Category Archives: Schools

Fort Scott, Schools

USD 234 Signs Agreement With a Solar Energy Company

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USD 234 Board of Education Building, 424 S. Main

At the recent USD234, Fort Scott School District Board of Education meeting, an agreement was signed with Kingbird Solar Energy LLC that will benefit the district for years.

Kingbird Solar Energy LLC is a Delaware limited liability company.

Kingbird Solar Energy approached the district regarding the agreement, Terry Mayfield, Assistant Superintendent said.

“Kingbird Solar intends to construct and operate a solar energy project in Bourbon County,”  Mayfield said.  “According to Kansas Statute, property used to produce and generate electricity using renewable energy resources (including solar) is exempt from all property or ad valorem taxation for a period of 10 years.  The developer, as a new member of the local business community, wishes to demonstrate good citizenship by providing financial contributions to the district during the 10-year exemption.”

Terry Mayfield. Submitted photo.

 

“The financial contribution begins with the commencement of construction by the developer,” Mayfield said. “There will be one initial payment of $300 per megawatt AC upon commencement of construction and for the following 9 years there will be an annual contribution of $450 per megawatt AC.”

 

“It is estimated that the contribution could be as much as $135,000 per year,” Mayfield said.

“It’s my understanding that for the 10-year exemption period that no taxes will be assessed on these solar farms, however, the developers still wish to make a financial contribution. Once that exemption period is over, the solar farms then become taxable and local entities would then receive tax revenue for any solar farms that are located within that entity’s boundaries (county, school district, etc.”

 

“The district is agreeing to accept the financial contribution from them,” Mayfield said. “By accepting this contribution, the district does not express support for or opposition to the establishment of solar farms in Bourbon County. The district remains neutral on this matter. By remaining neutral, the district can avoid taking a side in a debate that might involve conflicting viewpoints.”

 

Fort Scott, Schools

Preschool Move Is On The Horizon For 2025-26 School Year

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The Fort Scott Preschool will be relocated to a building at Ninth and Horton Streets.
Plans are progressing for the Fort Scott Preschool move to the former Mercy Clinic building at 9th and Horton Street. The preschool is currently is located at 409 S. Judson.
The Fort Scott Preschool, at 409 S. Judson.
Planning has been in the works for a couple of years.
“The project is taking longer than expected primarily due to the time required for proper planning, bidding, contractor selection, and budget management,” said Terry Mayfield Assistant Superintendent of Fort Scott USD 234. “While this process is taking longer than initially anticipated, it is essential to ensure that the building is safe, functional, and ready to house the preschool program as intended.”
Terry Mayfield. Submitted photo.

Here’s a more detailed explanation of the current situation that Mayfield provided:

  1. “Delayed Possession of the Building: The district was able to take possession of the building in September, but this was later than expected because the previous tenants did not vacate the property until then. This delay in occupancy pushed back the initial timeline for starting renovations.

  2. Demolition and Fire Sprinkler System Installation: The first phase of the project involves significant work, including the demolition of the first floor and the installation of a fire sprinkler system. To move forward with this, the district is working with Crossland Construction, which is responsible for managing the bidding and contractor selection process. This phase is taking time because:

    • Bid Development: Developing comprehensive and detailed bid specifications is a complex task, as the district needs to ensure that all demolition and safety requirements are thoroughly defined.
    • Advertising and Contractor Selection: The district must go through the formal process of advertising the bids, reviewing proposals, and selecting qualified contractors. This process ensures that the contractors meet all the necessary requirements and can complete the work within the budget and timeline.

  4. Renovation Phase: Once the demolition and fire sprinkler installation are completed, the next phase of the project will involve the renovation of the first floor to create classrooms and office spaces for the preschool program. Like the demolition phase, this will require issuing new bids, selecting contractors, and ensuring that all construction meets safety and educational standards. This phase, too, will take time to execute properly.

  5. Funding and Budgeting Considerations: The project is being financed through the district’s capital outlay budget. This requires careful planning and allocation of funds to ensure that sufficient resources are available for each phase of the project. Additionally, capital outlay funds must be managed responsibly to cover not only construction costs but also unexpected expenses that may arise during the project.

  6. Revised Timeline: Due to the delays in obtaining possession of the building and the time needed for proper bid preparation and contractor selection, the project timeline has shifted. The district now anticipates that the facility will be ready for use at some point during the 25-26 school year. Work will continue throughout the 24-25 school year, with the goal of completing the facility’s construction and renovation in time for the preschool program’s operation in the 2025-2026 academic year.”

“The district met recently with Crossland Construction on the next phase for the preschool building to move forward with plans at the building on Horton Street,” Mayfield said.  “Drainage issues do not seem to be a concern, so our next steps will be to move forward with demolition of the interior of the first floor and to install the fire sprinkler system.”

“Once the construction management agreement is in place, they can then begin to put cost estimates on the demo and fire sprinkler system.”

” Crossland Construction will be putting out requests for bids for the demolition and for the fire sprinkler system.  They plan to get the demolition started soon after the first of the year.  They will be taking interested contractors through the building prior to the bid dates.  Once we know these costs, we can then plan to move forward with this phase and then plan for and budget and get cost estimates on the next phase of renovation.”

The current wait list for becoming a student at Fort Scott Preschool is three children.

The current enrollment at the school is  111, Mayfield said. “We are expecting approximately 18 more students to transition to preschool before the end of the school year.”

Currently, there are four early childhood special education classroom teachers, one intervention teacher and 11 paraprofessionals, Mayfield said.

Nick Johnson is the principal of the preschool.

 

To view the prior story:

Fort Scott Preschool Will Get Bigger Facility in 2025

 

 

Bourbon County, Government, Schools

USD 235 Passes Resolution to Hold School Bond Election

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PRESS RELEASE from Vance Eden, superintendent of USD235, Uniontown School District.

 

The USD 235 Board of Education approved a resolution Monday night to place a $1,250,000 bond election before voters during a special election held Tuesday, March 4.  The board of education went back to the drawing board after voters rejected two propositions in the November 2023 election.  This time around, the board of education reduced the scope of work and bond amount by 86 percent.

Following the election, the district surveyed its constituents to better understand its perspectives and priorities.  In that feedback we heard that the cost of the previous bond question was too high, and many patrons felt the scope of work included items that were not truly a need.  With that in mind, we have reduced the work to only include the three most pressing needs.  In doing so, the district is able to present a bond issue to the public that would have a no mill increase to taxpayers.

The scope of work will include 3 projects.  The largest expense will be for the replacement of the two modulars at West Bourbon Elementary School with one permanent structure that will house the preschool and small offices for school psychology and speech therapy services.  The bond will also include the replacement of the antiquated fire alarm system at the high school and will renovate the main entrance at WBE to be ADA accessible, as well as more secure.

The following bond proposal below will appear on the ballot.

Shall the following be adopted?

 

Shall Unified School District No. 235, Bourbon County, Kansas (Uniontown), issue general obligation bonds in an amount not to exceed $1,250,000 to pay the costs to construct, furnish and equip:  (a) replacement of the District’s Pre-K facility; (b) ADA and secure entry improvements at West Bourbon Elementary School; (c) fire alarm system improvements at the Uniontown Junior/Senior High School; and (d) all other necessary improvements related thereto (collectively the “Project”); and (e) to pay costs of issuance and interest on said general obligation bonds during construction of the Project; all pursuant to the provisions of K.S.A. 10‑101 et seq., K.S.A. 25‑2018(f), K.S.A. 72‑5457, and K.S.A. 72‑5458 et seq.?

 

The special election will take place on Tuesday, March 4, 2025.

Fort Scott, Government, Schools

USD234 Board of Ed. Minutes for Dec. 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, December 09, 2024

 

Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, December 09, 2024, for their regular monthly meeting at the board office.

President David Stewart opened the meeting.

 

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

Board Minutes

11-11-24

Financials – Cash Flow Report

Check Register

Payroll – October 18, 2024 – $1,693,896.64

Activity Funds Accounts

USD 234 Gifts

MS Band Fundraising

December 2024 KASB Policy Updates

 

Special Education Director, Tonya Barnes, recognized Jannah Farrington for being named the 2024 Coach of the Year for the Southeast Region’s Special Olympics. Jannah is in her 12th year at the district. Jannah along with Rhonda & Damien Perkinson, Stacy & David Brown, Laryn Schnichels, Kristal Castillo, and others worked to build and decorate the Special Olympics Express that won first place in the Fort Scott Christmas Parade. She has been instrumental in expanding the Special Olympics department which includes track & field, bowling, and soon to come basketball.

 

Superintendent Destry Brown reported on enrollment from the start of school until December. He also gave a brief update on the Preschool building and where the district is with the remodeling of the building.

 

Assistant Superintendent Terry Mayfield provided the Board with an update on the football field turf replacement with the hopes it will be finished ahead of schedule. He explained about a few projects in the buildings that are being done and that we will hear about the financial audit as soon as they have completed it.

Tonya Barnes, Special Education Director, updated the Board on the next CAT AID payment that will be coming later this month. She and others will be starting a new hire orientation in January and following monthly for all new employees to make sure they equipped and ready to work within the district.

 

Mina Query, Principal at Eugene Ware, presented a slideshow for the Board. She presented pictures from the Family Engagement Camping Night that focused on reading. The teachers have been working on interventions that have had a significant impact. She also went over a few reports to show how the students have improved. Students were present from Mrs. Keating’s Enrichment groups. They help with the student store, parent monthly parent letters, and they really enjoy being a part of her group. A couple of members from the Leadership Club were present to explain about their trip to Greenbush to learn about how to become a leader. They also worked with Wreaths Across America to help raise money for fifteen wreaths to be placed at the National Cemetery. Mrs. Query complimented the teachers and staff for working together as a team for the better of the students.

 

KESA Accreditation Plan for information only. Each district is to choose a District Goal and our choice was Structured Literacy. Superintendent Brown explained how the district is working toward that goal.

 

There have been three applicants for the open board seat. The Board decided to have a special meeting in January to interview and choose an applicant.

 

The Board Approved the following items:

  • Pre-Employment Drug Screening
  • Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Kansas Foundation, INC Grant
  • Kingbird Solar Energy Contribution Agreement
  • School Bus Purchases (71 Passenger & Bus with Lift)
  • Maintenance Truck Purchase

 

The Board tabled the following items:

  • 10 Passenger Van Purchase
  • Towerpoint Acquisitions Letter of Intent to Purchase Interest in Wireless Site

 

There were no comments during public forum.

 

The Board went into an executive session for personnel matters.

 

President David Stewart adjourned the meeting.

 

PERSONNEL REPORT – APPROVED

December 09, 2024

 

RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:

Button, Tim – Resignation – Bus Driver

Flanner, Kevin – Resignation – Supplemental – Girls’ Volleyball Head Coach – High School

Krull, Michael – Retirement

 

EMPLOYMENT:

Certified Recommendations for the 2024-25 school year:

Doherty, Andrew – KRI Teacher

Fountain, Justin – 6th Grade Math Teacher – Middle School

 

Classified Recommendations for the 2024-25 school year:

Durkin, Jennifer – Paraprofessional – KRI

Herring, Sean T – Custodian – Middle School

Thorne, Deborah – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott

 

Supplemental Recommendations for the 2024-25 school year:

Armstrong, Jeff – Assistant Boys Basketball Coach – High School

Feedback, Brennen  – Head Boys Basketball Coach – High School

Larsen, Danny – Assistant Boys Basketball Coach – High School

Martin, Dave – Assistant Swimming Coach – High School

Stepps, Trent – Assistant Boys Basketball Coach – High School

 

 

 

 

Bourbon County, Schools, Youth

The Uniontown Science Olympiad teams have kicked off the 24-25 season.

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B Division Team – 1st row: Ely Swink, Scout Eden, Ash Sporleder, Ty Shelton, Lexi Irsik, Autstin Maycomber 2nd row: Blake Ervin, Mathew Knight ( Mentor), Makiah Woods, Marley Sutton and McKinley Sutton

Science Olympiad competitions are like academic track meets, consisting of a series of 23 team events in each division (Division B is middle school; Division C is high school), according to information provided by Uniontown Science Teacher Carrie Sutcliffe.

Each year, a portion of the events are rotated to reflect the ever-changing nature of genetics, earth science, chemistry, anatomy, physics, geology, mechanical engineering and technology. By combining events from all disciplines, Science Olympiad encourages a wide cross-section of students to get involved. Emphasis is placed on active, hands-on group participation. Through Science Olympiad, students, teachers, parents, principals and business leaders bond together and work toward a shared goal.

 

 

Lexi Irsik and Scout Eden. Submitted photo.
Austin Maycomber.
Ash Sporleder and Scout Eden
4 C Division Team – 1st row – Abbi Brown, Jewel Endicott, Jiyah Middelton, Jordan Wolf, Blakely Cox
2nd row – Anthony Weyant, Bailey Cox, Austin Vincent, Maria Cibrin, Matthew Knight
3rd row – Dylon Diebert, Dreyden Marlow, Hunter Johnson, Paityn Hueston, Camilla Cagle.
Fort Scott, Government, Schools

USD234 Board of Education Agenda for December 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

December 09, 2024 – 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

  1. 11-11-24

            4.2       Financials – Cash Flow Report

            4.3       Check Register

            4.4       Payroll – October 18, 2024 – $1,693,896.64

4.5       Activity Funds Accounts

4.6       USD 234 Gifts

4.7       MS Band Fundraising

4.8       December 2024 KASB Policy Updates

5.0       Employee Recognitions

6.0       Leadership Reports (Information/Discussion Item)

            6.1       Superintendent’s Report     

            6.2       Assistant Superintendent’s Report

            6.3       Special Education Director’s Report

            6.4       Eugene Ware Update & Report                             

 

7.0       Old Business

7.1       KESA Accreditation Plan (Information only)

7.2       Pre-Employment Drug Screening (Action)

7.3       Board Vacancy (Discussion)

8.0       New Business

            8.1       Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas Foundation, Inc Grant (Action)

            8.2       Kingbird Solar Energy Contribution Agreement (Action)

8.3       TowerPoint Acquisitions Letter of Intent to Purchase Interest in Wireless Site (Action)

            8.4       School Bus Purchase(s) (Action)

8.5       Maintenance Truck Purchase

8.6       10 Passenger Van Purchase

 

9.0       Public Forum

10.0     Other Business – Time ____

 

10.1     Enter Executive Session – Personnel Matters (Action Item

 

11.0     Adjourn Meeting _____ (Time)            David Stewart, President

Entertainment, Fort Scott, Schools, Youth

FSHS Thespians Present Ho Ho Ho The Santa Claus Chronicles

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The Fort Scott High School Thespians present the children’s theatre production of Ho Ho Ho The Santa Claus Chronicles by Pat Cook at 7 p.m. on Dec. 13 and 14 in the FSHS Auditorium.

 

Pioneer Drama Service describes the play this way: “We join the host for a special live edition of “The Santa Claus Chronicles” at the North Pole just a few days before Christmas.  We start with a press conference where Saint Nick’s press secretary answers reporters’ questions about the jolly guy. … We also meet the elves, Eeny, Meeny, Miney, and Sol, who take care of the reindeer, and we hear from the elves who work the gift suggestion hotline.  But the biggest mystery at the North Pole is where Mrs.Claus has disappeared to.  Just what is she up to?  Find out in a surprising ending that will leave a smile on everyone’s face.”

 

The production involves 44 local students in first through eighth grade and 24 high school Thespians who serve as directors, coaches, and designers

 

Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for children. All tickets are reserved seating and are available at fortscotthighschool.ludus.com or at the door. Doors open 30 minutes prior to showtime.

 

Ho Ho Ho The Santa Claus Chronicles is produced by FSHS Theatre Director Angie Bin and senior Directors Kaiden Clary and Cooper George. Junior Junie Fisher serves as Music Director and sophomore Ava Johnson is the Choreographer.

Fort Scott, Schools, Youth

Fall Extravaganza To Benefit FSHS’s FFA Program: Find Those Holiday Gifts Here

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Submitted graphic.
Monday, November 25 is the annual Fall Extravaganza, put together this year by the Fort Scott FFA Chapter as a fundraiser.
The event is at the Fort Scott Middle School from 5-8 p.m.
Fort Scott Middle School, 1105 E. 12th.

“The event started in 2009 by the Fort Scott Middle School VIPs to raise money to support the middle school,” said Sydney Cullison, Fort Scott High School FFA Advisor.

The event is where local businesses or crafty individuals showcase and sell their products and the students running the event get some money for their cause, it’s a win-win proposition.

Cullison said “The last couple of years the event was coordinated by the Fort Scott High School Swim Team to raise money for uniforms. This year, the Fort Scott FFA Chapter took over the planning of the event.”

The chapter officers are in a class called Ag Leadership and have been planning this event with the help of Cullison.

Much work has been done by the students and teacher leading up to this event: They must determine how much to charge for booth spaces, make an application form, collect payments from vendors, create a vendor layout map, create flyers and do social media advertising for the event.
Thus far 55 vendors are coming and will have a 10-foot by 10-foot booth space for $25.
The proceeds from the event will pay for the annual FFA membership dues for the 2024-25 school year, which are roughly $1,300 and are covered by the FFA Chapter.
The Fort Scott FFA group in 2023. Submitted photo.
“In 2021, the FFA chapter moved to an affiliate membership model meaning any student enrolled in an agriculture course is automatically an FFA member,” Cullison said. “The affiliate model allows all students to participate in FFA events to further skills learned in the classroom without paying an individual membership fee of $15. “
The Fort Scott High School FFA program has 106 students in grades 9-12.
The National FFA Organization’s mission is to help students develop their potential for leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education.
Fort Scott, Schools

District Teachers of the Year Will Visit Fort Scott on December 3

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A group of award-winning teachers will visit Fort Scott in December, with two local teachers bringing attention to innovative ideas the local school district has in place.

“These Kansas educators are quite accomplished and the event is about sharing information and ideas for better education,” according to Jackson Tough, City of Fort Scott Public Relations and Tourism Director.

“Fort Scott was chosen as a location to tour because of Fort Scott teachers Sara Jackman and Amy Harper,” he said.

Amy Harper and Sara Jackman. Submitted photo.

Jackman was chosen District Teacher of the Year last year and 2024 is her service year. Harper was selected in 2023 and last year was her service year.

“Fort Scott is one district that participates in the program, not many in our area do,” Jackman said. “A school district committee votes on the yearly winner.  Once chosen, you compete at the state level for Kansas Teacher of the Year. That was held in Topeka in April. Starting in September the nominees are put into groups that tour each other’s schools looking for innovative ideas that we can use in our districts. We also work on bringing attention to the positive things going on in our district”

The goal is to learn from each other and share best practices from award-winning teachers to implement in schools.

Teachers will be visiting each of the Fort Scott schools.

“The group will be meeting with teachers and learning about some of our programs including Computer Aided Manufacturing, CAM, taught by Dr. Laubenstein, Tiger Times taught by Erica Clark, Tiger Threads taught by Morgan Sage and our art, welding, and automotive programs taught by Chris Griffeths, Michael Casner, and Ryan Miller respectively,” she said.

“The teachers will also tour Fort Scott’s Historic Downtown District, the Fort Scott National Historic Site, and have lunch,” Tough said.  “A breakfast will be prepared by the new Kitchen Collective and snacks prepared by the Fort Scott High School FACS class.”

 

The visiting educators will be in Fort Scott on December 3 from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

 

The teachers, all of whom won their respective district teacher of the year awards:

  • Michelle Weltz is a high school English teacher from Spring Hill
  • Jason Werner is a second-grade teacher from Turner School District in KCK
  • Catherine Leake is a sixth-grade math teacher from Nickerson
  • Michelle Ernst is a high school English teacher from Nickerson High School
  • Karen Withers is a middle school social studies teacher from the Shawnee Heights district
  • Mallory Koger is a second-grade teacher in the Santa Fe Trail district, and
  • Kelsey Mann is a preschool teacher from Junction City

For more information please contact Sara Jackman at USD 234, [email protected].