Category Archives: Government
FSCC Trustees Meet Today for Workshop
01/23/26 – 12:00 p.m. – Special Board of Fort Scott Community College Trustees Meeting for purposes of Board Workshop
01/26/26 – 5:30 p.m. – Regular Board of Trustees Meeting .
The trustees will meet in the Ellis Center on the campus, 2108 S. Horton.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES SPECIAL MEETING
ELLIS FINE ARTS BUILDING
JANUARY 23, 2026 – 12:00 P.M.
PUBLIC AGENDA
1.0 Call Meeting to Order
2.0 Flag Salute & Invocation
3.0 Oath of Office by new trustees Destry Brown, Chad Cosens, and Marilyn Hoyt
4.0 Appoint Chair and Clerk for this board meeting (Action)
5.0 Leadership Reports & Updates (Information)
5.1 Academics
- Vice President of Academic Affairs
5.2 Advancement
- Foundation Director
- Gordon Parks Museum
- Gordon Parks Museum Strategic Plan
- Thank You notes from visit
- Gordon Parks Museum
5.3 Athletics
- Athletic Director
5.4 Finance & Operations
- CFO – Vice President of Finance & Operations
- Debt Map for FSCC
- Business Office & Maintenance Update
5.5 Student Services
- Vice President of Student Affairs
- Inclement Weather procedure
- Main
- Outreach
- Inclement Weather procedure
5.6 Administrative Committees
- Scholarship Committee proposals
- Present for board consideration in February
- Academic
- Institutional
- Employee Scholarship
- Present for board consideration in February
5.7 Presidential Update
- President Dr. Jack Welch
6.0 Review of January 26, 2025, agenda items (Information)
6.1 Appointment of Officers, Positions, and Officials
6.2 Consent Agenda
- Minutes
- Financials – Cash Flow Report
- Check Register – $629,588.01
- Payroll – December 15, 2025 – $659,789.66
- Contract Ratification
- Resolution 26-01: Banking Signers
- Resolution 26-02: Participation in State of Kansas Municipal Investment Pool
- Board Member Conflict of Interest
- Acknowledgment and Consent to Release Pledged Collateral
6.3 Community, Employee, and Student Recognition
6.4 Old Business
- Important Board Dates 2026.pdf
- Trustee Emeritus
- Academic Calendar 2026-2027
- Sale of 701 N National
6.5 New Business
- State of the College address will be May 21st at 12 pm in the Ellis Fine Arts building
- Association of Community College Trustees
- Member of Good Standing 2026
- Special Board Meeting – February 2, 2026, Ellis Fine Arts Building
- Bid Acceptance – CNC Machine using Perkins funding
- INA Alert proposal
- Mission Statement update
6.6 Other Business – Personnel Matters
6.7 Board Member Comments
7.0 Enter Executive Session – Security Measures (Action)
8.0 Exit Executive Session – Security Measurers – return to open session (Action)
9.0 Enter Executive Session – Personnel Matters (Action)
10.0 Exit Executive Session – Personnel Matters & return to open session (Action)
11.0 Board Member Training – Governance 101 (Information)
12.0 Adjourn (Action)
Kansas Labor Report for December
Labor Report
December 2025
TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Labor has released the December 2025 Kansas Labor Report. The full report can be accessed here: December 2025 Kansas Labor Report.
The Labor Report schedule for 2026 has not yet been released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. We will send the 2026 schedule when it becomes available.
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Energy Assistance Starts Today
Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) Application Period Opens in Kansas
DCF Begins Taking Applications Jan. 20
TOPEKA – The Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) has announced that applications are now being accepted for the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP). The application period runs from Tuesday, Jan. 20, through 5 p.m. on Tuesday, March 31, 2026.
LIEAP provides a one-time per year benefit to help qualifying households pay winter heating costs, whether the home is heated with electricity, natural gas, propane, or other home heating fuels. In 2025, more than 43,000 Kansas households received an average benefit of about $680.
“LIEAP plays a critical role in helping Kansas families remain safe and warm through the state’s often harsh winter months,” said DCF Secretary Laura Howard.
The federal government shutdown in late 2025 delayed the distribution of LIEAP funding to states for the 2026 season, which in turn delayed DCF’s planning efforts and the start of the 2026 application period.
Qualifying for LIEAP
To qualify, households must have an adult at the address responsible for the home’s heating costs. Applicants must be at or below 150% of the federal poverty level (see the 2026 income eligibility guidelines below). The level of benefit received varies according to household income, number of people living in the home, type of residence, type of heating fuel, and utility rates.
Applying for LIEAP
Applications can be accessed online at dcf.ks.gov by clicking the “Apply for Services” button on the top right side of the website.
DCF is planning in-person events to help Kansans submit their LIEAP applications. For a schedule of in-person LIEAP application events, visit lieap.dcf.ks.gov and click on “Where are the in-person LIEAP application events being held this year” in the drop-down menu.
When applying for LIEAP, Kansans should have their identification, proof of income for all adult household members, copies of heating utility bills (gas, electric, propane, etc.), and a copy of their rental agreement if they are living in subsidized housing.
2026 Income Eligibility Guidelines
| Persons Living at this Address | Maximum Gross Monthly Income |
| 1 | $1,956 |
| 2 | $2,644 |
| 3 | $3,331 |
| 4 | $4,019 |
| 5 | $4,706 |
| 6 | $5,394 |
| 7 | $6,081 |
| 8 | $6,769 |
| +1 $688 for each additional person | |
Learn more about LIEAP in Kansas, including frequently asked questions, other community resources, and the complete schedule of LIEAP application events at lieap.dcf.ks.gov. Funding for LIEAP is provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Community Service through the Federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program.
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USD 234 Demonstrates Academic Growth Across Core Subjects
USD 234 is proud to share academic progress reflected in the recent Kansas Assessment Program (KAP) results. These results demonstrate meaningful gains in Math, English Language Arts (ELA), and Science.
Over the past several years, USD 234 students have steadily improved proficiency rates on the state assessments required by KSDE. Proficiency status represents students mastering grade level standards that are included on the state assessment each spring. USD 234 now ranks near the top of other Southeast Kansas League schools in multiple subject areas. In Math and ELA, Fort Scott’s proficiency levels have climbed consistently, placing the district among one of the strongest performers among other Southeast Kansas League schools for the 2024–25 school year. Science results also reflect sustained and consistent growth over the last few years.
These results reflect the dedication and hard work of all USD 234 staff. This is also a reflection of each students’ commitment to continuous learning. We are thankful for these individuals’ efforts each and every day.
More detailed assessment information is available through the Kansas State Department of Education Report Card at datacentral.ksde.gov.”
KS Legislative Hotline: Information For Legislative Sessions
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School Board Recognition Month
Unified School District 234
424 South Main
Fort Scott, KS 66701-2697
620-223-0800 Fax 620-223-2760
DESTRY BROWN Superintendent
TERRY MAYFIELD Assistant Superintendent
Join us in thanking our Board of Education
January is School Board Recognition Month, and our school district would like to thank each of our board of education members for their incredible service to our community and our public schools.
School board members in USD 234 develop policies and make important decisions that help shape the future of our education system.
This January, please join us as we thank our school board members for volunteering their time, their passion for serving our district and for advocating on behalf of every child in our community.
The board members serving USD 234 and their years of service are:
David Stewart – President Stewart Gulager – Vice President
Doug Hurd Nick Barrows
Mike Miles Phil Jackson
Rory Chaplin
Sincerely,
Destry Brown
USD 234 – Fort Scott
Legislative Update by State Senator Caryn Tyson
January 16, 2026
…and they’re off. Well, that’s what the first week of session was like. Committee meetings were the big focus. The Governor’s State of the State was also the first week of session, which was unusual. Who knows why she gave her last one early in session. Most likely because she has heard what most legislators have heard – it is going to be a short session because a few in leadership are running for statewide office. The Senate President has said it will not be a shortened session and that we will use the 90 days as defined in the Kansas Constitution (even numbered years can only last 90 days). That is good because there is plenty of work.
Property Taxes have reached a boiling point. The appraisal system is not always accurate, and some local government officials continue to deny that there were property tax increases – when we all know we are paying more. The Senate Tax Committee had hearings on Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR) 1616, Cap Assessment-value Protection (CAP) Amendment, to cap your annual assessment value increases to 3% or less with a base year of 2022, and the capped assessment value would transfer with the property when it sells. The CAP Amendment is a constitutional amendment that would help rein in sudden property tax jumps on individual properties.
The Governor was silent on property taxes in her State of the State speech. As you know, it takes a supermajority in each chamber for a constitutional amendment and then a vote of the people. Other legislation takes a simple majority in both chambers and the Governor or a supermajority to override a Governor’s veto. It took a few years to pass income tax cuts, including exempting Social Security from state income tax and a property tax freeze for seniors in need and disabled veterans. I am working diligently with numerous colleagues to achieve property tax relief and to repair a broken system.
Redistricting it appears there are not enough legislators who want to tackle redistricting of U.S. Congressional seats in Kansas. There has been much national attention on the issue, and several states are moving forward on the effort – red and blue states. It is not to be taken lightly, and it appears it will not happen in Kansas.
Waste and Fraud have national attention. Concerns about welfare fraud in Kansas, fueled by taxpayer frustration and high-profile cases like Minnesota, are resulting in much needed increased reporting and investigations. SNAP (food stamps) and TANF (welfare cash assistance) benefit cards have been hacked in Kansas with card readers that steal card numbers and PINs, allowing a clone card to drain the funds. In Kansas, it’s mainly being reported in the KC and Wichita areas.
KSLegislature.gov has bill information, a list of legislators, videos of committee meetings and floor debates, and much more available information. My email address is [email protected] or phone number during session is 785.296.6838.
It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.
Caryn
U.S. Congressman Derek Schmidt’s Newsletter
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New Preschool Facility Is Expected by December 2026
USD234 Assistant Superintendent Terry Mayfield provided an update on the district’s new preschool facility at 904 Horton, which has been an ongoing project for several years.
This former medical clinic is being transformed into a modern preschool.
Background on the Project
“The district purchased the building during the 2023–24 school year with the long-term goal of creating a dedicated early childhood and preschool facility,” Mayfield said in a press release. “Following the purchase, the project timeline extended longer than originally anticipated for several reasons: the previous owner/tenant remained in the building through Fall 2024, which delayed demolition and construction activities. Once the building was fully vacated, the district completed demolition of the first floor to open the space for preschool use.”
Additionally, as the project moved forward, the scope was revised due to budget constraints, updating designs with engineers and architects, addressing structural needs (excavation, foundation waterproofing, and drainage improvements), he said
“While these steps added time, they are important to ensure the building is safe, functional, and durable for long-term use as a school facility,” he said.
About the Program
“The Fort Scott USD 234 preschool program provides early childhood education for young learners, with a strong focus on school readiness, social-emotional development, and foundational academic skills,” said Mayfield. “The program also serves as the district’s early childhood special education site, supporting students with identified disabilities as well as children considered at risk.”
The current preschool center is located at 409 S. Judson. Services for the district’s preschool program are located at this site and also Winfield Scott Elementary School.
“Bringing these services together in one purpose-built facility will improve coordination, accessibility, and overall support for students and families,” he said.
Current Status and Timeline
“Excavation and waterproofing work is currently underway, with interior shoring in the final stages of approval. Once approved, shoring installation is expected to begin in mid-January and be completed within a couple of weeks. Architectural plan development is ongoing, with a revised timeline targeting final plan approval and submission to the construction manager, Crossland Construction, by June. Bidding and Board approval of pricing are anticipated in July, followed by a late July construction start. Project completion and turnover to the district are projected for late November to early December 2026.”
“In addition, playground equipment for the site has already been manufactured and is ready for delivery. Installation is planned for late January or early February, with an on-site coordination meeting scheduled to finalize logistics and align the work with ongoing site activities.”
Current Enrollment and Capacity
“The preschool program currently serves approximately 120 students. Enrollment typically grows throughout the school year as children age into the program. At present, the district operates two preschool classrooms in the existing preschool building and utilizes two additional classrooms at Winfield Scott Elementary to accommodate enrollment.”
“The new facility will initially include four dedicated preschool classrooms, allowing the district to fully serve current enrollment in one centralized location. The building has also been designed with future expansion in mind, including the potential to add an additional classroom as enrollment needs grow.”
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Terry Mayfield, Assistant Superintendent
Fort Scott USD 234 can be reached at
620-223-0800 or
KS Rail Service Improvements Announced
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KDOC: $2.1M through Jobs for the Future
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