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Category Archives: Schools
News Release From the USD234 Board Meeting on March 31
Unified School District 234
424 South Main
Fort Scott, KS 66701-2697
620-223-0800 Fax 620-223-2760
DESTRY BROWN
Superintendent
BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING
NEWS RELEASE
Monday, 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
Highschools Add “Pirate Talk” As Foreign Language Option
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!
Students at Fort Scott High School Lead Community Advocacy Efforts
Students at Fort Scott High School joined the national grassroots effort called Theatre in Our Schools Month (TIOS) to advocate for the benefits of theatre education in schools in the month of March. Members of International Thespian Society (ITS) Troupe #7365 drew attention to the need for increased access to quality theatre programs for all students.
To get the word out, students participated in a number of theatre related activities. On Feb. 26 and 28 the troupe participated in community service activities at the Senior Center in downtown Fort Scott. They had a Theatre in Our Schools Month Kick-Off Party on March 4 at the Museum of Creativity. On March 6, the troupe traveled to Topeka to meet with Thespians from across the state and Senator Tim Shallenburger and Representative Rick James to celebrate and discuss Theatre Advocacy Day in KS. Troupe President Cooper George and Secretary Emi King presented to the USD 234 Board of Education on March 10.
Throughout the month, the troupe dressed to represent various musicals on Musical Mondays and wore theatre-related shirts on Theatre Shirt Tuesdays. They also had Improv Acting Troupe practice on Tuesdays after school and FSMS Drama Club on Fridays after school. All Drama class students learned about mask use in theatre and created their own masks using plaster strips molded to their own faces. Masks were on display in the Art Gallery throughout the month. Drama classes also held a Creative Costuming contest using a tote full of miscellaneous items to create a unique costume. Technical Theatre classes designed costumes for a specific character based on costuming the school has on hand in our wardrobe. To finish out the month, the troupe saw the FSCC production of “No Exit” on March 26 and held the annual FSHS Talent Show & Minute to Win It on March 28.
The ITS is the theatre honor society for middle and high school students. These Thespians plan and implement TIOS activities in their schools, in their communities, and with elected officials. The presentations and activities explain how theatre education positively shapes students’ lives by instilling necessary life skills. TIOS Month is an opportunity for students, parents, communities, school boards, and elected officials to come together to make theatre education more available to all students. One of the key messages is that theatre skills help students develop vital 21st-century skills like communication, collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking, as well as social/emotional skills critical to students’ growth as young adults.
Fort Scott High School Hosts Annual Talent Show Awards
The annual FSHS Talent Show and Minute to Win It was held on March 28th. The event, sponsored by FSHS Thespian Troupe #7635 and emceed by Molly Hoyt and Emma Bin, awarded cash prizes to the top three competitors.
Junior Zoe Scott won the $100 grand prize. She sang “At Last” by Etta James. Sophomore Allie Wards took second and $75 with her violin solo of “Adoration” by Felix Borowski. Third place and $50 went to junior Junie Fisher and freshman Gianna Gorman for their duet of “What is This Feeling” from Wicked.
A new Minute to Win It competition was held between clubs and organizations. The Minute to Win It winners were Blaiton Terry and Gracin Pitts for FFA. They win $200 sponsored by Thespians and National Speech and Debate Association toward their club or favorite charity.
The next Thespian event is the annual Rummage Sale to be held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Apr. 18 and from 8 a.m. to noon on Apr. 19 at FSHS. Enter the school through the NW doors. Prices for the sale are a free will donation. Thespians is now accepting donations at the high school or contact Angie Bin at [email protected] or 620-719-9622 for pick up.
USD234 Meets on March 31
Unified School District 234
424 South Main
Fort Scott, KS 66701-2697
620-223-0800 Fax 620-223-2760
DESTRY BROWN
Superintendent
BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING
March 31, 2025 – 5:30 P.M.
AGENDA SUMMARY WITH COMMENTARY
1.0 Call Meeting to Order David Stewart, President
2.0 Flag Salute
3.0 Approval of the Official Agenda (Action Item)
4.0 Other Business – Time ______
4.1 Enter Executive Session – Personnel Matters (Action Item)
4.2 Exit Executive Session – _______ (Time)
4.3 Approval of Personnel Report (Action Item)
5.0 Adjourn Meeting _____ (Time) David Stewart, President
USD235 Special Meeting is March 28
USD234 Board of Ed. Minutes of March 10
Unified School District 234
424 South Main
Fort Scott, KS 66701-2697
620-223-0800 Fax 620-223-2760
DESTRY BROWN
Superintendent
BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING
NEWS RELEASE
Monday, March 10, 2025
Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, March 10, 2025, for their regular monthly meeting at 409 S Judson.
President David Stewart opened the meeting.
The board approved the official agenda, and the consent agenda as follows:
Board Minutes
Board Minutes
02-10-25
Financials – Cash Flow Report
Check Register
Payroll – February 20, 2025 – $1,699,042.60
Activity Funds Accounts
USD 234 Gifts
March is Theatre in Our Schools Month. Cooper George, President, and Emi King, Secretary, presented to the Board. Cooper has been involved for six years and he explained the benefits such as working as a team and learning how to become adults. Emi was excited to share about the creativity and development of many skills that she has been able to acquire in the last two years she has been involved. They both had a presentation that included many activities, plays, and events that the department is involved in. Everyone is invited to attend the upcoming Talent Show on March 28, 2025.
Meredith Tucker, No Limits Rehab, was recognized by Special Education Director Tonya Barnes. Meredith is one of the district’s Physical Therapist. She said she loves being a part of the community and school district. Mrs. Barnes thanked her for her willingness and excitement to help our district’s students.
Superintendent Destry Brown reported that the district has been chosen for the Stepping Up Initiative Grant. This first year will be mostly planning, and he said that the group will be great to work with and is excited for this grant.
Assistant Superintendent Terry Mayfield provided the Board with a shared update. The building on Horton Street will be starting demo soon. He also updated about the Cell Phone Tower purchase and how he is working for a bid soon.
Special Education Director Tonya Barnes updated the Board on Categorical Aid with a payment on March 15.
Nick Johnson, Preschool Principal, staff, and several students were present to inform the Board about the Preschool program. There are 122 students with five teachers. Principal Johnson recognized the excellent staff that works with these students. A few of the students help everyone in attendance with their morning pretzel song. Staff also recognized Principal Johnson for helping in every area throughout the Preschool including driving a van and more.
Michelle Stevenson, Early Childhood Coordinator, works with prenatal to six-year-olds. She works on building relationships with parent/child/community. It is a literacy and strength-based program that with each visit the children receive a new book. This program provides different events for families each year.
The Board Approved the following items:
- 2025-26 School Calendar (Pending Negotiations)
- Designate Make up Day due to missed weather
- JAG Kansas School to Work Program Renewal
There was discussion about possible sale of district owned property. This was discussion only.
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
March 10, 2025
RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:
Hall, Kathi – Supplemental Resignation – Assistant Wrestling Coach
Holm, Susan – Resignation – Paraprofessional – High School
Mills, Lacy – Resignation – Paraprofessional – Eugene Ware
Trimble, Aidan – Resignation – Paraprofessional – Eugene Ware
TRANSFER:
Rainey, Taylor – KRI SPED Teacher to Eugene Ware SPED Teacher
Pitts, Jaxon – Maintenance II Groundskeeper to Maintenance I Groundskeeper/Athletic Fields Manager
Torres, Cynthia – ELA Teacher to Spanish Teacher – High School 2025-26
EMPLOYMENT:
Certified Recommendations
Carney, Drew – PE & Weights – High School
Erie, Aleana – English Teacher – High School
Classified Recommendations for the 2024-25 school year:
Bowman, Kinsley – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott
Chaplin, Mercedes – Paraprofessional – Eugene Ware
Miller, Martha – Paraprofessional – Eugene Ware
Weber, Shelia – Paraprofessional – Eugene Ware
Supplemental Recommendations for the 2024-25 school year:
Abati, Delynn – Head Dance Team Coach – High School
Glades, Matt – Assistant Football Coach – High School
Horton, Curtis – Assistant Football – High School
Martin, Dave – Assistant Girls’ Swim Coach
Woods, Nick – Assistant Track Coach – High School
Administration Contracts – Extended 26-27
Terry Mayfield
Tonya Barnes
Nick Johnson
Chris Garzone
Nicole Gilmore
Yasmina Query
Brandon Boyd
Zach Johnson
Matt Harris
Scott Kimble
Jeff Johnson
Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge Tuesday, March 11
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The USD235 Board of Ed. Agenda Packet For March 10
Agenda for the USD234 Board of Education on March 10
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This meeting will be held at 409 S Judson (Please enter through the Judson Street Doors) instead of at the Board Office.
Candace Jobe
MIS Clerk USD 234
Unified School District 234
424 South Main
Fort Scott, KS 66701-2697
620-223-0800 Fax 620-223-2760
DESTRY BROWN
Superintendent
BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING
March 10, 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
02-10-25
4.2 Financials – Cash Flow Report
4.3 Check Register
4.4 Payroll – February 20, 2025 – $1,699,042.60
4.5 Activity Funds Accounts
4.6 USD 234 Gifts
5.0 Recognitions
FSHS Drama Department will present
OT/OTA/PT – Tonya
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 Preschool Presentation
7.0 Old Business
7.1 Cell Tower Purchase Update (Information Only)
8.0 New Business
8.1 Approval of 2025-26 School Calendar (Pending negotiations) (Action Item)
8.2 District Owned Property Sale (Discussion/Information Only)
8.3 Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) – Kansas School-to-Work Program (Action Item)
9.0 Public Forum
10.0 Other Business – Time ____
10.1 Enter Executive Session – Personnel Matters (Action Item)
10.2 Exit Executive Session – _______ (Time)
10.3 Approval of Personnel Report (Action Item)
11.0 Adjourn Meeting _____ (Time) David Stewart, President
Uniontown Will Get New Preschool Building, Fire Alarm System, and ADA Front Entrance
Voters yesterday approved an improvement plan for USD 235.
In 2021, Uniontown’s school district board of education had an engineering study in which they identified needs to be addressed, Superintendent Vance Eden said.
In November 2023 there was a bond issue put before the patrons of the district. That bond proposal failed, but the board felt that they still needed to address the issues pointed out in the 2021 study.
“The board came up with the money in the capital outlay fund to improve the agriculture department at the high school,” Eden said. “That took the majority of what they had in capital outlay.”
“The board didn’t have the cash to take on the other needs,” he said.
Yesterday, March 4, another bond issue was presented to the patrons for approval, that has a $1,250,000 price tag with no annual tax rate increases for property owners.
It passed, with 67 percent of “yes” votes
“I’m glad the community had some consensus,” Eden said.
The next step in the process is that the finance team works with the Kansas Department of Education, with engineering and architectural work being approved, he said. Then contractors are sought for the construction and bids are let.
There are three components to the project: a new preschool building, a new fire alarm system at the high school, and a new front door area at West Bourbon Elementary School that is ADA and security compliant.
The fire system and front door areas should be completed by the start of the 2025-26 school year, Eden said.
The build of the preschool will take from 6-12 months and will likely start in the fall 2025.
The preschool program will continue in temporary accommodations until the new building is completed, he said.
The Preschool Building
The current modular preschool building, which is nearing the end of its usable life, will be replaced with an on-site built facility that will house the preschool and two offices.
Kansas law requires the district to provide special education services for children ages 3 and 4. Slots not filled by special education students are funded by Kansas law for at-risk children.
“After that, we fill with other students, most commonly referred to as model students,” he said.
Up to twenty students for the morning session and twenty more in the afternoon can be served in the district.
Also housed in the new building will be the speech therapist and the school psychologist, “who spend the majority of their time in that classroom,” he said.
The High School New Fire Alarm System
The new high school fire alarm system will replace the outdated one that operates by manual pull stations, which does not notify the fire department should a fire occur while no one is in the building. The new fire alarm system will have heat and smoke detectors and notify the fire department immediately.
The New Entrance Doors At the Elementary School
The current doors do not always close and latch, in spite of frequent repairs, and are a security risk. In addition, they are not in compliance with Standards for Accessible Designs.
