The work session has been cancelled that was scheduled for Friday, July 17th, 2020. It will be combined with a later budget work session.
Category Archives: Fort Scott
U234 Prepares For School Year
Preparations are being made for the next school year at USD 234, Fort Scott.
Among items on the USD 234 Board of Education on July 13 was a decision to keep the academic calendar the same as last year.
“The academic calendar is the same as it was last school year,” Ted Hessong, the superintendent, said in an email. ” At this time, we have not made any alterations to the academic calendar due to the pandemic.”
An additional nurse was added for duties at Fort Scott High School.
“The need for a fourth nurse has been a concern for the district to cover the high school,” Hessong said. “With the pandemic, the district made the commitment, working with Community Health Center, to add a fourth nurse for the high school.”
There have not been official decisions concerning the opening of school in the district, Hessong said.
“At this time we have not made any official decisions related to the opening of school buildings in August,” he said. “The district is working on alternate plans to possibly implement to ensure the safety of our students and staff.”
Here is the list of new teachers for the 2020-2021 school year in the district.
Larry Amer will teach high school art, Kaitlin Arnold will teach first grade at Winfield Scott Elementary School, Carissa Bowman will teach high school family and consumer science, Breann Eden will teach art at Winfield Scott Elementary School, Clint Heffern will teach high school social studies, Paulette Howard will teach gifted education, Danny Larsen will teach physical education at Eugene Ware Elementary School, Melissa Miller will be the elementary instructional coach, Shelly Sanborn will teach middle school special education, Torrie Singmaster will teach first grade at Winfield Scott Elementary School, Courtenay Slinkard will teach high school English, Dalaina Smith is the director of academics, Kate Sweyko is the high school special education teacher, Reyna Valenzuela will teach high school English, Alexandra VanSickle will teach first grade at Winfield Scott Elementary School.
The board accepted the resignation of Kirstie Cox as Winfield Scott second grade teacher, Abigail Helt as the high school/middle school chorus teacher, Jeanise Malone as central office accounts payable secretary, Michelle Johnson as a Eugene Ware paraprofessional, Angela Christy as a Winfield Scott paraprofessional, Stacey Gingrich as a gifted paraprofessional and Bud Hall as a bus driver.
Linda Minor, Winfield Scott transferred from first-grade teacher to second-grade.
Krista Gorman, high school/middle school instructional coach’s contract was adjusted from 90% to 100% for the 2020-21 school year.
Breann Eden, Winfield Scott art teacher, was granted a leave of absence.
Harleigh Lowry was hired as a Winfield Scott 6.5-hour cook for the 2020-21 school year.
Reemployment for the school year: Beth Alexander as a Winfield Scott Focus Room teacher, Jered McKay as a Eugene Ware Behavior Specialist, and Daniel Long, as a high school paraprofessional.
Federal COVID 19 Funding Announced
Governor Kelly Announces More Than $6 Million in Federal Funding to Respond to Coronavirus
Funding targets state, local jurisdictions, and domestic violence support and prevention
TOPEKA— Governor Laura Kelly announced $6,202,603 in grant awards to state and local jurisdictions in preventing, preparing for, and responding to the coronavirus, as well as funds to support families impacted by domestic violence.
“My administration continues to work to ensure Kansans and the communities impacted by COVID-19 have the resources they need to fight the spread of the virus” Governor Laura Kelly said. “These grants are thorough and purposeful examples of how we can direct funds across the state, especially to some of our possibly overlooked areas in need. We know domestic violence is an issue that has been amplified by the pandemic, and this funding will provide support services to those who need them the most.”
The grant awards for the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance, Federal Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding (CESF) Program will provide funds to state and local jurisdictions in preventing, preparing for, and responding to the coronavirus. Allowable purchases include overtime, equipment (including law enforcement and medical personal protective equipment), hiring, supplies (such as gloves, masks, sanitizer), training, travel expenses (particularly related to the distribution of resources to the most impacted areas), and addressing the medical needs of incarcerated inmates.
The CESF Program is authorized by Division B of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES), Act Pub. L. No. 116136 (Emergency Appropriations for Coronavirus Health Response and Agency Operations) and is supplemental to the $1.25 billion Kansas received through the Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) authorized by the same legislation.
Only the State Administrating Agency (Kansas Governor’s Office) that applied under the Federal Fiscal Year 2019 State and Local Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program is eligible to apply for the state allocation of CESF funding.
A total of $5,912,074 was awarded to 30 state and local agencies.
| CESF Grant Awards | ||
| County | Organization Name | Grant Award |
| Barton | Barton County | $102,356 |
| Bourbon | Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office | $113,454 |
| Bourbon | City of Fort Scott | $12,201 |
| Cherokee | Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office | $52,175 |
| Coffey | City of LeRoy | $14,094 |
| Coffey | Coffey County Sheriff’s Office | $46,075 |
| Crawford | Crawford County Sheriff’s Office | $16,268 |
| Ellsworth | Ellsworth Police Department | $32,960 |
| Finney | City of Garden City | $22,200 |
| Ford | City of Dodge City | $20,000 |
| Franklin | Ottawa Police Department | $168,051 |
| Harper | City of Attica | $7,500 |
| Harvey | City of Newton | $32,480 |
| Jackson | Jackson County | $52,928 |
| Marion | Marion County Emergency Management | $36,300 |
| McPherson | City of Inman | $1,900 |
| Miami | Miami County Sheriff’s Office | $57,959 |
| Montgomery | City of Independence | $35,842 |
| Montgomery | Coffeyville Police Department | $61,655 |
| Neosho | Neosho County Sheriff’s Office | $46,632 |
| Pottawatomie | Pottawatomie County Sheriff’s Office | $14,266 |
| Pratt | Pratt Police Department | $20,851 |
| Reno | Reno County Health Department | $19,348 |
| Sedgwick | City of Kechi | $60,848 |
| Sedgwick | City of Valley Center | $43,891 |
| Shawnee | Kansas Bureau of Investigation | $520,000 |
| Shawnee | Kansas Department of Corrections | $1,700,000 |
| Shawnee | Kansas Highway Patrol | $975,000 |
| Shawnee | Kansas Judicial Branch | $1,600,000 |
| Wilson | Wilson County | $24,840 |
| TOTAL GRANTS AWARDED: | $5,912,074 | |
The grant awards for the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services, Family and Youth Services Bureau, Federal Family Violence Prevention and Services Program’s Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, P.L. 116-136 are used to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) public health emergency by supporting families impacted by family violence, domestic violence, and dating violence.
This supplemental funding addresses the evolving needs of domestic violence survivors and local domestic violence programs throughout the state to ensure the continuity of shelter and supportive services.
Funds will be used for overtime and hazard pay for staff, supplies needed for COVID-19 response, equipment and software to assist in carrying out remote services, and direct victim assistance. Funding may also be used to purchase supplies for the safety of staff and operate shelters and programs during this public health emergency.
Grant funds were distributed to current Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA) subgrantees based on incorporating an equally distributed base amount, population of service area, and the number of COVID-19 positive cases as of the date the solicitation was released.
A total of $290,529 was awarded to 19 agencies.
| FVPSA-CARES ACT Grant Awards | ||
| County | Organization Name | Grant Award |
| Allen | Hope Unlimited | $7,174 |
| Barton | Family Crisis Center | $8,217 |
| Butler | Family Life Center | $8,286 |
| Crawford | Safehouse Crisis Center | $10,492 |
| Douglas | The Willow Domestic Violence Center | $11,356 |
| Ellis | Options: Domestic & Sexual Violence Services | $8,938 |
| Finney | Family Crisis Services | $27,241 |
| Ford | Crisis Center of Dodge City | $31,150 |
| Harvey | Harvey Co. Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Task Force | $8,550 |
| Johnson | SAFEHOME | $25,783 |
| Leavenworth | Alliance Against Family Violence | $17,723 |
| Lyon | SOS | $12,579 |
| Reno | BrightHouse | $8,859 |
| Riley | Crisis Center | $11,458 |
| Saline | Domestic Violence Association of Central Kansas | $9,619 |
| Sedgwick | Catholic Charities, Harbor House | $14,359 |
| Sedgwick | Wichita Family Crisis Center | $15,980 |
| Seward | Liberal Area Rape Crisis/Domestic Violence Services | $23,704 |
| Wyandotte | Friends of Yates | $29,061 |
| TOTAL GRANTS AWARDED: | $290,529 | |
U234 Board of Education Minutes of July 13
Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met virtually on Monday, July 13, for their regular monthly meeting.
President David Stewart opened the meeting. The board approved the official agenda. The board adjourned Sine Die with reorganization of the new board. David Stewart was elected President of the board, and James Wood was elected Vice-President of the board for the 2020-21 school year. The board also approved the consent agenda as follows:
A. Minutes
B. Bills and Claims
C. Payroll – June 19, 2020 – $1,703,740.89
D. Financial Report
E. Activity Fund Accounts
F. Designation of banks for deposit of school funds
G. Designation of newspaper for official school publications – The Fort Scott Tribune
H. Officers for the 2020-21 school year
I. Recreation Commission board member terms
J. Resolution for waiver of generally accepted accounting principles
K. Resolution for rescinding policy statements found in board minutes
L. Resolution to set dates and times for board meetings
M. Resolution to establish home rule by Board of Education
N. Resolution for destruction of records
O. Resolution for bank account signers
P. Organizational chart
Q. Set fees for copying of records
R. Current state mileage reimbursement rate
Board members heard a report from Brenda Hill, KNEA President.
Superintendent Ted Hessong reported on SPARK funding, Extended School Year and Jumpstart, the newly-installed high school gym bleachers, bus inspections, administrator book study, count day, graduation, and return to school information.
Gina Shelton, Business Manager, discussed closing down the fiscal year, staff/student vehicle travel, roof work, CARES money, budget software, food service, and new employee signup.
The board selected James Wood as a hearing officer for suspensions and expulsions for the 2020-21 school year.
Board members approved the following items:
· 1,116-hour calendar for the 2020-21 school year
· Memorandum of Understanding with CHC for an additional nurse
· Device replacement purchase
· RTS Microsystems purchase using E-Rate funds
· Roof change order
· Purchase of intervention materials using Title IVA funds
The board will hold a budget workshop on July 27 at 5:30 p.m.
Board members shared comments and then went into executive session to discuss personnel matters for nonelected personnel and returned to open meeting. The board then went into executive session to discuss matters relating to employer-employee negotiations and returned to open meeting. The board then went into executive session to discuss matters relating to security measures and returned to open meeting.
The board approved the following employment matters:
A. Resignation of Kirstie Cox, Winfield Scott second grade teacher, effective at the end of the 2019-20 school year
B. Resignation of Abigail Helt, high school/middle school chorus teacher, effective immediately
C. Resignation of Jeanise Malone, central office accounts payable secretary, effective July 3, 2020
D. Resignation of Michelle Johnson, Eugene Ware paraprofessional, effective at the end of the 2019-20 school year
E. Resignation of Angela Christy, Winfield Scott paraprofessional, effective at the end of the 2019-20 school year
F. Resignation of Stacey Gingrich, gifted paraprofessional, effective at the end of the 2019-20 school year
G. Resignation of Bud Hall, bus driver, effective at the end of the 2019-20 school year
H. Transfer of Linda Minor, Winfield Scott first grade teacher, to Winfield Scott second grade teacher for the 2020-21 school year
I. Contract adjustment for Krista Gorman, high school/middle school instructional coach, from 90% to 100% for the 2020-21 school year
J. Leave of absence request from Breann Eden, Winfield Scott art teacher
K. Employment of Alexandra VanSickle as a Winfield Scott first grade teacher for the 2020-21 school year
L. Employment of Harleigh Lowry as a Winfield Scott 6.5-hour cook for the 2020-21 school year
M. Reemployment of Beth Alexander as a Winfield Scott Focus Room teacher for the 2020-21 school year
N. Reemployment of Jered McKay as a Eugene Ware Behavior Specialist for the 2020-21 school year
O. Reemployment of Daniel Long, high school paraprofessional, for the 2020-21 school year.
The board adjourned.
FS City Commission Meets July 17
The Fort Scott City Commission will meet on Friday, July 17th, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at the City Hall Commission Meeting Room at 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas to hold a work session to discuss the City’s 5 year capital plan.
The meetings are still limited in number due to the COVID-19 pandemic, however the room will only hold 14 due to the 6’ social distancing rules. Patrons will be let in until the room is full to ensure the public health orders are followed.
The meeting will be available on the City’s YouTube channel.
FS Lake Advisory Board Meets July 18
The Lake Fort Scott Advisory Board will meet on Saturday, July 18th, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. at the City Hall Commission Meeting Room at 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas.
The meetings are still limited in number due to the COVID-19 pandemic, however the room will only hold 14 due to the 6’ social distancing rules. Patrons will be let in until the room is full to ensure the public health orders are followed.
The meeting will still be available on the City’s YouTube channel.
Chamber Of Commerce Calendar of Events
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New FS City Engineer: Nate Stansberry
Nate Stansberry, 32, is the Fort Scott City Engineer
as of June 29, 2020.
Stansberry received a Bachelor of Science in Engineering, Civil Emphasis, from Marshall University, Huntington, WV.
He worked two years in the Springfield, MO Public Works Stormwater Division as an engineer in training; five years in the Rutland, VT Department of Public Works as an associate and assistant city engineer; two and one-half years with the Asian Development Bank in the Republic of the Marshall Islands as a Technical Advisor—Water and Sewer Operations Engineer for the Majuro Water and Sewer Company.
The following is from an interview with Stansberry.
Why did you pursue a degree in civil engineering?
“I’ve always enjoyed construction and water-related activities and felt civil engineering was a natural fit,” Stansberry said. “I credit my time working under Errin Kemper at the City of Springfield for helping me see the vision of being a municipal engineer and Dr. John Bailey in an interview with the City of Pittsburg, KS on a position I didn’t get, for showing me how fulfilling being a city engineer in a smaller, full-service city could be. I also credit Alan Shelvey and Pete Kelley in Rutland, Vermont, for their mentorship and example and tutelage of what it means to be a public servant and how we can make an impact each day on the well being of those around us. Each day I get to go work and try to make where I live a little bit better with co-workers striving to do the same. Professionally—I haven’t found anything more fulfilling, yet.”
What are your duties for the City of Fort Scott?
“Fort Scott has not had a city engineer in thirty-plus years so I’m not walking into an established role. On a day to day basis, I’m looking to support our public works divisions in their day-to-day activities and short and long-term capital replacement planning. I’m also looking to provide support and design services to other city groups as time allows. I also see record keeping as an important part of my job and will look to prepare a repository of city works for future reference and hopefully the engineer that comes after me. Most of all, I’m here to serve the public and maintain an open-door policy and can be found at the Code’s Department in Memorial Hall from 8 am-5 pm.”
Stansberry and his wife, Victoria, who is a native of Rolla, KS, have been married 10 years.
“She last taught Spanish as a school teacher but has stayed home with our daughter since her birth,” Stansberry said. “Our daughter, aptly named Kansas, will be three this upcoming August.”
Chamber Coffee Venue Changed To Common Ground on July 9
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Chamber Coffee At Ellis Center on July 9: Masks Required
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FSHS Has New Gym Seating
The old Fort Scott High School bleachers were installed over 50 years ago in 1964, and have served the school activities since that time.
Recently USD 234 purchased and installed new ones. The new bleachers are located in the main gymnasium at FSHS.
“They have served their purpose, and in the past several years have needed numerous repairs,” Jeff DeLaTorre, U234 Athletic/Activities Director, said.
They were identified as an area to address for many years by the school leadership.
“The cost and skill to maintain the bleachers to function safely versus replacing them were prohibitive, which is why it was decided to replace them,” Gina Shelton, U234 Business Manager and Board Clerk, said.
“The new bleachers also provide a more modern look to the gym, as well as provide more comfort to our fans and spectators,” DeLaTorre said.
“They were installed over the past two weeks. The backs to the bleachers will be installed later this summer,” he said.
The total cost was $314,020 and was paid out of the school district’s contingency part of the bond funds, according to Shelton.
“We feel the new look in the gym will benefit our students daily, providing a brighter look that will enhance pride in their school,” DeLaTorre said. “They will also benefit our parents, spectators, and fans that attend events in our gym by providing more comfortable seating. The addition of these bleachers is a positive addition to our gym that has been the site of some wonderful memories in the past, and we know will be home to more wonderful moments in the future.”
FS High School Prom July 25, 2020
Fort Scott Junior/Senior Prom, July, 25, 2020
The Fort Scott High School Class of 2020 Parent Group will be hosting PROM 2020, held July 25 at The River Room in Fort Scott, KS. The Walk-in will begin at 6:15 PM, with the dance to begin at 8:00 PM and end at 11:00 PM.
This is a free event and is open to all Fort Scott High School Junior and Senior students along with their dates. Nobody over the age of 21 will be allowed to attend the prom.
Due to COVID-19 concerns, all attendees will be required to turn in a signed waiver form in order to attend. Attendees over the age of 18 can sign the waiver themselves, while attendees under the age of 18 must have a parent/legal guardian signatures. The waiver can be picked up at the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, and Common Ground Coffee Shop. If you would like to print out the waiver yourself, please text or email Vanessa Poyner at (620) 719-6943, [email protected] to receive the link to the waiver. The waiver will not need to be returned before July 25th. The signed waiver will be the students “ticket” to enter the dance.
The Prom walk-in will be from 6:15 PM- 8:00 PM. The walk-in will start on the corner of Judson & Oak Street and will continue East up to the venue entrance. In order to ensure social distancing, we are requesting that only family attend the walk-in viewing, and abide by all State/County/City mandates and safety recommendations. The walk-in will also be streamed online live through www.kombfm.com City Link TV.
This years prom theme is “Hot Havana Nights”, and the Prom 2020 King & Queen candidates, are; Addison Lyons, Emma Martin, Lauren Madison, Caleb Briggs, David Milburn, and Gage Wilson.
If you have any questions or concerns, contact Vanessa Poyner at [email protected] or (620) 719-6943.
“The Senior students have had to miss out on so many important activities due to COVID-19. We are hoping that by allowing them the opportunity to have a prom will grant them a bit of closure to their senior year, and give them one last chance to celebrate with their classmates,” Vanessa Poyner said.
Here is the waiver the parents and students will be required to sign prior to entering the event.
Fort Scott Prom 2020 Student/Parent/Guardian Waiver
Parents or Legal Guardians:
The Fort Scott High School Class of 2020 Parent Group will be hosting PROM 2020, held July 25th at The River Room in Fort Scott, KS. The Walk-in will begin at 6:15 PM, with the dance to begin at 8:00 PM. By signing this form, you are agreeing to attend (students over 18), or giving permission for your child (the student is under the age of 18) to attend this year’s Junior-Senior Prom. Furthermore, you, the student/parent/guardian, are waiving and releasing any liability on the FSHS Class of 2020 Parent Group, including any specific individuals associated with said Parent Group; The River Room (the venue); and any volunteers present, including but not limited to parents serving as chaperones at the event, helping with set-up or take-down, providing transportation, and/or assisting in any other way at or during the Walk-in or the Prom dance.
Any and all liabilities, injuries, illness, and/or damages that may occur to the student at or during the walk-in or Prom, including transportation to and from the event will be your (the parents or legal guardians) responsibility and not that of the named entities above. By signing this release form, the student/parent/guardian agree to abide by the following guidelines, especially with the current COVID-19 situation.
All persons in attendance will NOT be allowed to attend and enter the prom unless this release form is presented to the designated volunteers on the evening of July 25, 2020.(See back signature page for signatures needed)
Prom 2020 Guidelines
- All temperatures will be taken prior to entering the prom venue. Should your student have a temperature higher than 100.4 degrees, they will NOT be allowed to enter and will be asked to leave the premises.
- All State/County/City orders will be followed. (ie. masks, social distancing, etc.)
- All dates MUST be 21 years of age or younger. If committee members deem necessary, they will ask for the ID of attendees present. If not able to present ID’s as to their age, they will NOT be allowed to enter and will be asked to leave the premises.
- No one may bring alcohol onto the premises, including inside the venue. Failure to abide by this provision will result in your child being asked to leave the premises.
- No one may bring controlled substances, illegal substances, vaping instruments, cigarettes, chewing tobacco, firearms, and the like on premises. Failure to abide by this provision will result in your child being asked to leave the premises.
- We/I understand, by signing this release form, that it is possible that, due to COVID-19, sickness could possibly occur. We, the undersigned, agree to release all parties and entities mentioned above as to any liability due to any resulting sickness or illness to the student, the student’s date, the student’s family, the student’s friends, and anyone else with whom the student may come into contact with after the walk-in and Prom dance.
Thank you for your understanding and support in this situation. We know these are unusual times. We want to assure that this year’s Prom will be an exciting and memorable time for you and your child.
Fort Scott High School Student Name (please print):
_________________________________________________________________
Grade: __________
________________________________________ _________________
Parent/Legal Guardian Signature (if student is under 18) Date
________________________________________ ___________________
Signature of Fort Scott High School Student Date
Guest Name (If not FSHS Student): _______________________________________
________________________________________ _________________
Parent/Legal Guardian Signature (if student is under 18) Date
________________________________________ ___________________
Signature of Guest (If not FSHS Student) Date