USD 234 Board of Education Regular Meeting – November 9, 2026
Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, November 9, 2026, for their regular monthly meeting at 409 S Judson. President David Stewart opened the meeting.
The board toured the Preschool building, approved the official agenda, and approved the consent agenda, which included:
Board Minutes – 10-12-26
Financials – Cash Flow Report
Check Register
Payroll – October 20, 2026 – $1,858,409.56
Activity Funds Accounts
USD 234 Gifts
Reports
Sabrina Keating, the district’s Gifted Facilitator for K-12, works in each building on math, reading, critical thinking and other projects, with help from Tyler Slinkard at the high school. She said she is excited to work with students across their entire school careers.
Pat Wood updated the board on the Preschool building project.
Superintendent Zach Johnson thanked staff, students and the community for their effort on Strategic Planning, with more information to come, and commended staff who presented during the November PLC/PD Day.
Assistant Superintendent Terry Mayfield updated the board on projects throughout the district and explained a budget increase tied to operating costs, noting all departments are working to have facilities ready for winter.
Special Education Director Tonya Barnes shared an update on the first Cat Aide payment, said she is working toward a December 1st update, and noted she will attend the Tri-State Law Conference soon.
Board Action
The board did not approve, on a 3-3 vote, the termination of the IT Services Agreement with FSCC.
The board approved:
Payment & Performance Bond Requirements for District Construction Projects
Mentorship Agreement
Discussion Items
Facilities Naming Policy – Discussion continued and will resume at a future meeting.
Health Insurance Renewal – Discussion and approval expected later this month once all information is available.
Softball Facility Improvements – Discussion was held on improvements at Fisher Park; more information will come back to the board after talks with other entities.
Board Meeting Streaming – KASB has suggested board meetings no longer be streamed; the board discussed the topic and will revisit it later.
Board Member Expectations – Mr. Stewart reminded the board of expectations covered in their training.
Three staff members were present for Public Forum. The board went into executive session for legal matters, then for personnel matters, after which it approved the Personnel Report. The board also went into executive session for the Superintendent Evaluation. President David Stewart then adjourned the meeting.
Personnel Report – Approved November 9, 2026
Resignations/Terminations/Retirements:
Paula Coyan – Resignation – Paraprofessional – High School
Heather Davis-Hartman – Supplemental Resignation – Assistant Softball Coach – High School
Marilyn Hay – Supplemental Resignation – Volleyball Coach – High School
Doug Miller – Retirement – Bus Driver
Aubrey Prine – Resignation – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott
Tonya Smith – Rescind – Preschool Van Driver
Stacey Wright – Resignation – Paraprofessional – High School
Leave of Absence:
Whitley Chesney – Leave of Absence
Employment – Classified Recommendations for 2026-27 School Year:
Mikiah Anderson – Preschool Van Driver
Aubrey Ard – Paraprofessional – High School
Jessica Ballou – Paraprofessional – High School
Justin Eichenberger – Part time to Full time Paraprofessional – High School
Clint Hazen – Bus Driver
Erica McClendon – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott
Supplemental Recommendations:
Chris Chaplin – Van Driver – Swimming – High School
Kathryn Karhoff – Assistant Boys’ and Girls’ Swim Coach – High School
Jamie Rogers – Assistant Girls’ Basketball Coach – High School
Graphic submitted by The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce.
Seventeen Fort Scott High School students will present their business products at a trade show and competition this evening, November 10, at the FSHS Auxiliary Gym from 6 to 8 p.m.
Among the students’ businesses are baked goods, candles, Christmas items, and home decor.
Lily Baluyot, Chanelle Cravens/Paizlee Crumby, Keeyon Deal, Tavin Anderson, Leon Cruz/Cameron Jackson, Alissa Doherty, Austin Chandra Kylee Conner, Xabier Granere, Kimberly McBoon, Te’Drin Turner, Sydney Hull, Hailey Spencer, Banks Brown, Kaylee McDerment, and Sydney Grant/Cora Eisenbrandt are the business entrepreneurs featured at the event.
Meet the students, shop their wares, and vote for your favorite business idea for the Community Choice Award. Awards will be presented at the conclusion of the Tradeshow.
The Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge (YEC), a partnership between Local E-Communities, Network Kansas, and K-State Research and Extension, gives Kansas students in grades 6–12 the opportunity to develop, create, manage, and showcase their very own business ventures, according to a K-State Facebook page.
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce is supporting the event as well.
“Whether you’re a parent, educator, community supporter, or simply curious about what our young innovators have been working on, we invite YOU to come see their creativity, hard work, and entrepreneurial spirit in action,” according to the Facebook page.
Just browsing and encouraging the students is welcome, too!
Join the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, Fort Scott High School, and NetWork Kansas for the Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge (YEC) Tradeshow.
Tuesday, November 10
6 to 8 p.m.
Fort Scott High School Auxiliary Gym
WHAT TO EXPECT
• Shop 17 student businesses featuring baked goods, candles, Christmas items, home décor, and more.
• Meet the students and learn about their business ideas.
• Vote for the Community Choice Award.
• Stay for awards at the conclusion of the tradeshow.
Under the guidance of Mrs. Dani Cummings, the new FSHS business teacher, every participating business has developed a physical product to sell. Bring a little spending money and get a start on your holiday shopping!
Just browsing is welcome, too! Asking questions and encouraging the students is a great way to support their hard work.
Invite a friend and help us give these young entrepreneurs a great turnout!
The overall local winner will advance to the state championship in Manhattan, with competition on April 21, 2027. The statewide YEC Series is coordinated by NetWork Kansas in partnership with K-State Research and Extension and the K-State Center for the Advancement of Entrepreneurship.
FORT SCOTT — USD 234 is trying to bring down a proposed 53% increase in its health insurance rates, with recommendations expected at the board’s November meeting.
“We saw a 53% proposed increase in our rates and that’s just not doable,” Assistant Superintendent Terry Mayfield told the board Oct. 12. Mayfield said the district had a very bad claims year, with a 140% loss ratio. Early proposals from other carriers showed no real difference from Blue Cross Blue Shield, the current carrier, and the district was waiting on more quotes.
Mayfield said the options include changing plan designs, such as higher deductibles, and using part of the district’s health insurance reserve to buy down the increase, while keeping enough in reserve. Having employees take on part of the increase was also raised. “If we could get down to probably a 15 to 20% increase based on what our claims loss was last year, I’d feel pretty good about that, even though that’s pretty painful,” Mayfield said.
Mayfield said the benefits committee would bring proposals back for the November board meeting. The board’s next regular meeting is Monday, Nov. 9.
USD 235 Uniontown Board of Education Regular Meeting — Monday, November 9, 2026
The Uniontown USD 235 Board of Education will hold its Regular Meeting at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, November 9, 2026, in the UJHS/UHS Commons Area in Uniontown, Kansas. The full agenda packet, including the October 12, 2026 meeting minutes and the October 2026 Treasurer’s Report, is attached: view the agenda.
Agenda Index
I. Call to Order — Flag Salute, District Mission Statement, Approve the Agenda, and review/approve the October 12, 2026 Regular meeting minutes
II. Consent Agenda — Approve and pay bills on the computer printout of $367,131.37; approve the October 2026 Treasurer’s Report
III. Informational Items — Audience with patrons; Bond Funds Survey; Strategic Plan; Administrative Reports from Mr. Onelio, Mr. Miller, Mrs. Mason, and Superintendent Eden
The next regular board meeting is scheduled for Monday, December 14, 2026, at 7:00 p.m.
October 12, 2026 Regular Meeting Minutes (summary)
The Board of Education met in regular session on Monday, October 12, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. in the UHS Commons. Board members present: Rhonda Hoener, Matt Kelly, Mike Mason, Brian Stewart, Kolby Stock, and Troy Couchman. Seth Martin was absent. Also present: Superintendent Vance Eden, Pam Kimrey, Megan Mason, Dustin Miller, and Susan Harris.
The board approved the agenda with revisions striking the Wellness Policy informational and action items, and approved minutes from the September 14, 2026 Regular Meeting, the Revenue Neutral Rate Meeting, and the 2026-2027 Budget Meeting. The Consent Agenda was approved, including bills of $284,030.89 and the September 2026 Treasurer’s Report. No patrons addressed the board.
Superintendent Eden gave reports on the upcoming KASB Convention, At-Risk Accountability Plan, Cardiac Emergency Response Plan, Bond/Capital Projects, Vehicle Purchases, Strategic Plan, and Third-party Accountant/Audit. Oral administrative reports were given by Principal Miller, Athletic Director Megan Mason, and Superintendent Eden.
The board approved the Cardiac Emergency Response Plan; the purchase of a Transit Van for $62,607.00; a Special Education Van for $31,000.00; Diehl Banwart Bolton Inc. as the 3rd Party Audit Accounting Firm; and opening a new account at Union State Bank linked with the district’s Square account for concession card purchases.
The board went into executive session at 8:27 p.m. to discuss an individual employee’s performance, with Superintendent Eden invited into session, returning to open session at 9:00 p.m.
Following executive session, the board approved Tre Howard as UHS and UJHS Boys Assistant Wrestling Coach, Alvin Metcalf as UHS and UJHS Girls Assistant Wrestling Coach, and Ryan Jarboe as UJHS Boys Assistant Basketball Coach, all for the 2026-2027 season. The board also approved hiring Clay Price as Custodian, effective October 5, 2026. The meeting adjourned at 9:05 p.m.
USD 234 has released the agenda for the Board of Education’s regular monthly meeting, to be held Monday, November 9, 2026, at 5:00 P.M. at the Preschool (409 S Judson).
Join the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, Fort Scott High School, and NetWork Kansas for the Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge (YEC) Tradeshow.
Tuesday, November 10
6 to 8 p.m.
Fort Scott High School Auxiliary Gym
WHAT TO EXPECT
• Shop 17 student businesses featuring baked goods, candles, Christmas items, home décor, and more.
• Meet the students and learn about their business ideas.
• Vote for the Community Choice Award.
• Stay for awards at the conclusion of the tradeshow.
Under the guidance of Mrs. Dani Cummings, the new FSHS business teacher, every participating business has developed a physical product to sell. Bring a little spending money and get a start on your holiday shopping!
Just browsing is welcome, too! Asking questions and encouraging the students is a great way to support their hard work.
Invite a friend and help us give these young entrepreneurs a great turnout!
The overall local winner will advance to the state championship in Manhattan, with competition on April 21, 2027. The statewide YEC Series is coordinated by NetWork Kansas in partnership with K-State Research and Extension and the K-State Center for the Advancement of Entrepreneurship.
FORT SCOTT, OCT. 28, 2026 – Fort Scott High School students will have Fort Scott thinking pink when they present their production of Legally Blonde JR. beginning Nov. 10, it was announced today by Freddie Gershon, CEO of Music Theatre International (MTI). The fun and upbeat musical follows the adventures of a sorority girl named Elle Woods who tries to win her ex-boyfriend back by earning a Harvard law degree.
“Legally Blonde JR. may be a comedic, light-hearted show, but it also explores serious themes of self-discovery and independence which resonate with people of all ages,” says Gershon. “We hope everyone in Fort Scott is totally psyched to see the show.”
Delta Nu sorority president Elle Woods seems to have it all: good looks, a relationship with the “campus catch,” and great taste in clothes. However, her life is turned upside-down when her boyfriend, Warner, dumps her in an attempt to start getting “serious” about his future and attend Harvard Law. Determined to win him back, Elle uses a lot of hard work and some charm to get into Harvard Law so she can prove to Warner that she’s serious enough for him. Once at school, she is challenged by her peers, professors and her ex, but with the help of some new friends, Elle realizes her potential and sets out to prove herself to the world.
“Playing this role is inspiring. This story’s about someone who achieved something everyone told her she couldn’t because of how she looked, but she surpassed those expectations and became a better lawyer than anyone could have imagined,” said Junior Gianna Gorman, who plays Elle. “It’s been a lot of work. I’ve had to work hard to learn all my lines and practice all my songs to the point I’m comfortable with performing and being more expressive with them. It’s difficult, but invigorating.”
Junior Tyffani Bolden is making her musical debut as Elle’s new friend Paulette. “I really enjoy it because Paulette has a crazy personality and she reminds me a lot of me! It brings me a lot of joy.”
Other notable roles include senior Landon McDaniel as Emmett, senior Allie Wards as Vivienne, junior Tray Maloun as Warner, junior Theodore Bowman as Professor Callahan, and senior Ava Johnson as Brooke.
With a book by Heather Hach, music and lyrics by Laurence O’Keefe and Nell Benjamin, Legally Blonde JR. is based on the book by Amanda Brown and the hit Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer motion picture starring Reese Witherspoon, which was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture: Musical or Comedy. Legally Blonde The Musical opened at Broadway’s Palace Theatre in April 2007, starring Laura Bell Bundy as the iconic Elle Woods.
FSHS presents Legally Blonde JR. at 7 p.m. on Nov. 10, 12, and 14 and at 2 p.m. on Nov. 14 at the FSHS Auditorium, 1005 S. Main in Fort Scott. Tickets are $8 for adults and $6 for children and may be purchased at fortscotthighschool.ludus.com or at the door. Doors open 30 minutes prior to showtime.
Legally Blonde JR. is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI, 421 West 54th Street, New York, NY 10019, phone 212-541-4684, fax 212-397-4684, www.MTIShows.com.
The following is the constitutional amendment voters will consider in the November 3 General Election, from the Kansas Secretary of State website.
Vote Yes or No
“Explanatory statement. This amendment would clarify that only a person who is a citizen of the United States is eligible to vote in this state.
“A vote for this proposition would clarify that only a person who is a citizen of the United States is eligible to vote in this state.
“A vote against this proposition would make no change to the constitution of the state of Kansas, and the language concerning voter qualifications would remain the same.”
Shall the following be adopted?
Ҥ 1. Qualifications of electors.Every(a) No person shall be deemed a qualified elector unless such person:
(1) Is a citizen of the United States who;
(2) has attained the age of eighteen years; and who
(3) except as provided in subsection (b) or (c), resides in the voting area in which he or she such person seeks to vote shall be deemed a qualified elector.
(b) Laws of this state relating to voting for presidential electors and candidates for the office of president and vice-president of the United States shall comply with the laws of the United States relating thereto. A citizen of the United States, who is otherwise qualified to vote in Kansas for presidential electors and candidates for the offices of president and vice-president of the United States may vote for such officers either in person or by absentee ballot notwithstanding the fact that such person may have become a nonresident of this state if his or her such person’s removal from this state occurs during a period in accordance with federal law next preceding such election.
(c) A person who is otherwise a qualified elector may vote in the voting area of his or her such person’s former residence either in person or by absentee ballot notwithstanding the fact that such person may have become a nonresident of such voting area during a period prescribed by law next preceding the election at which he or she such person seeks to vote, if his such person’s new residence is in another voting area in the state of Kansas.”
“A ‘yes’ vote on the ballot would change how USD235 School Board Members are elected,” said Vance Eden, superintendent of Uniontown School District.
“A ‘no’ vote would keep School Board Member elections in the same format as we have had. In that format, two members are elected from each of three different sections of the school district. The final seat is an At-Large position.”
On the ballot, it reads:
USD 235 QUESTION
CHANGE IN METHOD OF ELECTION TO ELECT AT-LARGE FOR MEMBER POSITIONS The Uniontown School District;
Unified School District No.235
Bourbon County, Kansas
Shall the following change in the Method of Election be adopted?
“Shall Unified School District No. 235, Bourbon County, Kansas change the method of election from the current three member district method under which the school district is divided into two member districts, in which three board members are elected from each member district is divided into two member districts, in which three members are elected from each member district and one board member is elected at-large, to the election at-large for member positions method of electing school board members under which:
The school district is not divided into any member districts, and all board members are elected at large.
“Shall a change in the method of election as described in the ballot title above, be approved?”
To vote in favor of the method of election change, make a cross or check mark in the square to the left of the word Yes
Yes; to vote against it, make a cross or check mark in the square to the left of the word No.
A sign in front of the Bourbon County Courthouse in Nov. 2021.
On November 3, 2026, an election for city, school and federal and state candidates will be held.
The ballot will also include the following constitutional amendment question about who is eligible to vote in Kansas.
And for Uniontown’s School District citizens, a question on voting for at-large positions on the U.S.D. 235 School Board.
Uniontown High School.
The following was submitted by Bourbon County Clerk Ann Clark, with information that tells who the candidates are, where you can vote, when advance voting starts and ends, when early voting begins and ends, and a special notice that some voting places have changed.
Please read the information and be prepared to let your vote count.
CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT QUESTION
Explanatory statement. This amendment would clarify that only a person who is a citizen of the United States is eligible to vote in this state. “A vote for this proposition would clarify that only a person who is a citizen of the United States is eligible to vote in this state. “A vote against this proposition would make no change to the constitution of the state of Kansas, and the language concerning voter qualifications would remain the same. “Shall the following be adopted?“§ 1. Qualifications of electors.Every(a) No person shall be deemed a qualified elector unless such person:
(1) Is a citizen of the United States who;
(2) has attained the age of eighteen years; and who
(3) except as provided in subsection (b) or (c), resides in the voting area in which he or she such person seeks to vote shall be deemed a qualified elector.
(b) Laws of this state relating to voting for presidential electors and candidates for the office of president and vice-president of the United States shall comply with the laws of the United States relating thereto. A citizen of the United States, who is otherwise qualified to vote in Kansas for presidential electors and candidates for the offices of president and vice-president of the United States may vote for such officers either in person or by absentee ballot notwithstanding the fact that such person may have become a nonresident of this state if his or her such person’s removal from this state occurs during a period in accordance with federal law next preceding such election.
(c) A person who is otherwise a qualified elector may vote in the voting area of his or her such person’s former residence either in person or by absentee ballot notwithstanding the fact that such person may have become a nonresident of such voting area during a period prescribed by law next preceding the election at which he or she such person seeks to vote, if his such person’s new residence is in another voting area in the state of Kansas.”
The full list of candidates on the ballot is as follows:
UNITED STATES SENATE
Adam Hamilton, Democratic. Box 6, Stillwell, KS 66085
Roger Marshall, Republican,
David C Graham, Libertarian, Overland Park, KS
UNITED STATE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Don Cover, Democratic, 9305 70th Road, Galesburg, KS 66740
Juan C. Luengo, Democratic,14904 S Summit St, Olathe, KS 66062
Steven Johnson, Republican,10197 S Hopkins Road, Asaria, KS 67416
Eric Lund, Libertarian, Paola, KS
COMMISSIONER OF INSURANCE
Dinah Sykes, Democratic
Daniel Hawkins, Republican, 9406 W Harvest Lane, Wichita, KS 67212
Rick Koehn, Libertarian, Cimarron, KS
KANSAS HOUSE OF REPRESENATIVES
Rick James, Republican, LaCygne, KS 66040
Rob Hodgkinson, Libertarian, Fort Scott, KS
MEMBER STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION
Heather Guernsey, Democratic, 18725 Ford Road, Chanute, KS 66720
Destry Brown, Republican, 2108 Jayhawk Rd, Fort Scott, KS 66701
SUPREME COURT JUSTICE
Eric S. Rosen,
Larkin E. Walsh
COURT OF APPEALS JUDGE
Lesley Ann Isherwood
Amy Fellows Cline
Kim R. Schroeder
Lori Ann Bolten Fleming
Jacy Hurst
DISTRICT COURT JUDGE
Amy L Harth
COUNTYCOMMISSIONER DISTRICT 1
Clint L. Walker (Democratic) 1999 105th St. Mapleton, KS 66754
Mike Hueston (Republican) 351 N Bourbon, Mapleton, KS 66754
COUNTYCOMMISSIONERDISTRICT 3
Joe Allen (Republican) 1025 260th Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
COUNTYCOMMISSSIONER DISTRICT4
Gregg Motley, Republican 1904 Jayhawk Road, Fort Scott 66701, 66701
DRYWOOD TOWNSHIP CLERK
Laura Krom Republican, 2361 Fern Road, Fort Scott, KS 66701
FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP CLERK
No Candidate Filing
MARION TOWNSHIP CLERK
Brent M. Smit, Republican 763 95th Street, Redfield, Ks 66769
Michael Ramsey, Republican, 1270 Highway 3, Uniontown, Ks 66779
MARMATON TOWNSHIP CLERK]
No Candidate Filing
MILLCREEK TOWNSHIP CLERK
No Candidate Filing
OSAGE TOWNSHIP CLERK
No Candidate Filing
PAWNEE TOWNSHIP CLERK
No Candidate Filing
SCOTT TOWNSHIP CLERK
Donald Banwart, Republican, 982 Highway 69, Fort Scott, KS 66701
TIMBERHILL TOWNSHIP CLERK
Jennifer Epting Williams, Republican, 530 N Washington, Mapleton, KS 66754
WALNUT TOWNSHIP CLERK
No Candidate Filing
USD 235 QUESTION
CHANGE IN METHOD OF ELECTION TO ELECT AT-LARGE FOR MEMBER POSITIONS The Uniontown School District;
Unified School District No.235
Bourbon County, Kansas
Shall the following change in the Method of Election be adopted?
“Shall Unified School District No. 235, Bourbon County, Kansas change the method of election from the current three member district method under which the school district is divided into two member districts, in which three board members are elected from each member district is divided into two member districts, in which three members are elected from each member district and one board member is elected at-large, to the election at large for member positions method of electing school bord members under which:
The school district is not divided into any member districts, and all board members are elected at large.
“Shall a change in the method of election as described in the ballot title above, be approved?”
To vote in favor of the method of election change, make a cross or check mark in the square to the left of the word
Yes; to vote against it, make a cross or check mark in the square to the left of the word no.
VOTING PRECINCTS IN BOURBON COUNTY– PLEASE NOTE THAT THE POLLING PLACES HAVE CHANGED!!
It is hereby noted that the polls are open between the hours of 7:00 am to 7:00 pm at the following location:
1st,4th, 5th.and 6th Wards and Scott D1, D2 and D4 Townships at Community Christian Church, 1919 S Horton, Fort Scott
Freedom, Fulton, and Osage Townships at Fulton Community Building, 408 W. Osage, Fulton
2nd, 3rd, and 7th wards, Drywood Township, and Scott D3, and D5 Townships at Grace Baptist Church, 502 S. Margrave, Fort Scott
Franklin, Mapleton, Millcreek and Timberhill Townships and Mapleton City at Mapleton Community Building, 565 Eldora, Mapleton
East Marion, Marmaton, Pawnee, West Marion, and Walnut Townships and Bronson, Redfield, and Uniontown Cities at Uniontown City Hall, 206 Sherman, Uniontown
Voter Registration And Voting
You may register to vote at the office of the County Clerk during their regular business hours, or online
Deadline to Change Party: K.S.A. 25-3304(b) The deadline for party affiliation changes was October 14, 2026 at the end of the business day. Party affiliation changes will be accepted and processed after December 1, 2026. If you still desire to update or change your party affiliation, you may do so December 1, 2026, by filling out a new voter registration.
Closing of Registration Books: Pursuant to K.S.A. 25-2310 & K.A.R. 7-23-4 Notice is hereby given that on the 14th day of October 2026, registration books for the City/School General Election closed at the end of the business day. The books will remain closed until the day following the General Election.
Advance Voting by Mail; K.S.A. 25-1123 Any registered voter was eligible to vote by Advance Ballot, beginning Thursday, October 15, 2026. The last day to request an advance ballot by mail is Wednesday, October 28,2026
Apply for Advance Ballot: K.S.A. 25-1122 € (4). Applications for advance Ballots are available at the Bourbon County Clerk, Election Office or by calling 620-223-3800 Ext:100. A printable application for an Advance Ballot is available on the county website www.bourboncountyis.org or Kansas Secretary of State website www.kssos.org.
Returning Advance Ballots: K.S.A. 25-1132
In Person: ballots must be returned by 7:00 p.m. on Election Day to any polling location within the County or to the County Election Office, Courthouse, 210 S National Ave. Fort Scott, KS 66701.
By Mail: Ballot must be postmarked on or before Tuesday November 3, 2026 (Election Day) and received in the County Election office by Friday, November 6th, 2026.
Early Voting: Voters can vote in advance in the Commission Room at Bourbon County Courthouse beginning Monday, October 19th, 2026, through Monday, November 2, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. (Noon)
Important Note: Per K.S.A. 25-2908 All Voters must provide Valid Photo Identification (Drivers License, Military ID, Kansas College ID, Kansas ID or other qualifying ID card) to Vote. For a list of accepted identification and additional information go to www.gotvoterid.com or call 1-800. 262.vote (8683).
Public Demonstration: K.S.A. 25-4411(b) & 25-4610(b) A Public Demonstration of the Clear Ballot Election Software will be held Friday October 30th, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. in the Bourbon County Courthouse.
CANVASS: KSA 25-3101, 3104, 3107 Monday November 9th, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. in the Commission Room of the Bourbon County Courthouse.
USD 234’s health insurance carrier has proposed raising the district’s rates 53%, Assistant Superintendent Terry Mayfield told the Board of Education on Oct. 12. “That’s just not doable,” Mayfield said.
Mayfield said the proposed increase from Blue Cross Blue Shield follows a very bad claims year, with a 140% loss ratio. The district’s benefits committee met the week before the meeting. Early proposals from a couple of other carriers showed no real difference, Mayfield said, but more quotes are coming, and the district hopes a competitive one will lead Blue Cross to “sharpen their pencil up a little bit.”
Mayfield said the options include changing plan designs, such as raising deductibles, and using part of the district’s health insurance reserve to buy the increase down, though the district has to keep a comfortable amount in reserve. Having employees take on part of the increase was also raised. Asked during the discussion, a district official confirmed that most employee-only plans now cost employees nothing. “If we could get down to probably a 15 to 20% increase based on what our claims loss was last year, I’d feel pretty good about that, even though that’s pretty painful,” Mayfield said. Recommendations are expected at the board’s November meeting.
The district published its own recap of the meeting, including the personnel report, on Oct. 13. This story covers the discussion in more detail.
Preschool building: plans, then bids
The board heard an update on the long-running remodel of the district’s preschool building, which staff said will be a standing monthly agenda item. The presenter said the architects at Hyde-Jackson need about two more weeks to finish the plans. Bid packages, a walk-through for the board and bids would follow. Totaled up during the discussion, that is about six to seven weeks until bids are in, and the presenter said the timeline includes the playground.
Storage spaces the presenter tried to add would have meant going back to the state for review and risked a delay, so they were pulled from the plans and may come back later as a change order. The presenter called the most technical part of the job the shoring posts now holding up the building, which sit exactly where new footings have to go. The playground will likely have to be raised rather than dug down, because the equipment’s footings are at grade.
The presenter also plans to bid new steel siding for the building and recommended at least getting quotes to replace the worn south-facing roof slopes, with a possible standing-seam metal roof priced against asphalt. No decision was made. Photos showed granules gone from those shingles and at least one spot worn all the way through. “What’s the point in decking everything out on the inside?” one speaker asked, saying the roof seemed more important.
Special education aid, naming policy
Special Education Director Tonya Barnes said the special education categorical aid amount has declined since the 2022-23 school year, and Barnes is pressing the state to hold this year’s projection. Barnes said catastrophic aid and then transportation costs come out of the special education pool before categorical aid is figured, and fuel costs are up. “I’m polite and I’m professional, but I’m not quiet,” Barnes said.
The board also discussed Board Policy FC, last approved in 2015, under which a district facility cannot be named after a person until about 10 years after the person’s death. The discussion leaned toward amending it, and the superintendent will contact other districts and bring recommendations to a future meeting. No vote was taken.
Other business
The board approved its agreement with the KASB Legal Assistance Fund, at an annual fee of $3,100.
The board approved buying a 2023 Chrysler Voyager with about 55,000 miles from Bourbon County Cars. The van was priced at $24,000; the motion as read was for $24,001. It is the second of two vehicles the district set out to add, after a Chevrolet Malibu last month, and replaces old cars, some of them 30 years old or more.
The board approved its annual memorandum of understanding with Head Start.
Superintendent Zach Johnson said the last of four strategic planning sessions is Oct. 29, 5 to 8 p.m., in the high school commons, and asked people to take the district’s survey. The district is aiming for a comprehensive plan around January.
Mayfield said demolition of the wrestling facility’s old bleachers was nearly finished, plumbing work had begun, and the facility is expected to be ready for the wrestling season. Mayfield’s operations report showed almost 32,000 meals served in September.
Officer Garrett and Officer John Carpenter, the Fort Scott Police Department’s school resource officers for the district, described their work, including ALICE safety training for staff. New technology director Stephen Dunning was introduced on the first day of the job, and Kevin Flanner said the JAG-K program is full at 60 students.
The board met in executive session for legal and personnel matters, then approved the personnel report. The board’s November meeting is Nov. 9.
Calling All Local Businesses & Community Supporters!
The Fort Scott High School Class of 2027 is already preparing for an exciting milestone: GRADUATION!
The Class of 2027 Senior Send-Off (SOS) Committee is working to organize a memorable celebration where graduating seniors can come together one last time, celebrate their accomplishments, and make lasting memories with their classmates.
And they could use a little help from our amazing community!
How can you help?
EVERY DONATION MAKES A DIFFERENCE!
No donation is too small! Whether it’s a monetary contribution, a gift card, or an item to give away, every donation helps create a memorable experience for the Class of 2027.
Businesses that contribute can also be recognized as supporters of the Senior Send-Off!
READY TO DONATE?
Monetary donations can be mailed to:
FSHS Class of 2027 Parents
c/o Stacy Bishop
1005 S. Main St.
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Questions: 620-757-9609
Prefer Venmo? You can also send your monetary donation through Venmo! @StacyBishop3
Senior Send-Off Donation Deadline: January 1st
Thank You for Supporting Our Seniors!
Let’s come together as a community and help give the FSHS Class of 2027 a Senior Send-Off they’ll always remember!
Thank you to the businesses, organizations, and individuals who continue to support our Fort Scott students!
