learning Tree Tourism Trail Grand Opening is Oct. 7
The annual photography contest in conjunction with the Gordon Parks Celebration had the winners on display at the Ellis Arts Center on the campus of FSCC.
Additionally on display were some of Parks’ photos and photos of The Learning Tree, the autobiographical film that Parks wrote and directed.
Winners of the Gordon Parks Celebration “Fashion & Diversity” photo contest, sponsored by Merl Humphrey Photography, are below.
Twenty-six entries were received and the winner of First Place was Johanna Walker (Franklin, KS) with the photo titled “Spotlight.”
Second Place was also Johanna Walker with the photo “Johnny.”
Third Place was Frank Clay with his photo, “Enjoying Each Other.”
First, Second, and Third place winners received cash prizes of $100, $75, and $50 respectively.
There were six Honorable Mentions named: “Diversity.” by (Yasser Alaa Mobarak,( Alexandria, Egypt.); “Skating the Disaster.” by Julie Steck (Merriam, KS); “Jewels of Plenty” by Bareigh Farrell (Fort Scott); “Portrait.” by Yasser Alaa Mobarak, (Alexandria, Egypt); “Queen of Color” by Alexxus Browning, Tulsa, OK and “Baby Blue.” by Adelay Martin (Redfield, KS).
The contest was open to any non-professional photographer and was inspired by Gordon Parks, who started his career in fashion photography and chose a camera to fight against racism, discrimination, and poverty.
Judges for the photo contest were professional photographer, Veretta Cobler, and established make-up artist and hairstylist, Donna Fumoso based in New York City.
The photo exhibit is on display in the lobby of the Ellis Fine Arts Center through October 15. The building is open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.
