USD 234 schools and administrative offices will be closed on Monday, February 20th for President’s Day.
Category Archives: Fort Scott
U234 Board of Education Minutes from Feb. 13
Unified School District 234
424 South Main
Fort Scott, KS 66701-2697
620-223-0800 Fax 620-223-2760
DESTRY BROWN
Superintendent
BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING
NEWS RELEASE
Monday, February 13, 2023
Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, February 13, 2023, for their regular monthly meeting at the board office.
President Danny Brown opened the meeting.
The board approved the official agenda, and the consent agenda as follows:
- Minutes from January 9, 2023, Board of Education meeting
- Financials-Cash Flow Report
- Check Register
- Payroll – January 20, 2023 – $1,543,148.20
- Activity Fund accounts
- Extended Trip Applications
- COVID Operations Guidelines
- Special Board Meeting – work session to discuss and prioritize long-term plan and capital improvements, February 27th – 5:30 pm
Dr. Zach Johnson, Fort Scott Middle School principal, introduced 6 students from Fort Scott Middle School who were nominated by their teachers as being representative of great students.
- Students recognized were:
- 6th Grade: Brenny Cole and Maverick Wright
- Brenny likes to do well in everything she does, she is very goal oriented. She is a positive young lady, always on task, very kind to others, and produces quality work.
- Maverick is always willing to help others, he goes above and beyond mentoring other students. He is a super friendly young man, an excellent student, always positive, and works well with peers.
- 6th Grade: Brenny Cole and Maverick Wright
- 7th Grade: Theodore Bowman and Gianna Gorman
- Gianna and Theodore go above and beyond in the classroom. They are respectful to adults and peers. They are always kind and supportive of their classmates. Both of these students are always engaged in classwork and are willing to help others. They take their education seriously and are awesome examples of students that show exemplary character.
- 8th Grade: Chloe Begey and Allisyn Wheeler
- Chloe is a great student and is very sweet. She works hard every day and is kind to all peers. She is one of the sweetest and most caring kids in all of my classes. She holds the doors for all the students every single day, she has great manners, and always has a cheerful attitude. Great girl who gives us her all and is a friend to all and willing to work with anyone.
- Allisyn is always working, doing her best. She is a good person and is always willing to help others. When we worked on our door, she organized the people very kindly and let everyone do their thing. She is academically inclined and strives to do her best. Her sense of humor and positivity brightens every classroom. She is very polite and always has kind words to say.
Mitch Quick, SEK Financial, awarded 6 recipients a $100 U-Benefit grants from OFG Financial, Security Benefit, and KNEA. Recipients were Andrew Ables, Sarah Hendricks, Bert Lewis, Cristin Stark, Hayden Travis, Rhiannon Tuck. The grant is meant to recognize educators for all they do for students in Kansas.
Superintendent Brown updated the board on the progress of the Communications Proposal and the addition of staff awards to recognize excellence. These awards will be held in May when retirees are honored.
Dalaina Smith, Assistant Superintendent, provided an update to the board on academic committees, including Science, Reading, and Assessments and PLC conversations. There was discussion on evaluation of curriculum and assessments.
Scott Kimble, Fort Scott High School Principal, Josh Messer, Fort Scott High School Counselor, and Dr. Zach Johnson, Fort Scott Middle School Principal, gave an update to the board on Individual Plans of Study (IPS). There was discussion on where we are currently and what is planned for the future.
Gina Shelton, Finance Director, updated the board on the KSDE final audit, bond payment, health insurance refund, and bond payment.
The board received an update from Superintendent Brown on the expansion of the Fort Scott Preschool Center to 401 Woodland Hills Blvd. He has received a contract which was provided to our attorney, who returned it with recommended changes. This will be one of several preschool options. Additional options and discussion will take place at the February 27th special board meeting. There was no action taken.
The board approved the following items:
- Tennis Courts Resurface – Pro Track and Tennis, Inc. – tabled until next board meeting
- Investment of Excess Funds – 90-day – $2,500,000, UMB at 4.65%
- 2023-24 School Calendar (pending negotiations)
- Gilmore Bell Disclosure Compliance Services Proposal
- District Meal Allowance Reimbursement Increase
- MOU For Shared Employee Between USD 234 and SEK-CAP, Inc.
- Approval of Personnel Report (following)
- Approval of Superintendent’s Contract for 2023-24, 2024-25, and 2025-26 school years
The board went into an executive session for personnel matters.
President Danny Brown adjourned the meeting.
PERSONNEL REPORT – APPROVED EMPLOYMENT
February 13, 2023
RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:
- Larry Amer – Resignation, Fort Scott High School Art Teacher, effective 02-14-2023
- Dale Brauer – Resignation, Fort Scott Middle School Math Teacher, effective at the end of the 2022-23 school year
- CJ Feagins – Leave of Absence
- Lizbeth Jane Hill – Retirement – Eugene Ware Elementary Kitchen Manager, effective at the end of the 2022-23 school year
- Rebecca Howard – Retirement – Fort Scott Middle School Paraprofessional, effective at the end of the 2022-23 school year
- Dennis Stephan – Retirement – Transportation Maintenance II, effective at the end of the 2022-23 school year
EMPLOYMENT/REASSIGNMENTS:
- Andrew Ables – Fort Scott Middle School Track Coach, 2022-23
- Jon Barnes – Fort Scott High School Assistant Boys Golf Coach
- Adam Clements – Fort Scott High School Assistant Track Coach
- Allen Davis – Transfer from Fort Scott Middle School Custodian to Eugene Ware Custodian
- Adam Feagins – Fort Scott Middle School Track Coach, 2022-23
- Josseline Hunsaker – Winfield Scott Paraprofessional – 7.5 hour
- Madison Jones – Fort Scott High School Assistant Track Coach
- Jarrett Lyon – Fort Scott High School Assistant Baseball Coach
- Jana Walker – Transfer from Winfield Scott Paraprofessional to St. Mary’s School Paraprofessional
- Tracy Watkins – Fort Scott Middle School Custodian
- Destry Brown – Superintendent – Contract extension – 3-year renewal for the 2023-24, 2024-25, 2025-26 school years
Home Mortgage Business Opens Branch in Fort Scott
A business, whose mission is to help homeowners and also increase financial security, recently opened.
Open Mortgage opened a branch office at 1 East Wall Street, Fort Scott, in December 2022.
The branch manager is David Vonfeldt, with the Fort Scott location serving four states.
There are four employees in the Fort Scott Branch – Joe’ Fritter is a loan officer with two additional loan officers, Monica Creighton and Paul Vonfeldt in Wichita.
Fort Scott is the hometown for Joe’(Albright) Fritter.
She recently left healthcare after 34 years to work in the mortgage
business with her brother in law, David Vonfeldt.
David is married to Joe’s sister Dani (Albright) Vonfeldt. They recently moved to Fort Scott from Wichita in November of
2022.
“David’s business plan has always been to open up his own Branch within Open Mortgage,” Fritter said. “As the stars aligned, this was made possible in December of 2022.”
We are looking forward to assisting the residents in Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma and Arkansas,” she said.
Open Mortgage was founded in 2003 and David Vonfeldt has been with the company for eight years, Joe’ started in March of 2022.
Contact information
Fritter
E-mail : [email protected] website or the wesbite: openmortgage.com/joe-fritter
Phone number – 620-644-8146 (licensed in Kansas, Missouri)
Vonfeldt
E-mail : [email protected], the website is
openmortgage.com/david-vonfeldt
Phone number – 316-619-2720 (licensed in Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Arkansas).
About Open Mortage
Open Mortgage is a nationally recognized, rapidly growing, multi-channel mortgage lender that allows the American dream of home ownership, according to a press release.
Since 2003, the business has been dedicated to assisting borrowers.
Mowing Proposals For City of Fort Scott Requested
The City of Fort Scott is accepting proposals for mowing and trimming of public and private properties for both one (1) year and three (3) year contracts. The sites will generally be locations that have been cited for violation of the City’s vegetation nuisance ordinances. Services will be on an “as needed” basis and will have to be completed five (5) days from notification. Successful applicants will be required to provide certification of a minimum of $100,000 in commercial liability insurance, provide proof of Workers Compensation coverage or sign a waiver, and be at least 18 years old.
Applicants can submit bids for each of the following:
–Small residential or commercial jobs requiring mowers less than 48” and trimming based on approximately 6,000 square feet or less. All overgrowth over one inch (1”) thick must be cut down also. Pick up limbs, debris, and trash before mowing and remove them from property. Please note that before and after photos will need to be taken before payment is received.
–Large residential or commercial jobs requiring tractor and brush hog mower, trimming based on 6,000 square feet or per acre, per job. Pick up limbs, debris, and trash before mowing and remove them from property. Please note that before and after photos will need to be taken before payment is received.
Submit sealed bid proposals in writing no later than 4:00PM Friday, March 17th, 2023, to Lisa A. Lewis, City Clerk, City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701. Call 620-223-0550 with questions. The City reserves the right as a judge of all values of selection and to use more than one of the bidders if necessary to manage the workload.
PLEASE SUBMIT EACH BID SEPARATELY.
Agenda for the U234 Board of Education on Feb. 13
BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING
FEBRUARY 13, 2023 – 5:30 P.M.
AGENDA SUMMARY
1.0 Call Meeting to Order
Danny Brown, President
2.0 Flag Salute
3.0 Approval of the Official Agenda (Action Item)
4.0 Approval of the Consent Agenda (Action Item)
4.1 Board Minutes
4.2 Financials-Cash Flow Report
4.3 Check Register
4.4 Payroll – January 20, 2023 – $1,543,148.20
4.5 Activity Fund accounts
4.6 Extended Trip Applications
4.7 COVID Operations Guidelines
4.8 Special Board Meeting – work session to discuss and prioritize long-term plan and capital improvements, February 27th – 6:00 pm
5.0 Employee and Student Recognition
6.0 Leadership Reports (Information/Discussion)
6.1 Fort Scott KNEA Report
6.2 Superintendent’s Report
6.3 Assistant Superintendent’s Report
6.4 Administrators’ Report
6.5 Finance Director’s Report
7.0 Old Business
7.1 Fort Scott Preschool Center (Information/Discussion)
8.0 New Business
8.1 Tennis Courts Resurface – Pro Track and Tennis, Inc. (Action Item)
8.2 Investment of Interest – 90-day – $2,500,000 (Action Item)
8.3 2023-24 School Calendar (pending negotiations) (Action Item)
8.4 Gilmore Bell Disclosure Compliance Services Proposal (Action Item)
8.5 District Meal Allowance Reimbursement Increase (Action Item)
8.6 MOU For Shared Employee Between USD 234 and SEK-CAP, Inc. (Action Item)
9.0 Public Forum
10.0 Other Business – Personnel Matters
10.1 Enter Executive Session – Personnel Matters (Action Item)
10.2 Exit Executive Session
10.3 Approval of Personnel Report (Action Item)
10.4 Approval of Personnel Report (Action Item)
10.5 Approval of Personnel Report (Action Item)
11.0 Adjourn Meeting
President Brown
Local Insurance Industry Software Business to Change Name
Nedra Barr started the business, Spyder Inc., in 2021, and it is located at 102 W. 2nd. She is the CEO and founder.
The business develops software and sells it to the insurance industry.
This month the business is renaming to OnboardXI.
“The new name is short for Onboarding Experience Improvement,” she said. “Our new name represents what we do for insurance companies and Insurance Marketing Organizations (IMO), which are our two target markets. The Spyder name will be phased out once the new website is up and running over the next few weeks.”
Onboarding is the processing of a new application for insurance of any kinds, Barr said. “Once the application for insurance is completed by the customer, it goes to the Insurance Marketing Organization or directly to the insurance company to process and issue or decline the policy. While I make this sound simple, these are highly complicated and technical work streams for insurance companies. Every insurance company is unique from another.”
“The OnboardXi solution is easily flexible and adaptable to accommodate each company’s differences,” she said. “Our platform connects systems together fast, processes new applications fast…. right the first time. Pretty fun stuff!”
“What used to take months and years to setup for an insurance company, we can do in weeks to couple of months,” she said. “This will be a huge cost savings to insurance companies compared to older types of software solutions.”
“We liked the Spyder name but found it to be too common,” Barr said. “As a result, we were not able to obtain the social media handles we need for marketing and sales.”
In today’s world, a business needs to use social media for presence, awareness and marketing, she said. ” We now have those capabilities with our new name.”
The OnboardXI Platform began demonstrations on Feb. 3 to insurance companies and IMO’s with a rebranded rollout slated for March 1, 2023.
The business has a new low code, no code digital platform that is unique in the insurance industry, according to Mike Upright, CTO Founder. All types of new insurance applications: home, auto, life, disability, annuities, worker’s compensation, etc. will be driven through the application process in the client’s offices with the OnboardXI workflows.
OnboardXI can help up-sell and cross-sell their client’s products and services, which are new capabilities in the market, Upright said.
“This year, 45% of all insurance companies are anticipated to have projects to improve upon the exact things the OnboardXI solution solves,” Upright said.
David Brezik, local Fort Scott resident and investor in the business, is also the OnboardXi Senior Vice President Product and Co-Founder. He believes their business will have a “significant impact in the insurance marketplace. This is truly next level software that will revolutionize the insurance industry.”
“We know the impact and importance of our solution in the United States,” Senior Vice President Product Engineering and Co-Founder Arun Nageshwar said. “When we are ready, we will look to specific international markets to serve as well.”
Three people work in Fort Scott office: Brezik, Barr and a marketing support person.
Nageshwar works from India and Upright from St Augustine, FL.
For more information, contact Barr at [email protected]
Two Vacancies on FS Street Advisory Board
There are TWO (2) openings on the Fort Scott Street Advisory Board. The function of the Board is to provide suggestions to the City Commission regarding road improvement projects throughout the City of Fort Scott.
When submitting your letter/email of interest, please provide any specific knowledge or training you have that would complement you being a member of this Board.
All Boards and Commissions serve on a volunteer basis and are not compensated. If you would like more information please contact Lisa Lewis, City Clerk at [email protected] or by calling 620.223.0550. Please submit your letter of interest by March 8th, 2023.
What’s Happening in Fort Scott Feb. 9 Newsletter
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One opening (City resident) for the Fort Scott Design Review Board
There is one opening (City resident) for the Fort Scott Design Review Board.
The function of the Design Review Board is to review requests for Certificate of Appropriateness in the historic district of our downtown. They meet on an “as needed” basis.
If you have a desire to serve on this board and meet the above requirements, please submit a letter of interest to the City Clerk, Lisa Lewis, 123 S. Main, Fort Scott, Kansas 66701. The names will be submitted for consideration to the City Commission. All the boards and commissions serve on a volunteer basis and are not compensated. If you would like more information on this board, please contact Lisa Lewis, City Clerk at 620-223-0550 or [email protected].
Please submit your letter of interest by March 9th, 2023.
Makers Market Feb. 11 at the Bourbon County Fairgrounds
The February Makers Market is this Saturday, February 11th from 10 am to 3 pm in the Cloverleaf Event Center at the Bourbon County Fairgrounds.
The Makers Market will have lots of options for all of your Valentine’s gift
Vendors are:
Mmm Flavor Shop
Locust Hill Lamancha Goat Milk Products
Donna Beerbower’s Fudge
Designer Florals by Rilie
Hamilton Bakery
Bathhouse Trading Company
Micki Kraft’s Sewed items
All Things Cute Cuddle
Happy Little Candle Factory
Makaeldron’s Cauldron Jewelry
Frilz by Victoria
Pheonix Fire Designs
Mmm Flavor Shop will have a meals available for purchase that include create your own pasta, macaroni and cheese, from scratch Angel Food Cake, and Whoppie Pies. They will also have dips available for Sunday Superbowl Parties.
Fort Scott City MEETINGS FOR TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2023:
DESIGN REVIEW BOARD will meet at 5:00PM at City Hall regarding the Fort Scott Pavilion and discussion of open position on the Board.
SPECIAL CITY COMMISSION MEETING will meet at 6:00PM at City Hall to consider Patrick Wood Properties, LLC’s request of the City to Support (MIH), IRB, RHID or NRP. a waiver of building permits and impact fees, help with water metering, sanitary sewer tie in and storm water runoff for his Pocket Neighborhood. Also, the consideration of acquiring a mini excavator by trade.
Both meetings are open to the public and will be available on the City of Fort Scott YouTube Channel.
Komb Radio Auction Feb. 9-10
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