Category Archives: Schools

Fort Scott, Government, Schools

Zach Johnson is the new Assistant Superintendent for USD 234

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Submitted by Haley Houdeshelt, Administrative Assistant/Communications Coordinator with the USD 234 Board of Education.

Zach Johnson, Submitted photo.

“Zach Johnson is the new Assistant Superintendent for USD 234. He will begin his new position in the 2025-2026 school year.

Zach’s Background-

“I am originally from Willard Missouri. I have been in education for 13 years. I have spent six of those years as a teacher and coach in Missouri. I then spent four years as an assistant principal/athletic director at Field Kindley High School in Coffeyville and I have been the principal at Fort Scott Middle School the last three years.”

What do you hope to bring to this position and what are you most eager for?

“My hope is to help facilitate a collective vision that focuses on the success of all students. I believe in supporting and creating a culture that adds value and support to our staff. I am looking forward to working and meeting our staff in the upcoming months.”

Zach & his family-

“My wife Bethany is a therapist at KRI. We have three kids with a fourth on the way. We are very active in the school and the Fort Scott community. We are excited to be here and look forward to continuing to build connections throughout our community. ”

 

Congratulations, Zach! We are thrilled to watch you exceed in this new role!”

Fort Scott, Schools

Fort Scott Christian Heights Country Store & Auction is Saturday, May 3

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Sending on behalf of Chamber Member

Fort Scott Christian Heights

would like to invite the community to their PTF

Country Store & Auction

Saturday, May 3rd Fort Scott Christian Heights

1101 S. Barbee St.

*All proceeds benefit the FSCH PTF

Crusader Charge 5K and 2 Mile Fun Walk

Registration at 7:00am

Race Begins at 7:30am

Line up on Margrave, between 10th & 12th Streets,

or call the school ahead to register.

DURING THE DAY

9AM-3PM
Giant Indoor Garage Sale

*Clothing, toys, household items, furniture, plants, new crafted and handmade items & more! Something for everyone!

Bakery

*Homemade baked items of all kinds: cinnamon rolls, pies, cakes, breads, and more will be for sale.

Concession Stand

*A full menu will be available throughout the day:

Burgers, taco salads, sodas, milkshakes, and more!

We have you covered for lunch (& snacks)! We will be open throughout the whole event!

DINNER

4:00-6:00pm

Fried chicken dinner with all the trimmings!

Adults: $10

Kids (5-12): $5

(under 5 – free)

AUCTION

6:00pm-?

The auction features new items and gift certificates donated by Fort Scott Area businesses

CONTACT/QUESTIONS

1101 S. Barbee St.

Fort Scott, KS 66701

620-223-4330

office@fortscottchristianheights.org
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members below!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US
Fort Scott, Government, Schools

Minutes From the USD234 Board of Education Meeting on April 14

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Unified School District 234

424 South Main

Fort Scott, KS 66701-2697

www.usd234.org

620-223-0800   Fax 620-223-2760

 

DESTRY BROWN                                                                                                                                                        

 
 

Superintendent                                                                                                                                            

 

 

 

 

BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING

NEWS RELEASE

Monday, April 14, 2025

 

Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, April 14, 2025, for their regular monthly meeting at 1005 S Main.

 

President David Stewart opened the meeting.

 

The board approved the official agenda, and the consent agenda as follows:

Board Minutes

03-10-25

03-31-25

Financials – Cash Flow Report

Check Register

Payroll – March 13, 2025 – $1,700,506.75

Activity Funds Accounts

USD 234 Gifts

Food Service Fundraiser

LEA Assurances

Superintendent Destry Brown provided the Board with a Legislative update. Also, the Board was given an overview of a possible project at Fisher Park with the City and Buck Run.

 

Assistant Superintendent Terry Mayfield provided the Board with a shared update. The building on Horton Street has completed demo. Mr. Mayfield updated on the school budget and several projects that the Board will have to prioritize in the coming years.

 

Special Education Director Tonya Barnes recognized the related services team for their work with Medicaid. Also, invited all to attend Special Olympics at Pittsburg State on April 29th.

Scott Kimble & Michelle Laubenstein introduced the Career & Tech Education Team. Kevin Flanner, Ryan Miller, Morgan Sage, Chris Griffetts, Matt Glades, and Michael Casner were all able to present to the Board their classes. (Mark Spore, Sydney Cullison, & Deb Russell are also a part of the team) Each were able to express the amazing accomplishments of their students. They have a huge heart for their classes and are excited about the future and opportunities these courses are providing for the students.

 

Superintendent Brown reviewed the district’s goals and values that the Board has put in place.

 

The Board Approved the following items:

  • Cell Tower Purchase with American Tower
  • KASB Legal assistance fund contract

 

The Buck Run Hill property will be left as is.

 

There were none present for public forum.

 

The Board went into an executive session for personnel matters.

 

President David Stewart adjourned the meeting.

 

PERSONNEL REPORT – APPROVED

April 14, 2025

 

RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:

 

Altic, Xoe – Resignation – 3rd Grade Teacher – Eugene Ware

Floyd, Gary – Supplemental Resignation – Head Soccer Coach – High School

Foulk, Joe – Resignation – Help Desk Technician

Johnson, Zach – Resignation – Principal – Middle School

Madison, Kendall – Resignation – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott

Metcalf, Alvin – Supplemental Resignation – Head Wrestling Coach (Boys & Girls) – High School

Newman, Ronna – Resignation – Paraprofessional – High School

Staton, Shanna – Resignation – Paraprofessional – Preschool

Yoakam, Bobbie – Resignation – Paraprofessional – Preschool

 

LEAVE OF ABSENCE:

Reed, Bob – LOA

 

TRANSFER:

Harper, Angel – Preschool Paraprofessional to Preschool Speech Paraprofessional

 

EMPLOYMENT:

Certified Recommendations

 

Johnson, Zach – Assistant Superintendent

 

Preschool Certified Staff

Winfield Scott Certified Staff

Eugene Ware Certified Staff

Middle School Certified Staff

High School Certified Staff

 

Classified Recommendations for the 2024-25 school year:

Avery, Mike – Maintenance Grounds Position

 

Supplemental Recommendation: 

 

Blackburn, Brendan – Assistant Track Coach – Middle School

Eastwood, Kim – Elementary Summer School Administrator – Summer 2025

Farrington, Jannah – ESY Coordinator – Summer 2025

Regan, Nicole – ESY Coordinator – Summer 2025

Simas, Kiel – Summer Weights & Conditioning – Middle School

Smias, Kiel – Head Football Coach – Middle School

 

Bourbon County, Schools

Christian Learning Center and Uniontown High School Win at Solar Energy/Engineering Challenge

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Christian Learning Center, Fort Scott, won top honor at the recent Sun Powered Student Challenge. Submitted photo.

Heartland-Sponsored Teams Honored at 2025 SunPowered Student Challenge

Uniontown Eagles win the Curb Appeal honor. Submitted photo.

WICHITA, Kan. (April 2, 2025) — Three student teams sponsored by Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative earned top honors at this year’s SunPowered Student Challenge, held April 2 at Wichita State University. The annual event brought together high school students from across the state to test their knowledge and skills in solar energy and engineering through hands-on, collaborative challenges.

“A lot of people think more solar is always better, but that’s not how the grid works,” said Mark Scheibe, Heartland CEO. “This challenge teaches students that energy has to be balanced, timed, and integrated into the system.”

The CLC Wasps from Christian Learning Center in Fort Scott took home the top prize, winning both the Performance Challenge and overall first place in the competition. Guided by science teacher Scott Cain, the team’s strong showing reflected their deep understanding of solar energy and their ability to apply it in real-time, problem-solving scenarios.

The Uniontown Eagles from USD 235 Uniontown received the Curb Appeal Award for their innovative and visually striking solar designs, blending aesthetics with functionality. Also finishing strong, Columbus Solar from USD 493 Columbus along with the K.E. Helios Heroes from USD 273 Beloit shared the Collaborative Challenge title.

“We don’t just need people who know how to install solar panels—we need problem solvers who understand the whole system,” Scheibe said. “And that’s what we’re helping build through the SunPowered Student Challenge.”

The SunPowered Student Challenge, now in its second year, requires that student teams work through a hands-on curriculum and then take what they’ve learned and compete against other teams at a statewide competition. SunPowered is presented by Future STEAM and founders Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative, Kansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc., Pitsco Education, and Ten80 Education.

For more information, contact Doug Graham, Heartland Communication Specialist, at (620) 724-5526.

Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc. powers rural lifestyles throughout more than 11,000 locations in eastern Kansas. Heartland’s service area includes parts of 12 counties: Allen, Anderson, Bourbon, Cherokee, Coffey, Crawford, Labette, Linn, Miami, Neosho, Wilson, and Woodson.

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Fort Scott, Government, Schools

Agenda for the USD234 School Board Meeting April 14

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Unified School District 234
424 South Main
Fort Scott, KS 66701-2697
www.usd234.org
620-223-0800 Fax 620-223-2760
DESTRY BROWN
Superintendent
BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING
April 14, 2025 – 5:30 P.M.
PUBLIC AGENDA
1.0 Call Meeting to Order 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)
4.1 Board Minutes
03-10-25
03-31-25
4.2 Financials – Cash Flow Report
4.3 Check Register
4.4 Payroll – March 13, 2025 – $1,700,506.75
4.5 Activity Funds Accounts
4.6 USD 234 Gifts
4.7 Food Service Fundraiser
5.0 Leadership Reports (Information/Discussion Item)
5.1 Superintendent’s Report
5.2 Assistant Superintendent’s Report
5.3 Special Education Director’s Report
5.4 Career & Tech Ed
6.0 Old Business
6.1 Review of Strategic Plan – Goals & Values (Information Only)
6.2 Cell Tower Purchase Update
6.3 Buck Run Hill Property (Information Only)
7.0 New Business
7.1 KASB Membership Renewal & Legal Assistance Fund Contract (Action Item)
8.0 Public Forum
9.0 Other Business – Personnel Matters – Time ________
9.1 Enter Executive Session
9.2 Exit Executive Session
10.0 Board Members will tour High School Facilities
11.0 Adjourn Meeting _____ (Time) David Stewart, President

Bourbon County, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, Government, Schools

Community Connection Panelist Luncheon Today at Empress Event Center, 7 N. Main

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Join us!

Community Connection Panelist Luncheon

Wednesday, April 9th, from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Empress Event Center, 7 N. Main St.

Chamber members and the community are invited to hear 7-minute updates by the following entities: City of Fort Scott, Bourbon County, Fort Scott Community College, and the USD-234 and USD-235 School Districts.

The event is free to attend but registration is requested. Box lunches are available by pre-order for $10.

Those planning to attend may RSVP here. (lunch orders being accepted online thru 12pm, Monday the 7th.)

Moderator for the event will be Chamber Board Member Colleen Quick of Labconco.

Contact the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce at 620-223-3566 for more information or visit fortscott.com.

A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR EVENT SPONSORS:

DAVIS ACCOUNTING

&

LYONS REALTY GROUP
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members below!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US
 
Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, Government, Schools

Community Connection Panelist Luncheon on April 9

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Join us!

Community Connection Panelist Luncheon

Wednesday, April 9th, from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Empress Event Center, 7 N. Main St.

Chamber members and the community are invited to hear 7-minute updates by the following entities: City of Fort Scott, Bourbon County, Fort Scott Community College, and the USD-234 and USD-235 School Districts.

The event is free to attend but registration is requested. Box lunches are available by pre-order for $10.

Those planning to attend may RSVP here. (lunch orders being accepted online thru 12pm, Monday the 7th.)

Moderator for the event will be Chamber Board Member Colleen Quick of Labconco.

Contact the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce at 620-223-3566 for more information or visit fortscott.com.
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members below!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US
 
Bourbon County, Fort Scott, Government, Schools

Government/Education Entities Updates at Community Connection on April 9

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COMMUNITY CONNECTION PANELIST LUNCHEON

Wednesday, April 9th, 2025
11:45am to 1pm

Empress Event Center
7 N. Main St.

_____

An event to connect the community to happenings in the
City, County, School Districts, Community College, and more!

7-minute updates from each of the following entities,
ending with Q&A:

City of Fort Scott
Bourbon County Commission
FSCC
USD-234
USD-235

Lunch may be ordered on fortscott.com/events by Monday, April 7th, 10am.
Sandwich lunch for $10, choice of ham, turkey, or roast beef ~ gluten free available.


Sponsored by:  Davis Accounting, Inc.

Fort Scott, Schools

Fort Scott High School Football Booster & Athletes: Fundraiser “Egg My Yard”

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Sending on behalf of Chamber Member

Fort Scott High School Football Booster
**Correction from previous email. Apologies!

Yards will be “egged” on April 19th after dark!

(This is the night before Easter, allowing them to be

ready to hunt Easter morning, April 20th)

Fort Scott High School Football Booster & Athletes

invite you to their fundraiser

“Egg My Yard”

Order pre-filled eggs to be hidden in your yard the night before Easter along with a note from the Easter Bunny!

24 EGGS $35

36 EGGS $50

48 EGGS $60

Deadline for orders: April 17th

Yards will be egged on April 19th after dark!

Click HERE to book your spot today

or use the QR code on the flyer.

Payment MUST be made before delivery.

Payment:

Cash

  • Misty Adams at Citizen’s Bank
  • Brian Williams at The Butcher Block

-OR-

VENMO @rebecca-williams-38

Proceeds will benefit the 2026 FSHS Football Team.
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members below!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US
Fort Scott, Schools

News Release From the USD234 Board Meeting on March 31

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Unified School District 234

424 South Main

Fort Scott, KS 66701-2697

www.usd234.org

620-223-0800   Fax 620-223-2760

 

DESTRY BROWN                                                                                                                                                        

 
 

Superintendent                                                                                                                                            

 

 

 

 

BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING

NEWS RELEASE

Monday, March 31, 2025

 

Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, March 31, 2025, for a special meeting at 424 S Main.

 

President David Stewart opened the meeting.

 

The board approved the official agenda.

 

The Board went into an executive session for personnel matters.

 

President David Stewart adjourned the meeting.

 

PERSONNEL REPORT – APPROVED

March 31, 2025

 

 

RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:

 

Anderson, Mikiah – Resignation – Paraprofessional – Preschool

Blackburn, Brendon – Resignation – 8th Science Teacher – Middle School

Blackburn, Brendon – Supplemental Resignation – Head Football Coach – Middle School

Blackburn, Brendon – Supplemental Resignation – Assistant Wrestling Coach – Middle School

Blackburn, Brendon – Supplemental Resignation – Assistant Wrestling Coach – High School

Blackburn, Brendon – Supplemental Resignation – Summer Conditioning Coordinator

 

EMPLOYMENT:

 

Certified Recommendations

 

Hendrickson, Elanor – Special Education Teacher – High School

Karleskint, Amanda – 2nd Grade Teacher – Winfield Scott

Madison, Kendall – Special Education Teacher – Winfield Scott

Simas, Kiel – Physical Education Teacher & Weights – Middle School

Staton, Shanna – Special Education Teacher – Winfield Scott

 

Supplemental Recommendations for the 2025-26 school year:

 

Cavin, Brent – Assistant Football Coach – Middle School

 

 

Bourbon County, Fort Scott, Schools, Uncategorized

Highschools Add “Pirate Talk” As Foreign Language Option

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As high schools around the country look for ways to help students meet the two-year foreign language requirement, Fort Scott and Uniontown have come up with an innovative way to offer a new exciting option by pooling their resources to hire a new teacher for “pirate talk” classes at both highschools.

“It was really hard to find a teacher qualified to teach pirate speak,” said a school administrator who was hard to identify on this particular date. “Especially because most people who are good at speaking pirate, are usually looking for watery waves and less amber grain. But we are proud to announce that we’ve managed to procure the services of Captain Barnaby Blackwater as a teacher for the 2025 to 2026 school year.”

When asked about the compensation package offered Mr. Blackwater, the administrator seemed a big hesitant and mumbled something that sounded like “rum, doubloons, and more rum…” but it wasn’t clear exactly what they were trying to say.

Mr. Blackwater agreed to a short interview to answer some questions.

Captian Barnaby Blackwater, what convinced you to give up the high seas to come teach our high school students how to speak like a pirate?

Arrr, that be a fine question, matey! Truth be told, sailin’ the high seas be grand, but when the good folk o’ Bourbon County waved doubloons and barrels o’ their finest rum under me nose, ol’ Barnaby couldn’t resist!

Mind ye, I’m still scratchin’ me beard ’bout the notable absence o’ oceans ’round Kansas—makes sailin’ me ship, the Salty Grammar, mighty tricky—but the thought o’ teachin’ landlocked lads and lasses the sweet tongue o’ piracy warmed me black heart. And between you an’ me, I’ve a notion to recruit a few sturdy seniors to crew me ship once their diplomas be in hand! Harrr-harr-harr!

Some people say that learning pirate speak isn’t comparable to learning a foreign language and students should be required to learn more traditional languages. What do you think of those claims?

Arrrr, poppycock and bilgewater, says I! Pirate speak be as foreign as any tongue sailed across the seven seas. Why, me hearties, Pirate speak is brimmin’ with culture, tradition, and adventure—enough to put French or Spanish to shame!

Besides, when was the last time ye heard o’ French helpin’ ye find buried treasure, or Spanish teachin’ ye how to properly swing a cutlass and shout fearsome insults at yer foes, eh?

Will Pirate Speak help students get positions in the job market?

Arrr! A wise query indeed, matey! O’ course Pirate speak be useful in the job market—more useful than a parrot that can recite poetry, I’ll wager!

Think o’ the skills these young buccaneers’ll master: assertive communication (“Hand over the doubloons, ye scallywag!”), leadership (“Hoist the mainsail and ready the cannons!”), negotiation (“Five barrels o’ rum or I be walkin’ away!”), an’ teamwork (“All hands on deck, ye salty seadogs!”).

Plus, should traditional jobs fail ’em, there’s always plenty o’ room aboard me ship, the Salty Grammar. Ol’ Captain Blackwater always be lookin’ for hearty new recruits with a flair fer proper Pirate speak! Harrr-harr!

Painting of Captain Blackwater’s ship, the Salty Grammar