Category Archives: Schools

Fort Scott, Schools

USD 234 Minutes of the Feb. 11 Special Meeting

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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

Wednesday, February 11, 2026

 

Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, for a special meeting at 424 S Main.

 

President David Stewart opened the meeting.

 

The board approved the official agenda.

 

The board approved the purchase of 850 State Street.

 

President David Stewart adjourned the meeting.

Fort Scott, Government, Schools

Minutes of the USD234 Board of Education Meeting on Feb. 9

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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, February 9, 2026
Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, February 9, 2026, for
their regular monthly meeting at 900 E 3rd St.
President David Stewart opened the meeting.
The board approved the official agenda, and the consent agenda as follows:
Board Minutes
01-12-26
Financials – Cash Flow Report
Check Register
Payroll – January 20, 2026 – $1,801,674.26
Activity Funds Accounts
USD 234 Gifts
Key Club Fundraising Form
Students from Eugene Ware presented to the Board. Working with Mrs. Keating the students cover
announcements and help make the parent weekly newsletter. They have been able to participate in
leadership training at Greenbush and do several fun fundraisers during this school year. Mrs.
Query, Eugene Ware’s Principal, had a presentation that highlighted a few amazing things
happening in the building. She ended explaining how staff morale has been great thanks to
Secretaries Jessica Johnson and Kenda Schmidt and their entertaining projects that include
everyone.
Superintendent Destry Brown informed the Board on great things happening at Tiger Academy and
has appreciated all the support that they have been given.
Assistant Superintendent Terry Mayfield provided a shared document. Mr. Mayfield reviewed
budget projections and insurance renewals. He also updated on Preschool Building project with
the playground being installed soon.
Assistant Superintendent Zach Johnson updated the Board on winter iReady scores showing
positive growth throughout the district. Later this week a few staff will be traveling to PSU to
participate in Teacher Interviews with graduation students.
Special Education Director Tonya Barnes shared an update on reports that are coming due soon.
She also invited all to Special Olympics Basketball at Fort Scott High School on February 18.
The Board approved the following:
● Resolution 25-16 Healthy Kansas Farm to School Program
The Board received an informational overview of Fort Scott USD 234’s five-year long-range
financial outlook for FY25–FY30. This review examines enrollment trends, revenue assumptions,
and projected expenditure growth to provide a forward-looking view of the district’s financial
trajectory. No board action was requested.
The Board went into an executive session for property acquisition.
There were none present for public forum.
The Board went into an executive session for attorney-client privilege.
The Board went into an executive session for personnel matters.
President David Stewart adjourned the meeting.
PERSONNEL REPORT – APPROVED
February 9, 2026
RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:
Barr, Lynn – Supplemental Resignation – Head Girls/Boys Tennis Coach – High School
Campbell, Erin – Resignation – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott
Hudiburg, Kenny – Supplemental Resignation – Assistant Girls Tennis Coach
Rogers, Jamie – Supplemental Resignation – Girls Basketball Coach – Middle School
Leave of Absence:
Barrager, Terry – Custodian – Eugene Ware
TRANSFER:
Clayton, Emily – Paraprofessional to OT Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott
Durossette, Jake – Business Teacher to Math Teacher – High School – 2026-27
Weber, Betty – Paraprofessional – KRI to Winfield Scott
EMPLOYMENT:
Certified Recommendations for 2026-27 School year:
Hendricks, Caleb – Assistant Principal – Winfield Scott
Martin, Jared – Athletic Director – High School
Classified Recommendations for 2025-26 School year:
Carson, Jessica – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott
Cooper, Tyler – Custodian – Middle School
Davenport, Sam – Paraprofessional – Middle School
Hodges, Julius – Paraprofessional – KRI
Ruggero, Frankie – Custodian – Middle School
Supplemental Recommendations for the 2025-26 school year:
Carney, Drew – Supplemental – Assistant Track Coach – High School
Chipman, Karlie – Supplemental – Assistant Boys Golf Coach – High School
Sponsor Recommendations for the 2025-26 school year:
Cook, Gary – Head Sponsor – Archery
Whitehead, Trisha – Assistant Sponsor – Archery

Fort Scott, Schools

Agenda For USD234 Board of Education Meeting on Feb. 9 at Ware Elementary School

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Eugene Ware Elementary School

 

The next USD 234 Board of Education Meeting be held at Eugene Ware Elementary, 900 E 3rd St. It will be Monday, February 9th at 5:30PM.

Unified School District 234

424 South Main

Fort Scott, KS 66701-2697 www.usd234.org

620-223-0800 Fax 620-223-2760

 

BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING

February 9, 2026 – 5:30 P.M. AGENDA SUMMARY PUBLIC

  • Call Meeting to Order David Stewart, President
  • Flag Salute
  • Approval of the Official Agenda (Action Item)
  • Approval of the Consent Agenda (Action Item)
    • Board Minutes

01-12-26

  • Financials – Cash Flow Report
  • Check Register
  • Payroll – January 20, 2026 – $1,801,674.26
  • Activity Funds Accounts
  • USD 234 Gifts
  • Leadership Reports (Information/Discussion Item)
  • New Business
    • Resolution 25-16 Healthy Kansas Farm to School Program – Information, Overview, School Implementation Plan, Implementation Grant
    • Long-Range Financial Planning (Information Only)
    • Property Acquisition

Enter Executive Session – Property for High School Overflow

  • Public Forum
  • Other Business – Personnel Matters
    • Enter Executive Session – Personnel Matters #1 (Action Item)
    • Enter Executive Session – Personnel Matters #2 (Action Item)
  • Adjourn Meeting (Time)                                          David Stewart, President
Fort Scott, Schools, Youth

FSHS Hosts Cancer Awareness Week Starts Feb. 6

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Fort Scott High School is hosting a Cancer Awareness Week to raise awareness, honor cancer fighters and survivors, and support cancer related causes through school wide activities and fundraising. The week will include both a community event and daily student involvement at the high school.

Cancer Awareness Week is intended to be educational, meaningful, and engaging. It reminds students and the community of the impact cancer has on so many lives and how collective action, even small contributions, can make a difference. Cancer Awareness Week is being organized and led by Fort Scott High School Junior Allie Wards, with support from FSHS staff and administration. FSHS clubs assisting Wards with the event include Community Empowerment, Zero Reasons Why, and Key Club.

The following events are planned:

Friday, February 6th – Cancer Awareness Week will begin with a Miracle Minute at a home basketball game at FSHS. During this minute, attendees will be invited to donate in support of cancer awareness and related causes. The event will also include recognition of cancer fighters and survivors to honor those affected by cancer.

Monday, February 9th – Friday, February 13th – Throughout the week at Fort Scott High School, students will participate in simple awareness activities designed to educate, encourage compassion, and build community support.

Monday: Students will write encouraging notes to cancer patients and their families.These notes will be donated to Care to Share who will help distribute them.

Tuesday: A large poster will be displayed for students to sign reading: “I stand with cancer fighters because…” students will be encouraged to write their personal reasons and messages of support.

Wednesday: A school wide Google form will be shared with students containing some cancer awareness questions. Students will also vote for songs to be used later in the week during a special fundraising event.

Thursday: Students will receive temporary tattoos and are encouraged to take photos wearing them and post on Instagram, tagging @fshscancerawareness to help spread awareness beyond the school.

Friday: The week will conclude with a school assembly. Throughout the week, students are donating money under specific teachers’ names. The top teachers with the highest total donations by Thursday afternoon will participate in a karaoke performance during the assembly. They will sing the top 3 songs chosen by students and wear costumes selected from the FSHS Theatre costume wardrobe.  At the assembly, FSHS will present Care to Share with all funds raised throughout the week.

# # #

Fort Scott, Government, Schools

USD 234 Demonstrates Academic Growth Across Core Subjects

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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.”


Fort Scott, Government, Schools

School Board Recognition Month

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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                                                                                                                                

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

Fort Scott, Government, Schools

New Preschool Facility Is Expected by December 2026

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Exterior work at 904 S. Horton. Submitted photo.

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.

Exterior work on 904 S. Horton by the Fort Scott School District in preparation for use as a preschool. Submitted photo.
Exterior work. Submitted photo.
Interior work at 904 S. Horton. Submitted photo.

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.”

 

Terry Mayfield. Submitted photo.

—

Terry Mayfield, Assistant Superintendent
Fort Scott USD 234 can be reached at
620-223-0800 or
Fort Scott, Government, Schools

News Release of USD2354 Board of Education Meeting on January 12

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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, January 12, 2026

 

Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, January 12, 2026, for their regular monthly meeting at 424 S Main.

 

President David Stewart opened the meeting.

 

David Stewart welcomed new Board Members.

 

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

Board Minutes

12-08-25

Financials – Cash Flow Report

Check Register

Payroll – December 20, 2025 – $1,831,678.21

Activity Funds Accounts

USD 234 Gifts

 

Superintendent Destry Brown informed the Board on the new Tiger Academy. As of now there are five students enrolled and they are doing well. Mr. Brown reviewed the handbook and daily routine of the Academy.

Assistant Superintendent Terry Mayfield provided a shared document. Mr. Mayfield provided an update on the Preschool building, Wrestling Facility, and budget information.

Assistant Superintendent Zach Johnson updated the Board on testing scores over the last ten years. Staff was thanked for the improvement in results. There will be a Board planning meeting to be set up in February.

Special Education Director Tonya Barnes shared an update on state reports. The district scored 100% on the Indicator 12. Mrs. Barnes thanked the SPED staff for the hard work on these reports.

 

 

The Board approved the following:

  • Resolution 25-14 To Establish Regular Board Meetings 2026
  • Resolution 25-15 To Establish Election of School Board Officers

 

Administration has updated and consolidated USD 234’s Human Resources Processes & Procedures to improve clarity, consistency, and fiscal stewardship related to staffing and hiring. The update formalizes vacancy review, centralizes HR coordination, and standardizes onboarding and exit procedures, while preserving existing board authority and hiring practices.

 

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

January 12, 2026

 

RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:

 

Able, Andrew – Supplemental Resignation – Assistant Speech Coach – Middle School

Black, Staci – Retirement – Business Teacher – Middle School – end of 2025-26 school year

Burton, Toni – Termination – Teacher’s Aide – Middle School

Dotson, Destiny – Resignation – Paraprofessional – Eugene Ware

Guss, Stewart – Retirement – Bus Driver

Harper, Amy – Resignation – Math Teacher – High School – end of 2025-26 school year

Lail, Brandon – Resignation – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott

Robertson, Tom – Supplemental Resignation – Head Boys Golf Coach – High School

Shaw, Mike – Termination – Custodian – Eugene Ware

Young, Annie – Resignation – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott

 

Leave of Absence:

 

Engstrom, Lauren – Middle School – Jan 19 through April 7

 

TRANSFER:

Barnes, Jon – Supplemental – Assistant Boys Golf Coach to Head Boys Golf Coach – High School

Ruggero, Lucretia – Paraprofessional to ISS Supervisor – High School

 

EMPLOYMENT:

 

Classified Recommendations for 2025-26 School year:

 

Harper, Melonie – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott

Ingraham, Elizabeth – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott

Lemcke, Hailey – Paraprofessional – High School

VanBuskirk, Don – Student Support – Middle School

 

Supplemental Recommendations for the 2025-26 school year:

 

Collins, Clayton – Supplemental – Assistant Baseball Coach – High School

Nelson, Andrew – Supplemental – Academic Team – Winfield Scott

Ruggero, Lucretia – Supplemental – Assistant Debate & Forensics – High School

 

Fort Scott, Schools, Youth

FSHS Thespians Receive State Honors

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The Fort Scott High School Thespian Troupe #7365 brought home a number of honors from the 2026 Kansas Thespian Festival (KTF).

 

Students attended the festival with nearly 2,000 other students from across the state on Jan. 8-10 at the Century II Performing Arts and Convention Center in Wichita.

 

Sixteen students performed in the Thespy individual events competition with a record number of FSHS students receiving Superior ratings and qualifying to compete at the International Thespian Festival at Indiana University on June 21-26. Superior achievers include senior Levi Fairchild in both Duet Acting and Musical Solo, senior Junie Fisher – Musical Solo, senior Lily Brown – Short Film, senior Grace Walker – Stage Management, junior Ava Johnson – Solo Acting, junior Clark Uttinger – Duet Acting, and sophomore Gianna Gorman – Musical Solo.

 

“Kansas Thespian Festival has always been so fun and is always a great reminder of why I love theater,” Fisher said. “This year’s festival was truly a great way to close out my senior year!”

 

The troupe received the Gold Honor Troupe Award, the highest level of achievement for Thespian troupes in Kansas, based on performances, community, outreach, advocacy, and service from the past school year.

 

The Advanced Drama class performed the one-act play “When Bad Things Happen to Good Actors” by Ian McWethy and Jason Pizzarello. The troupe also presented a Lobby Display featuring photos and events from the past school year.

 

FSHS State Thespian Festival Board Members, senior Chris Newman and Juniors Ava Johnson and Allie Wards helped organize the festival as leaders.

 

“KTF taught me, challenged me, and reminded me why theatre matters so much to me. It’s not just something I love to do, it’s something that’s continuously changing my life,” said Wards.

 

FSHS Theatre Director Angie Bin taught a workshop entitled “From Burnout to Balance: Wellness for Theatre Teachers” and Bin as well as Assistant Theatre Directors Mesa Jones and Abby Starkey judged Thespy events performing at the festival. Bin, a member of the Kansas State Festival Board, also led the Competitive Improv Event and the Honor Troupe competition.

 

Students participated in a variety of workshops and classes throughout the festival learning about acting, technical theatre, dance, playwriting, and other theatre-related topics. Workshops were taught by theatre professionals from all over the country. Thespians also viewed mainstage and one-act productions from schools throughout the state. Students competed in events including Competitive Improv, Speed Charades, and Creative Costuming. Attendees also had the opportunity to meet with college theatre programs from across the country.

 

Brown said, “At KTF, I learned to embrace failure, and to use failure to my advantage, whether it be humorous or serious, I can use my failures as a way to bring life to my performances. In fact, failure is no longer a word I use to describe mishaps in my performances anymore, now I call them moments of opportunity.”

 

Sophomore Theodore Bowman added, “Going to KTF is more than an experience, it’s a bonding adventure full of new friends, incredible workshops, lots of laughs, and mind-blowing performances. KTF isn’t a theatre-filled field trip, it’s a weekend where emotions are inevitable, friends are everywhere, laughing is plenty, and memories are made.”

 

FSHS Theatre’s next event is auditions for Clue High School Edition on Jan. 12 and 13 with performances on March 5-7, 2026.

 

Photos and information about Troupe #7365 can be found at the Fort Scott High School Thespians Facebook page.

 

# # #

 

Contact: Angie Bin, [email protected], 620-719-9622.

 

International Thespian Festival qualifiers from left to right: Top – Clark Uttinger, Levi Fairchild, Lily Brown. Bottom – Ava Johnson, Junie Fisher, Gianna Gorman, Grace Walker.

 

 

Fort Scott High School Thespians attending the Kansas Thespian Festival from left to right: Top – Junie Fisher, Chris Newman, Clark Uttinger, Tray Maloun, Aimee Hardwick, Levi Fairchild, Tyffani Bolden, Michael Stevenson II. Middle – Abby Starkey, Theodore Bowman, Emma Marshall, Isis Patton, Lily Brown, Bonnie Esgar, Angie Bin. Bottom – Mesa Jones, Ava Johnson, Gianna Gorman, Allie Wards, Grace Walker, Landon McDaniel, Trinity Leihsing.

 

FSHS students compete in the Creative Costuming event: (from left to right) Isis Patton, Ava Johnson, Grace Walker.

 

Chris Newman and Ava Johnson in the one-act play “When Bad Things Happen To Good Actors.”