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Category Archives: Schools
Fort Scott National History Day State Champions Set to Present at Christian Learning Center
Southeast Kansas will send two projects to the National History Day Championship in College Park, Maryland, June 14-18. Three projects from Christian Learning Center attended the State National History Day Championships in Topeka in April.
The Fort Scott State Champion groups competing at Nationals in June will present their performances at 6:30 PM on Thursday, May 28th, at the Christian Learning Center in Fort Scott. This presentation will allow the students to practice sharing their projects and raise funds for their trip to College Park, MD. The community is invited to attend and support the two student groups. Attendees can enter through the CLC Gym doors.
Sophomores Kenlee Eden, Blair Felt, and Kodie Wells from Fort Scott Christian Learning Center will participate in the Senior Group Performance category, coached by Megan Felt and Rachel Wells. Their project is titled Down With Child Slavery: Revolutionizing Child Labor Standards. Their project is a performance based on Florence Kelley. In 1891, Florence Kelley spearheaded a labor rights revolution in America. Intense reactions brought both strong opposition and overwhelming support as she continued to promote equality. Ultimately, these conflicts would bring lasting reform to child labor rights by paving the way for the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938.
8th-grade students Bella Antone, Charlee Wells, and Hadley Wells from Fort Scott Christian Learning Center participated in the Junior Group Performance category at the State National History Day competition, coached by Rachel Wells and Megan Felt. Their project is Bridging Two Cultures: A Crusader that Revolutionized Navajo Health Care with Lasting Reform. The performance is based on Annie Dodge Wauneka’s reaction to the devastating impact of disease on her people; she became a crusader for Navajo health care. Her efforts began in the 1950s and continued until her death in 1997, inspiring lasting reform in public health policies and the empowerment of Indigenous peoples.
History Day encourages students to express their knowledge of and interest in history through creative and original dramatic performances, media presentations, historical papers, website design, or three-dimensional exhibit projects. The research and study for district, state, and national competitions take place throughout the entire school year.
The national competition involves the top 2,800 students from across the nation, chosen from over 800,000 who compete to advance from local to state to national competition. All 50 states and several countries will be represented at the National competition. The theme this year is ‘Rights and Responsibilities in History.’
The Lowell Milken Center provides critiques and helps with research for National History Day Unsung Hero projects from Kansas and throughout the United States.
For more information, contact Megan Felt, LMC Program Director, at [email protected] or (620) 223-1312.
Free Breakfast and Lunch for Kids Under 18 Starting June 1 at West Bourbon Elementary School
There are free meals offered for kids this summer in Uniontown.
The program is for anyone under the age of 18 years and will be located at West Bourbon Elementary School on Fifth Street in Uniontown.
Breakfast and lunch will be served from June 1 to June 26, Monday through Friday.
Breakfast is from 8:30 to 9 a.m. and lunch is available from 12:15 to 12:45 p.m.
The school is having a summer school through a 21st Century Grant for 6th through 12th-grade students.
That program is full at the moment, USD235 Superintendent Vance Eden said.
The Entire American Revolution In 40 Minutes or Less is May 29-30
Tiger Drama Camp Presents “The Entire American Revolution (In 40 Minutes or Less)”
The Fort Scott High School Tiger Drama Camp presents “The Entire American Revolution (In 40 Minutes or Less)” by Eddie McPherson at 7 p.m. on May 29 and 30 at the FSHS Auditorium.
The camp is directed and designed by the FSHS Thespians and open to children going into 1st through 9th grades.
Pioneer Drama says, “History has never been so fun… or so fast! Flying through the major points of America’s quest for independence, this fast-and-loose comedy plays like a highlight reel of history in hilarious fashion! Sorry, Hamilton’s busy in a different play, but your audience will both laugh and learn as they watch patriots such as George Washington, Paul Revere, Samuel and John Adams, Patrick Henry, and Benjamin Franklin battle the vain King George III and his British soldiers. From the Boston Tea Party to the Battle of Bunker Hill (Did you know it was really Breed Hill?!) to the crossing of the Delaware and onward to the British surrender at Yorktown…”
The cast includes 25 students from the surrounding area while over a dozen high school students serve as directors and technical crew. FSHS recent graduates Levi Fairchild and Chris Newman serve as Directors and Thespians is directed by FSHS Theatre teacher Angie Bin.
Tickets are $5 and available at fortscotthighschool.ludus.com or at the door. Tickets are reserved seating and doors open 30 minutes prior to showtime.
FSHS Tiger Drama Camp was recently featured in the Show Me the Ozarks Magazine. The in-depth story can be found on the magazine’s website.
“The Entire American Revolution (In 40 Minutes or Less)” is produced by special arrangement with Pioneer Drama
Service, Denver, Colorado.
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USD 234 Board of Education Meeting News Release – May 11, 2026
USD 234 Board of Education Meeting News Release – May 11, 2026
FORT SCOTT, KS — The Unified School District 234 Board of Education met for its regular monthly meeting on Monday, May 11, 2026, at 5:30 p.m.. The meeting was presided over by President David Stewart.
Meeting Overview
The board approved both the official and consent agendas, which included financial reports, check registers, and activity fund accounts. Key approvals included extended trip applications for the FSHS Band, Art Club, Cheer Camp, and Dance Camp.
District Leadership Reports
Superintendent’s Update: Destry Brown reported on upcoming graduation ceremonies and noted that staff and students are actively preparing for the conclusion of the school year.
- Operations & Construction: Assistant Superintendent Terry Mayfield provided updates on current and summer projects, including a revised schedule and drawings for the new Preschool building.
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Academic Performance: Assistant Superintendent Zach Johnson shared iReady Math and Reading scores. State assessment results have been received and will be sent home with students this week.
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Special Education: Director Tonya Barnes provided updates on Cat Aid and commended the staff for their diligence regarding Medicaid billing.
Board Actions and Approvals
The Board approved several contracts and initiatives for the 2026-27 school year, including:
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Occupational Therapy Services with Outreach Occupations Therapy, LLC.
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Greenbush Contracts for Low-Incidence and Audiology services.
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Capacity settings for nonresident student enrollment.
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Implementation of the Fort Scott Tigers Virtual School for the 2026-27 year.
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Service bids for parking lot maintenance (crack filling, seal coating, and striping).
Note: Bids for demolition and parking lot construction were tabled for future consideration.
Personnel Report
The following personnel recommendations and changes were approved during the session:
Resignations and Retirements
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Ginny Cotter – Retirement, Ticket Clerk (Eugene Ware)
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Stacy Laver – Retirement, Teacher Aide (Eugene Ware)
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Chloe Whitt – Resignation, Personal Finance Teacher and Head Volleyball Coach (High School)
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Derrick Whitt – Resignation, Teacher (Tiger Academy) and Assistant Girls’ Basketball Coach (High School)
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Drew Carney – Supplemental Resignation, Assistant Summer Weights Coach (Middle School)
New Employment (2026-27)
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Sabrina Keating – Gifted Teacher (K-12)
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Joshua Karleskint – Cook (Eugene Ware)
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Jayce Stewart – Groundskeeper (Central Office)
- Denise Needham – Paraprofessional (KRI)
- Margorie Campbell – Paraprofessional (Middle School)
Supplemental Recommendations
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Paul Martin – Head Girls Basketball Coach (Middle School)
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Aaron Nickelson – Head Girls Tennis Coach (High School)
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Laryn Schnichels – Head Cheer Coach (High School)
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Jennifer Tourtillott – Head Spirit Squad Sponsor (Middle School)
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Sabrina Keating – Gifted Facilitator (K-12)
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Jon Barnes – Guiding Coalition/Department Chair Social Studies (High School)
Unified School District 234 Board of Education Meeting Agenda for May 11, 2026
Fort Scott USD 234 Board of Education
3.0 05-11-26 Board Agenda PUBLC.docx (1)
Regular Meeting Agenda May 11, 2026 – 5:30 P.M.
Meeting Outline
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1.0 Call Meeting to Order (David Stewart, President) (Page 1)
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2.0 Flag Salute (Page 1)
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3.0 Approval of the Official Agenda (Action Item) (Page 1)
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4.0 Approval of the Consent Agenda (Action Item) (Page 1)
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4.1 Board Minutes (04-13-26 and 04-30-26)
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4.2 Financials – Cash Flow Report
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4.3 Check Register
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4.4 Payroll ($1,814,053.42)
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4.5 Activity Funds Accounts
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4.6 USD 234 Gifts
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4.7 Art Club Extended Trip Application
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5.0 Public Forum (Page 1)
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6.0 Leadership Reports (Information/Discussion) (Page 1)
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7.0 New Business (Page 1)
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7.1 Occupational Therapy Contract
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7.2 Greenbush Contracts (Low-Incidence/Audiology)
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7.3 Nonresident Student Enrollment Capacity
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7.4 USD 234 & FSCC IT Agreement Addendum
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7.5 Demolition and Parking Lot Construction Bids
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7.6 Parking Lot Maintenance Bids
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7.7 Fort Scott Tigers Virtual School Implementation
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8.0 Personnel Matters / Executive Session (Page 1)
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9.0 Adjourn Meeting (Page 1)
Detailed Summary Information
Consent Agenda Details
The Board will review the minutes from the previous regular meeting on April 13, 2026, and the special meeting on April 30, 2026. Financial oversight includes the April payroll of $1,814,053.42 and the standard check register and activity fund reports. The Art Club has submitted an application for an extended trip for board approval. (Page 1)
Contractual Services & Agreements
Several specialized service contracts are up for approval for the 2026-27 school year, including Occupational Therapy services through Outreach Occupational Therapy, LLC, and Low-Incidence/Audiology services through Greenbush. Additionally, the board will consider an addendum to the Professional Services Agreement between USD 234 and Fort Scott Community College (FSCC) IT department. (Page 1)
Facilities and Enrollment
The board will review bids for two major facilities projects: the demolition and construction of a parking lot, and maintenance services (crack filling, seal coating, and striping) for existing lots. There will also be a report on setting capacity limits for nonresident student enrollment as required by state guidelines. (Page 1)
Virtual School Implementation
A significant action item involves the official implementation plan for the Fort Scott Tigers Virtual School for the 2026-27 academic year. (Page 1)
Personnel and Executive Session
The meeting will conclude with an executive session to discuss personnel matters, followed by the formal approval of the Personnel Report. (Page 1)
Winfield Scott Carnival is May 1
View the Uniontown High School Newspaper: The Talon
The April issue of the Uniontown High School Talon Newspaper is ready to view here:
Bourbon County Teams Dominate 2026 SunPowered Student Challenge
CLC WASPS Named Grand Champions
Three Heartland-sponsored teams from Bourbon County combine for four first-place finishes and overall championship title
WICHITA, Kan. — Three teams of Bourbon County high schoolers sponsored by Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative brought home four first-place awards — including the Grand Champion title — at the 2026 SunPowered Student Challenge, held April 8 at Wichita State University.
The WASPS from Christian Learning Center in Fort Scott topped the overall standings with 1,323 points, outpacing eight other teams from Kansas and Oklahoma to claim Grand Champion honors. Two teams from Uniontown High School — the Solar Queens and Solar Eagles — also finished in the top three overall, giving Heartland-sponsored teams a sweep of the event’s top spots.
“As rural electric cooperatives, it’s part of our mission to help educate our communities, and that includes the next generation as well,” said Mark Scheibe, CEO of Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative. “If we can spark curiosity in students, and if we can help them see the future in energy or engineering, or take some of the problem-solving skills that they learn during this competition to apply in their future lives, then that’s a win for them and the communities that we serve.”
The SunPowered Student Challenge is a statewide competition that begins in the classroom — student teams work through a hands-on solar energy curriculum over several months before competing at Wichita State University. Challenges include designing and installing photovoltaic arrays on scaled model buildings, analyzing real-world site conditions, delivering professional presentations and collaborating with teams they’ve never worked with before.
The competition was founded in partnership with Kansas Rural Electric Cooperatives, Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative, Pitsco Education and Ten80 Education, and is now housed under the nonprofit Future STEAM.
Heartland REC helped create the program in 2024 and continues as both a program and team sponsor. The cooperative has sponsored teams from communities across its southeast Kansas service territory.
Results by Team:
WASPS — Christian Learning Center
Team members: Holly Cain, Ryan Cain, Abby Jacobs, Henry Morris
Coach: Scott Cain
- 1st Place — Team Presentation
- 1st Place — Solar Site Design Challenge
- Grand Champions (Overall)
- 1st Place — Collaborative Challenge (with Uniontown Solar Eagles and Lincoln Solar Leopards)
Solar Queens — Uniontown High School
Team members: Aryonnah Beaton, Camilla Cagle, Paityn Hueston, Jiyah Middleton
Coaches: Carrie Sutcliffe and Christal Martin
- 1st Place — Creative Curb Appeal
Solar Eagles — Uniontown High School
Team members: Ziggy Barbour, Adam Page, Ty Shelton, Ash Sporleder
Coach: Brad Johnson
- 1st Place — Skills Challenges
- 1st Place — Collaborative Challenge (with CLC WASPS and Lincoln Solar Leopards)
Overall Scores:
| School/Team Name | Score |
| CLC WASPS | 1323 |
| Uniontown Solar Eagles | 1218 |
| Uniontown Solar Queens | 1107 |
| Beloit Solar Swords | 1030 |
| Lincoln Solar Leopards | 1011 |
| Woodward Solar Boomers 1 | 900 |
| Woodward Solar Boomers 2 | 823 |
| Oxford Ra | 811 |
| Woodward Solar Boomers 3 + Rock Creek | 796 |
About Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative
Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc. is a member-owned, not-for-profit electric utility powering rural lifestyles throughout more than 11,000 locations in eastern Kansas. Heartland’s service area includes member-owners in 12 counties: Allen, Anderson, Bourbon, Cherokee, Coffey, Crawford, Labette, Linn, Miami, Neosho, Wilson, and Woodson.
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Unified School District 234 Board of Education Regular Meeting, April 13, 2026
Unified School District 234 Board of Education
Regular Meeting Agenda Date: April 13, 2026 Time: 5:30 P.M. Location: 424 South Main, Fort Scott, KS 66701
1.0 Call Meeting to Order
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Presiding Officer: David Stewart, President
2.0 Flag Salute
3.0 Approval of the Official Agenda (Action Item)
4.0 Approval of the Consent Agenda (Action Item)
5.0 Honor’s Flight Presentation
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Amy Harper & Guests
6.0 Leadership Reports
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Information/Discussion Item
7.0 New Business
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7.1 Approval of Professional Services Agreement with FSCC for Technology Leadership Services (Action)
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7.2 Declaration of Surplus Property – 1996 Ford Mustang (Action)
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7.3 Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) Program Renewal – 2026-2027 (Action)
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7.4 School-Based Health Services Agreement Renewal – Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas (2026-27) (Action)
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7.5 Strategic Planning Proposal – Teeter Leadership Group (Action)
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7.6 FSHS Electrical Modernization Project – Bid Award (Action)
8.0 Public Forum
9.0 Other Business – Personnel Matters
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9.1 Enter Executive Session – Negotiations (Information)
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9.2 Exit Executive Session
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9.3 Enter Executive Session – Personnel Matters (Action Item)
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9.4 Exit Executive Session
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9.5 Approval of Personnel Report (Action Item)
10.0 Adjourn Meeting
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Presiding Officer: David Stewart, President
District Contact Information:
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Superintendent: Destry Brown
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Website: www.usd234.org
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Phone: 620-223-0800 | Fax: 620-223-2760
USD 234 Board of Education Press Release for April 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, April 13, 2026
Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, April 13, 2026, for their regular monthly meeting at 424 S Main St.
President David Stewart opened the meeting.
The board approved the official agenda, and the consent agenda as follows:
Board Minutes
03-09-2026
Financials – Cash Flow Report
Check Register
Payroll – March 12, 2026 – $1,840,933.48
Activity Funds Accounts
USD 234 Gifts
Resolution 25-17 – Bank Signers
LEA Assurances
There was one present for the public forum. The Board went into executive session.
Amy Harper and Lisa Chaplin presented information about that Honor’s Flight that will be taking place this summer. They have raised over $60,000 thanks to various benefits, fundraisers, and community members. The flight will include twenty-four veterans and twenty-four high school students. They will be flying to Washington D.C. and visiting several locations to honor the Veterans. It is a privilege that our community and school district will be involved with this event and hopefully in years to come.
Superintendent Destry Brown reported on current district enrollment. Tiger Academy has four full time students and there have been great gains for those involved. Kansas Renewal Institute has fifty-six students and are seeing successes in the students.
Assistant Superintendent Terry Mayfield provided a shared document. Mr. Mayfield updated on various that grants that the district is applying for. Some have met with those involved in the Preschool building and the progress being made.
Assistant Superintendent Zach Johnson updated the Board on testing that has been taking place all throughout the district. iReady scores will be presented at the May board meeting. Kindergarten Round up was a success with many children and parents attending.
Special Education Director Tonya Barnes shared an update and invited everyone to Special Olympics on April 29th at Pittsburg State University.
The Board approved the following:
- Approval of Professional Services Agreement with FSCC for Technology Leadership Services
- Declarations of Surplus Property – 1996 Ford Mustang
- Jobs for America’s Graduates Program Renewal 2026-27
- School Based Health Services Agreement Renewal – CHC 2026-27
- Strategic Planning Proposal – Teeter Leadership Group
- FSHS Electrical Modernization Project
The Board went into executive session for negotiations.
The Board went into an executive session for personnel matters.
President David Stewart adjourned the meeting.
PERSONNEL REPORT – APPROVED
April 13, 2026
RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:
Blythe, Lauren – Resignation – Paraprofessional – Middle School – End of year
Cosens, Jayci – Supplemental Resignation – Assistant Girl’s Basketball Coach – Middle School
Gorman, Alison – Supplemental Resignation – Summer Conditioning – Middle School
Gorman, Allison – Supplemental Resignation – Girls’ Summer Conditioning – High School
Hall, Candice – Resignation – Paraprofessional – Middle School
Harper, Amy – Supplemental Resignation – National Honor’s Society – High School
Hatfield, Amber – Resignation – Paraprofessional – High School
Jackman, Sara – Supplemental Resignation – Building Leadership Team – High School
Jackman, Sara – Supplemental Resignation – Social Studies Department Chair – High School
Sewell, Vickie – Retirement – Science Teacher – Middle School
Sprague, Sierra – Resignation – Special Education Teacher – Winfield Scott
Sprague, Sierra – Supplemental Resignation – Head Cheer Coach – High School
Steury, Jessica – Resignation – Math Teacher – Middle School
Steury, Jessica – Supplemental Resignation – Assistant Volleyball Coach – Middle School
Weber, Betty – Resignation – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott
TRANSFER:
Davenport, Sam – Paraprofessional to Student Support Center Supervisor – Middle School
EMPLOYMENT:
Certified Recommendations for 2026-27 School Year:
Brown, Jodi – Speech Language Therapist Full Time
Certified Staff Renewal – Eugene Ware
Certified Staff Renewal – High School
Certified Staff Renewal – Middle School
Certified Staff Renewal – Preschool
Certified Staff Renewal – Special Services
Certified Staff Renewal – Winfield Scott
Ellis, Jennifer – Science Teacher – Middle School
Pickert, MaKayla – 2nd Grade Teacher – Winfield Scott
Smith, Alyssa – Special Education Teacher – Preschool
VanBuskirk, Don – Business Essentials, Electives, History Instructor – Middle School
Classified Recommendations for 2026-27 School year:
Pitts, William – Cook – Middle School
SUPPLEMENTAL RECOMMENDATIONS:
Carney, Drew – Boys’ Summer Conditioning – High School
Collins, Clayton – Boys’ Summer Conditioning – High School
Elementary Summer School Staff
Kiel, Samas – Assistant Track Coach – Middle School
KRI ESY Larsen, Danny – Boys’ Summer Conditioning – High School
Uniontown Students Standout In Sunpowered Student Challenge
Tennyson Creek Solar, a project by Doral Renewables, is continuing its commitment to local communities with a series of recent donations supporting education, youth programs, and community organizations across Bourbon County.
As part of this effort, Tennyson Creek Solar has contributed to:
- Uniontown Schools in support of student participation in the SunPowered Student Challenge
- Fort Scott Community College Rodeo
- Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site
- Fort Scott Area Community Foundation
Uniontown students participated in the SunPowered Student Challenge, which is an annual event that brings together students from across Kansas to explore solar energy through hands-on projects and team-based competition. The third annual competition took place on April 8 at Wichita State University.
Students participated in wiring, system setup, mounting, collaboration, and presentation challenges throughout the competition. Uniontown teams had a standout performance, bringing home three awards:
- Uniontown Eagles – First Place, Solar Skills Presentation
- Uniontown Eagles – Collaborative Award
- Uniontown Queens – First Place, Curb Appeal
“This type of support gives our students opportunities they wouldn’t otherwise have,” said Vance Eden, Superintendent of Uniontown Schools. “Participating in the SunPowered Student Challenge allows them to explore real-world applications of science and energy while building teamwork and problem-solving skills.”
Doral Renewables says these contributions reflect its broader mission of investing in the Bourbon County community.
“We’re committed to supporting local organizations through Tennyson Creek Solar,” said Cliff Williams, Vice President of Development at Doral Renewables. “Initiatives like the SunPowered Student Challenge help inspire the next generation of Bourbon County.”
The Tennyson Creek Solar Project, currently under development in Bourbon County, represents Doral Renewables’ ongoing dedication to responsible renewable energy development and meaningful community investment across Kansas.
