Category Archives: Schools

Fort Scott, Government, Schools

News Release of the USD234 Board of Education Meeting on Dec. 8

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Jane Krone and Josh Messer. Submitted photo.

 

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 08, 2025

 

Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, December 08, 2025, for their regular monthly meeting at 424 S Main.

 

President David Stewart opened the meeting.

 

David Stewart thanked the Board Members that are finishing their term for their time and effort in collaborating with the school district.

 

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

Board Minutes

11-10-25

Financials – Cash Flow Report

Check Register

Payroll – November 20, 2025 – $1,830,914.79

Activity Funds Accounts

USD 234 Gifts

December 2025 KASB Policy Updates

FSHS Baseball Fundraising

 

Superintendent Destry Brown informed the Board on current enrollment in the district. An update for Tiger Academy was given with a start date of January 6, 2026. The district is also working on a Farm to School grant that will include local products that can be included into the school’s lunch program. Mr. Brown also informed Board Members and new members they will be meeting soon.

Assistant Superintendent Terry Mayfield provided a shared document. He was able to share a report that included the City/School IT ticket numbers. The Preschool building has been given a tentative timeline.

Assistant Superintendent Zach Johnson updated the Board on winter iReady testing scores on Math & ELA. Results for testing will be shared with parents soon. He thanked the staff and students involved in the Christmas Parade this past week.

Special Education Director Tonya Barnes provided a shared document.

Superintendent Brown thanked the District’s Counselors for their Kansas Star Recognition Award. Jane Krone and Josh Messer were present. This was a district wide award for Social Emotional Learning. Jane Krone was responsible for submitting the paperwork for the grant. She explained how much the students benefit from the curriculum. This is an extremely exciting recognition for the district.

 

The Board approved the following:

  • CTE Equipment for Patterson Grant
    • Welding Booth Bid Proposals – $73,458
    • Welder Proposals – $8,970
    • CNC Plasma Table Bid Proposals – $45,767.52
    • Mini Mill Bid Proposals – $84,030.95
    • Desktop Lathe Bid Proposals – $14,850
  • Architect Services Agreement – Hight Jackson Associates
  • Pre-School Playground Project Bid Proposals
  • Heavy Duty Work Truck Bids
    • Contingency Approval
  • Community Green Farms MOU
  • Bourbon County Neighborhood Revitalization Plan Agreement (2026-2030)

 

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

December 08, 2025

 

RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:

 

Bradbury, Luke – Resignation – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott

DeLaTorre, Jeff – Retirement – Athletic/Activities Director – High School

Gilmore, Nicole – Resignation – Assistant Principal – Winfield Scott

Regan, Nikki – Resignation – SPED Teacher – High School

Rienbolt, Katren – Resignation – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott

 

LEAVE OF ABSENCE:

 

Cox, Johnna – January 05-February 13

 

TRANSFER:

Avery, Michael – Grounds/Maintenance II to Maintenance I

Budd, Wendy – Paraprofessional Winfield Scott to Paraprofessional Alternative School

 

EMPLOYMENT:

 

Certified Recommendations for 2026-27 School year:

 

Johnson, Zach – Superintendent

 

Classified Recommendations for 2025-26 School year:

 

Kitsmiller, Natalie – Paraprofessional – Alternative School

Lee, David – Custodian – Winfield Scott

Miller, Kaylie – Paraprofessional – Alternative School

Pinkerton, Samantha – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott

Tate, Madalynn – Paraprofessional – Preschool

Weber, Betty – Paraprofessional – KRI

 

Supplemental Recommendations for the 2025-26 school year:

 

Corbitt, Cheyenne – 3rd Session of Intramurals

Fountain, Justin – Scholars Bowl Sponsor – Middle School

Nickelson, Aaron – Assistant Boys Basketball – Middle School

 

Art, Entertainment, Fort Scott, Schools

FSHS Thespians Present a Children’s Production of A Christmas Carol

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The Fort Scott High School Thespians present A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, adapted by Kathryn Schultz Miller.

 

Performances are Dec. 12 at 7 p.m. and Dec. 13 at 2 and 7 p.m. at the Fort Scott High School Auditorium, 1005 S. Main, Fort Scott. Doors open 30 minutes prior to showtime.

 

The production involves 45 children in 1st through 8th grades. The role of Ebenezer Scrooge is portrayed by 8th grader Xavier Jeffrey. Other featured roles include Charles Dickens played by 7th grader Dylan Williams, Spirit of Christmas Past played by 7th grader Elsie Fields, and Spirit of Christmas Present portrayed by 8th grade student Claire Bower.

 

A Christmas Carol is produced by FSHS Theatre Director Angie Bin with direction and design by the FSHS Thespians. Senior Levi Fairchild serves as Director, Assistant Director is senior Chris Newman, and Music Director is senior Junie Fisher.

 

All tickets are reserved seating and are $5. Tickets can be purchased at fortscotthighschool.ludus.com or at the door, but seating is limited.

 

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Fort Scott, Government, Schools

Minutes of the USD234 Board of Education Meeting New Release on November 10

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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, November 10, 2025

 

Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, November 10, 2025, for their regular monthly meeting at Fort Scott Middle School

 

President David Stewart opened the meeting.

 

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

Board Minutes

10-13-25

Financials – Cash Flow Report

Check Register

Payroll – October 20, 2025 – $1,826,376.48

Activity Funds Accounts

USD 234 Gifts

Resolution 25-13 Add Bank Signers

FCA Fundraising Application

Orchestra Fundraising Application

Choir Fundraising Application

 

DJ Brown, Middle School Principal, and a couple from his team were able to present to the Board. Travis Wilcoxen, SPED teacher, gave a report about Special Olympics. Track & Field, Basketball, Bowling, and Corn hole are a few of the events that the students have been participating in. Tracy Homan, Language Arts Teacher, is working with Student council and Leadership Class students. They are focusing on creating a positive school culture where students enjoy coming to school. They also will be attending Leadership and Team Building at Greenbush throughout the year. Matt Harris, Assistant Principal, explained about the advisory period schedule. This is designed to specifically help students in ELA, Math, Social Studies, and Science. The teachers can work directly with students on skills that will help keep them on grade level. They have seen great growth with this program. Mr. Brown informed on the Veteran’s Day program the Middle School will be having on Wednesday. He also explained that a major goal for the school is building relationships between staff and students. The staff is working great together to make sure each student is involved and has someone they can turn to.

 

Assistant Superintendent Terry Mayfield provided information on the completed financial audit and the upcoming KSDE audit. Mr. Mayfield is working on several grants that will help offset some costs with the Preschool and the CTE program.

 

Assistant Superintendent Zach Johnson updated the Board on the Veterans’ Day Assemblies that will be held throughout the district on Tuesday and Wednesday. He also updated on iReady testing and other training that has been taking place.

 

Special Education Director Tonya Barnes praised the SPED team and informed the Board of future planning for transitioning students between buildings.

 

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

November 10, 2025

 

RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:

 

Hazen, Clint – Resignation – Paraprofessional – Eugene Ware

Jackman, Sara – Supplemental Resignation – History Club – High School

Mitchell, Jacqui – Supplemental Resignation – PBIS – Winfield Scott

Pearson, Vanessa – Resignation – Paraprofessional – KRI

 

LEAVE OF ABSENCE:

 

Nation, Laura – LOA – Winfield Scott

 

TRANSFER:

 

Brown, Jodi – Speech Pathologist – .5 to .75

Whitt, Derrick – ISS Supervisor – High School to Alternative School Director

 

EMPLOYMENT:

 

Classified Recommendations for 2025-26 School year:

 

Brown, Khya – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott

Isaac, Britney – Paraprofessional – High School

Khang, Julianne – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott

Lail, Brandon – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott

 

Supplemental Recommendations for the 2025-26 school year:

 

Allen, Brian – History Club – High School

Bowels, Kendall – PBIS – Winfield Scott

Coyan, Paula – Assistant Softball – High School

Hartman, Heather – Assistant Softball – High School

Nelson, Andrew – PBIS – Eugene Ware

Nickelson, Aaron – Assistant Softball – High School

Norris, Danielle – PBIS – Eugene Ware

Whitt, Derrick – Assistant Girl’s Basketball – High School

 

Fort Scott, Government, Schools

Agenda For The USD234 School Board on November 10

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Fort Scott Middle School, 1105 E. 12th.

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

This will be held at Fort Scott Middle School Commons Area (1105 E 12th St) at 5:30pm on November 10th.

BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING
November 10, 2025 – 5:30 P.M.
AGENDA SUMMARY PUBLIC
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
10-13-25
4.2 Financials – Cash Flow Report
4.3 Check Register
4.4 Payroll – October 20, 2025 – $1,826,376.48
4.5 Activity Funds Accounts
4.6 USD 234 Gifts
4.7 Resolution 25-13 Add Bank Signers
4.8 Fundraising Application
4.9 FCA Fundraising Application
5.0 Middle School Presentation
6.0 Leadership Reports (Information/Discussion Item)
6.1 Assistant Superintendent’s Report
6.2 Assistant Superintendent’s Report
6.3 Special Education Director’s Report

7.0 Public Forum
8.0 Other Business – Personnel Matters – Time __________
8.1 Enter Executive Session – Personnel Matters (Action Item)
8.2 Exit Executive Session – _______ (Time)
8.3 Approval of Personnel Report (Action Item)
9.0 Adjourn Meeting _____ (Time) David Stewart, President

Fort Scott, Schools

FFAll Extravaganza Friday, November 14th 5:00-8:00 pm

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Sending on behalf of Chamber Member

Fort Scott High School

(Fort Scott FFA)

FSHS Fort Scott FFA invites you to their

FFAll Extravaganza

Friday, November 14th

5:00-8:00 pm

Fort Scott High School Gym

1005 S. Main St.

Hosted by the Fort Scott FFA, this exciting community event invites everyone to enjoy an evening full of food, shopping, and treats—featuring baked goods, clothing, jewelry, crafts, and more!

It’s the perfect opportunity to support local vendors and connect with friends and neighbors in a warm, festive setting.

Be sure to spread the word and bring along family, classmates, coworkers—

everyone’s welcome!

For more information, contact Sydney Cullison at [email protected].
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members below!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US
 
Entertainment, Fort Scott, Government, Schools, Youth

FSHS Thespians Announce Auditions for Children’s Christmas Show

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The Fort Scott High School Thespians are holding auditions for A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, adapted by Kathryn Schultz Miller.

 

Auditions are open to children in 1st-8th grades and take place from 6-8 p.m. on Nov. 17 OR 18 in the FSHS Auditorium. Children do not need to prepare anything in advance, but should plan to stay for the duration of the audition time on one of the nights. Parents should be present at the beginning for information and to fill out audition forms.

 

Rehearsals are Nov. 19 & 20, Dec. 1-4, and Dec. 9-11 from 6-8 pm. Productions are Dec. 12 and 13 at 7 p.m. There is a $30 participation fee for children cast in the show.

 

A Christmas Carol is produced by FSHS Theatre Director Angie Bin with direction and design by the FSHS Thespians. Please contact Bin at [email protected] or 620-719-9622 with any questions.

 

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Fort Scott, Schools, Youth

Fort Scott High School Performs “Between the Lines”

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Fort Scott High School students will perform the new musical Between the Lines at 7 p.m. on Nov. 11, 13, and 15 and at 2 p.m. on Nov. 15 at the FSHS Auditorium.

Between the Lines is based on the novel by international bestselling author Jodi Picoult & Samantha van Leer, featuring a book by Picoult and Timothy Allen McDonald (Roald Dahl’s James and the Giant Peach, The Big One-Oh!) and score by Elyssa Samsel & Kate Anderson (Apple TV+’s “Central Park”).

“Between the Lines is an empowering and enchanting story for anyone who has struggled to find their place in the world. An outsider in a new town and a new school, Delilah seeks comfort in the pages of her favorite book, where she feels heard and understood by the handsome Prince Oliver. But as the lines between fantasy and reality begin to blur in extraordinary ways, Delilah realizes her dreams in the real world are worth fighting for,” according to publisher Music Theatre International.

The production features Senior Junie Fisher as Delilah and Senior Levi Fairchild as Prince Oliver. Nearly forty FSHS students perform in the cast or serve as designers or crew members for the musical.

 

“This particular musical was the perfect choice to feature two of our most outstanding seniors this year. Junie and Levi’s vocal talents are excellent on their own and so beautiful on their duets. Both plan to go into music or theatre and perhaps education as a future career and I could not be more proud of them in this show,” said Theatre Director Angie Bin.

 

Between the Lines is also directed by Music Director Taylor Jones, Choreographer Mesa Jones, and Assistant Director Abby Starkey. Bin and Fisher first learned of Between the Lines when they saw a production at the 2024 International Thespian Festival. Bin was then able to attend a workshop and meet with Jodi Picoult and the other authors of the musical in person.

 

Tickets are reserved seating in advance and available at fortscotthighschool.ludus.com. Seating is limited, but some tickets may be available at the door. Adults are $8 and children are $6. A $14 VIP Ticket experience includes the opportunity to meet the cast and take an exclusive photo, a Between the Lines gift bag, concession snack, and concession drink.

 

Bourbon County, Schools, Youth

USD235 Vocational Agriculture Building Is Prepared For The Future

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Machines of various types are available to students at Uniontown VoAg. shop.

The Uniontown school district has an expanded classroom and shop, all new workspaces, heating, air conditioning, and ventilation, along with new security features to take the vocational agriculture program at the junior high and high school into the future.

Scott Sutton, from the USD 235 Staff Directory.

Vocational Agriculture Instructor Scott Sutton told attendees at the October 23 open house that there was a definite need for the renovation to the building constructed in 1967. The building is on the north side of the main campus building on Fifth Street in Uniontown.

Scott Sutton, center, discusses the newly made (by students) welding spaces with attendees.

The shop floor was uneven, there was no air conditioning, and the electrical, plumbing, and ventilation systems needed to be upgraded. The roof was replaced about nine years ago and was still under warranty, Sutton said.

The classroom space was extended in size, and additionally,  space was added to the shop by removing some stairs to a loft that was taken out. And now the teacher can see what is going on in the shop, while in the classroom, with a security camera.

“It’s ADA compliant, fire marshal approved,” he said.

The modernization of the 40-foot by 70-foot building began in February 2025. “It was gutted to the beams, the floor was torn out, and the new windows, electric, plumbing, ventilation system, air conditioning, and heating installed. We had heat, but no air conditioning,” Sutton said. “A new CNC Plasma Table to make metal parts will be here next week. It’s a common industry standard.”

An example of what can be made from a plasma table, Sutton said.

Sutton is the only vo.ag. teacher in the district with 187 students in the junior/senior high school, and 59 of those students are enrolled in the vo.ag. classes.

Freshmen students are offered an agriculture science class. Sophomores are offered plant and animal science, Juniors- agriculture mechanics (welding, electrical, engines), Seniors- agriculture leadership and communication.

Vance Eden, from the USD 235 Staff Directory.

USD 235 Superintendent Vance Eden said the program helps students with the teaching of “presentation of self and team effort.”

 

Sutton said students have been very successful with livestock judging, meat judging, parliamentary procedure,  and public speaking competitions in the program. “Several students have received scholarships for livestock and meat judging at the collegiate level. And there are a lot of other scholarship opportunities in the agriculture field and through FFA.

The renovation was sparked by an audit in 2021 that declared there was a need for a plan for the future of the building, USD235 Superintendent Vance Eden said.  There was poor insulation, leaks and exhaust fume problems, among others.

A bond issue that included a renovation of the building failed in November 2023. COVID-19 Pandemic era funds were able to be set aside along with some Capital Improvement State Aide, Eden said. “We knew something was going to have to be done, so we saved for 3-4 years.”

The building renovation was just under one million dollars. There was also a donation from the Timken Foundation for the project.

 

 

 

Bourbon County, Government, Schools

Uniontown dominated at the South East Regional Eco Meet at Greenbush.

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(Left to right) Ty Shelton, Lexi Irsik, Ash Sporleder,  Lillyan Robinson, Scarlett McCullough, Aryonnah Beaton, Payton McAfee, Mathew Knight and Ziggy Barbour.
Eco-Meets are competitions that test high school students’ knowledge of Kansas’ wildlife and plants, rewarding the most naturally-qualified students with scholarships. Students are tested in four areas, which are updated annually: a particular habitat, a focus group (of animals), an outdoor scavenger hunt (to assess identification skills), and a fun interpretive event, according tohttps://www.kansasecomeet.org/faqs/
Uniontown High School students participated in Southeast Kansas Regional Eco-Meet at Greenbush, KS on October 22, according to https://www.kansasecomeet.org/southeast-kansas-regional-eco-meet/
Team A, consisting of Aryonnah Beaton, Mathew Knight, Payton McAfee and Ziggy Barbour took 1st place overall.
Team C, consisting of Liliyan Robinson, Ash Sporleder, Lexie Irsik and Scarlett McCullough took 2nd place overall. Both of those teams will advance to the State competition held at Rock Springs Ranch in Junction City on November 6.
In addition to taking the top two team awards, Uniontown captured the four top individual awards!
Aryonnah Beaton placed 1st in Aquatics and Payton McAfee placed 2nd.
Lilian Robinson placed 1st in Invertebrates and Ty Shelton placed 2nd.
Team B, consisting of Austin Maycomber, Ty Shelton, Braydon Russell and Chandler Hall and Team D, consisting of Macy Hueston, Karsyn Woods, Cristian Gonzalez and Catherine Cox also did a fantastic job yesterday but unfortunately did not qualify for State.
Uniontown brought home the traveling trophy and since 2019 Colgan has been the winner. For 2025, the trophy will stay in Uniontown High School!
Submitted by
Christal Martin
Alyson Weston
Brad Johnson
Carrie Sutcliffe
From row: (left to right)Karsyn Woods, Macy Hueston,  Cristian Gonzalez, Lillyan Robinson, Lexi Irsik, Ash Sporleder, & Scarlett McCullough.
Back row: (left to right) Payton McAfee, Mathew Knight, Ziggy Barbour, Aryonnah Beaton, Chandler Hall, Austin Maycumber, Braydon Russell and Ty Shelton.
Fort Scott, Government, Schools

News Release from the U234 Board of Education from October 13

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Submitted photo of the USD234 Board of Education meeting on Oct. 13, 2025

 

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

October 13, 2025 – 5:30 P.M.

AGENDA PUBLIC

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

                                    09-11-25

            4.2       Financials – Cash Flow Report

            4.3       Check Register

            4.4       Payroll – September 20, 2025 – $1,796,795.06

4.5       Activity Funds Accounts

4.6       USD 234 Gifts

4.7       Resolution 25-12 – Add/Correct Bank Signers Middle School

4.8       Declare Surplus Property – Vehicles to be sold at auction

5.0       Leadership Reports (Information/Discussion Item)

            5.1       Superintendent’s Report (Destry)  

5.2       Assistant Superintendent’s Report (Zach)

            5.3       Assistant Superintendent’s Report (Terry)

            5.4       Special Education Director’s Report

 

6.0       Winfield Scott Presentation

7.0       New Business

            7.1       Donation to Fort Scott Community College – Bus #14 (Action Item)

            7.2       2026 Health Insurance Renewal (Action Item)

            7.3       Wrestling Mats and Wall Pads Purchase (Action Item)

            7.4       Wrestling Locker Room Lockers and Benches Bids (Action Item)

 

8.0       Public Forum

9.0       Other Business – Personnel Matters – Time __________

 

10.0     Adjourn Meeting _____ (Time)            David Stewart, President

 

Linda Minor – Teacher Students – Harley Murphy, Sheridan Stephan, Greyson Johnson, Evalyn Mays, Solloman Davis. Submitted photo.
Fort Scott, Government, Schools

USD234 Board Agenda For Oct. 13

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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

October 13, 2025 – 5:30 P.M.

AGENDA PUBLIC

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

                                    09-11-25

            4.2       Financials – Cash Flow Report

            4.3       Check Register

            4.4       Payroll – September 20, 2025 – $1,796,795.06

4.5       Activity Funds Accounts

4.6       USD 234 Gifts

4.7       Resolution 25-12 – Add/Correct Bank Signers Middle School

4.8       Declare Surplus Property – Vehicles to be sold at auction

5.0       Leadership Reports (Information/Discussion Item)

            5.1       Superintendent’s Report (Destry)  

5.2       Assistant Superintendent’s Report (Zach)

            5.3       Assistant Superintendent’s Report (Terry)

            5.4       Special Education Director’s Report

 

6.0       Winfield Scott Presentation

7.0       New Business

            7.1       Donation to Fort Scott Community College – Bus #14 (Action Item)

            7.2       2026 Health Insurance Renewal (Action Item)

            7.3       Wrestling Mats and Wall Pads Purchase (Action Item)

            7.4       Wrestling Locker Room Lockers and Benches Bids (Action Item)

 

8.0       Public Forum

9.0       Other Business – Personnel Matters – Time __________

 

10.0     Adjourn Meeting _____ (Time)            David Stewart, President