Vance Eden. From the district’s online staff directory.
There is a need to upgrade some infrastructure in Uniontown’s School District, Vance Eden, associate superintendent, told a recent Community Connections Panel in Fort Scott. A bond issue is being looked at for the district possibly this year.
USD 235 has 480 students from pre-kindergarten to 12th grade and serves five small communities in the western rural part of Bourbon County.
“If a bond is brought to the community for a vote, we would anticipate that happening in late summer or early fall, but that will be dependent on a variety of factors,” Eden said.
The U235 District bond issue would be for upgrading pre-school, a tornado safe room, an updated fire system, security upgrades, and a hydronic lab.
The board is also looking at a grant to upgrade the walking trail that is around the school district property, which is also used by the community.
The following is an interview with Eden:
What is the need with the preschool building?
“Our current modular pre-kindergarten structure is at a point of deterioration that it no longer makes financial sense to invest funds into it. Additionally, safety and security would be increased by having a structure that is attached to West Bourbon Elementary. One other layer of consideration is that Kansas State Department of Education has expanded its funding stream to include three-year-old students. With this is mind, it makes sense that we consider adding programming for these students as well. There is still much to consider and many factors at play, but we recognize some significant needs related to pre-school programming.”
What is the need for a saferoom?
“Our current facilities do not have tornado safe rooms. Sheltering in interior classrooms and /or in locker rooms is clearly more safe than some other spaces. However, it is now widely recognized that a purpose-built facility is really the only option for ensuring maximum safety. These spaces would be designed for regular use as classrooms and/or multipurpose rooms to maximize the return of our investment. Additionally, the district has the ability to apply for FEMA Grant funds to potentially help offset some of the cost associated.”
What is the need for updated fire alarm system?
” While up to code, the current JH/HS fire alarm is in need of updating. In its current configuration it most broadly relies on pull stations near exits that then sound an audible alarm with flashing strobes. We would like to upgrade to a system that also includes smoke detectors and automatically communicates with emergency services.”
What is the need for security updates?
“It is important that we are always considering student safety as a top priority. There are some needs and opportunities for improvement have been identified, but it is critical that I’m careful as to not share our security vulnerabilities with those who may have malicious intent. These have been identified through professional assessments, our administrative team, and the bond advisory council.”
What is the hydronic lab idea?
” Instead of using a greenhouse, the district is pursuing a “container farm” as a means of providing hands on learning opportunities to students across a variety of programs in addition to providing some produce for our food service programs. We have done a tour and had some initial conversations with Leafy Green Farms of Pittsburg who has these containers. Leafy Green Farms is currently working with Pittsburg High School and several other Southeast Kansas schools to facilitate such a program.”
Also you are looking for grants to update the walking trail around the school?
“The district is waiting to hear back on a response from a Recreation Trail Program (RTP) Grant that had been applied for. We are hoping to get a response any day. Once we get word one way or the other, we will share that information. We recognize that this is a project that many are interested in.”
4.8 Point of Interest – Board Meeting on May 8th will be at the normal time of 5:30. The Employee Recognition Reception will be held on May 17, 2023 starting at 1:00 pm.
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a Community Connection Panelist Luncheon on Wednesday, April 5th, from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Empress Event Center, 7 N. Main St. Chamber members and the community are invited to attend for updates by the City of Fort Scott, Bourbon County, Fort Scott Community College, USD-234, USD-235,
and Bourbon County REDI.
The event is free to attend but registration is requested. Box lunches are available by pre-order for $10 and those need to be ordered by
April 3rd at 10am. Those planning to attend may RSVP here.
There will be a 7-minute update from each of the following panelists, ending with time for questions:
City of Fort Scott City Manager Brad Matkin
Bourbon County Commission Chair Jim Harris
FSCC President Alysia Johnston
USD-234 Superintendent Destry Brown
USD-235 Superintendent Vance Eden
Bourbon County REDI Executive Director Rob Harrington
Moderators for the event will be Bailey Lyons of Lyons Realty Group, 2023 Chamber Board Chair and Katie Casper, Union State Bank, Past Chamber Board Chair & Current Board Member.
This event is being sponsored by Davis Accounting, Inc. and Labconco.
Contact the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce at 620-223-3566 for more information or visit fortscott.com.
From Mr. Kimble, Fort Scott High School Principal:
“This past Sunday Amy Harper, FSHS Mathematics teacher, was honored at the Kansas Teacher of the Year District 2 Banquet in Topeka. We are extremely proud of Mrs. Harper for her recognition as a nominee and all that she does for Fort Scott students as well as the community. Mrs Harper, you make USD 234 a great place to learn! ”
There is a change in the USD234 District calendar for the last day of school, it is now May 16 not May 17.
Monday, March 27, 2023
Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, March 27, 2023, for a special board meeting at the board office.
President Danny Brown opened the meeting.
The board heard from Greg Vahrenberg regarding funding options for financing the FSHS HVAC and energy savings project. The board then passed Resolution 22-12 for purpose of determining the advisability of financing the acquisition and installation of certain energy conservation measures by the execution and delivery of a lease purchase agreement certificates of participation, Series 2023, in such lease purchase agreement.
The board then heard from Jason Dial regarding the PACT Agreement with TRANE for the purposes of the FSHS HVAC and energy savings project in the amount of $8,246,225 with the first payment in March 2023 in the amount of $1,500,000. The contract includes a 5-year parts and labor warranty. The agreement includes FSHS HVAC improvements, electrical work, installation of solar panels and LED lighting to capture energy savings.
The board approved changing the District Calendar to move the last day of school for students to May 16, 2023, and for May 17, 2023, to become a district-wide professional development day.
The board went into an executive session for personnel matters.
In addition to the above, the board approved the following items:
Purchase of two vehicles for maintenance use
Approval of Personnel Report (following)
President Danny Brown adjourned the meeting.
PERSONNEL REPORT – APPROVED EMPLOYMENT
March 27, 2023
RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:
Anderson Fowler, Bethany – Resignation – FSHS English Teacher at the end of the 2022-23 school year
Bingesser, Carol – Resignation – FSMS Boys and Girls Basketball Coach at the end of the 2022-23 school year
3.0 Funding Options & FSHS HVAC and Energy Project
3.1 Resolution No. 22-12 & Bond Documents (Action Item)
Be it resolved a Resolution of the governing body of Unified School District No. 234, Bourbon County, Kansas (Fort Scott) determining the advisability of financing the acquisition, and installation of certain energy conservation measures by the execution and delivery of a lease purchase agreement certificates of participation, Series 2023, in such lease purchase agreement.
3.2 Contract with TRANE (Action Item)
4.0 Approval of Bids for Vehicles (Action Item)
5.0 Change of Last Day of School (Action Item)
6.0 Other Business – Personnel Matters
6.1 Enter Executive Session – Personnel Matters (Action Item)
Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, March 6, 2023, for their regular monthly meeting at the board office.
President Danny Brown opened the meeting.
The board approved the official agenda, and the consent agenda as follows:
Board Minutes from the 02-13-23 regular board meeting and 02-27-23 special board meeting
Financials-Cash Flow Report
Check Register
Payroll – February 17, 2023 – $1,583,201.90
Activity Fund accounts
Items of Interest: Preschool Spring Fling – April 6, 2023, 5:30 – 7 pm
The board heard from FSHS Thespians in honor of March being Theatre in Our Schools Month. FSHS Troupe members Kinsley Davis, who also serves as President, and Emma Guns updated the board on the many things the performing arts programs offer and the importance of theatre in our schools. FSHS Thespians put on productions, compete at several levels, and contribute to the community through service projects.
Assistant Superintendent Dalaina Smith updated the board on the upcoming KESA visit on Thursday, March 9 and noted that state assessments will begin after Spring Break.
Gina Shelton, Finance Director, noted the Federal Fiscal forum that Mrs. Smith and she would be attending at the end of March specific to federal funds in Wichita.
Superintendent Brown summarized the February 27, 2023, work session in regard to long-range facility and maintenance planning. The board identified the Fort Scott High School HVAC, district-wide roof maintenance, and preschool expansion as the top three priorities. Superintendent Brown discussed the planned special education space remodel at the high school. Chad Remboldt, Nathan Compton, and Jason Dial with TRANE gave a presentation and answered questions from the board in regard to the potential high school HVAC project.
The board discussed the MOU with Community Health Center.
The board approved obtaining additional bids for the high school tennis courts resurface.
The board approved the following items:
Activity Bus Purchase
Football Uniform Bids to Jock’s Nitch
Two payments to Meridian Roofing in the amounts of $392,669.67 and $343,205.28
Kansas Infinitec Coalition contract for 2023-24
Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) – Kansas School-to-Work Program for the 2023-24 school year
Pre-Funding Early Retirement Payments
Greenbush Contracts for Low-Incidence and Audiology for the 2023-24 school year
FSHS Courses for 2023-24
Approval of Personnel Report (following)
The board went into an executive session for personnel matters.
President Danny Brown adjourned the meeting.
PERSONNEL REPORT – APPROVED EMPLOYMENT
March 6, 2023
RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:
Bowman, Carissa, Resignation, FSHS FACS Teacher, at the end of the 2022-23 school year
Mayginnes, Krystle, Resignation, Winfield Scott Assistant Principal, at the end of the 2022-23 school year
EMPLOYMENT/REASSIGNMENTS:
Blackburn, Brendon – transfer from FSMS Student Support Center to 6th grade Science Teacher for the 2023-24 school year
Brown, Harmony – FSMS Paraprofessional for the 2022-23 school year
Deatsch, Erin – Winfield Scott Kindergarten Teacher for the 2023-24 school year
Feeback, Brennen – FSHS Special Education Teacher for the 2023-24 school year
Short, Samantha – transfer from FSMS 6th-8th Spanish/ELA to FSMS 6th – 8th Grade ELA Interventionist for the 2023-24 school year
Stanley, Tammy – transfer from FSMS 6th Grade Math Teacher to FSMS 6th – 8th Grade Math Interventionist for the 2023-24 school year
District Administrators:
Dalaina Smith – Assistant Superintendent – Contract extension – 1-year renewal for the 2023-24 school year
Building Administrators:
Scott Kimble – FSHS Principal – 2-year renewal for the 2023-24 and 2024-25 school years
Zach Johnson – FSMS Principal- 2-year renewal for the 2023-24 and 2024-25 school years
Yasmina Query – Eugene Ware Elementary Principal – 2-year renewal for the 2023-24 and 2024-25 school years
Shelly Charter – Winfield Scott Elementary Principal – 1-year renewal for the 2023-24 school year
Nick Johnson – Fort Scott Preschool Principal – 2-year renewal for the 2023-24 and 2024-25 school years
Assistant Building Administrators:
Alex Specht – FSHS Assistant Principal – 2-year renewal for the 2023-24 and 2024-25 school years
Jeff DeLaTorre – FSHS Activities Director – 2-year renewal for the 2023-24 and 2024-25 school years
Matthew Harris – FSMS Assistant Principal – 2-year renewal for the 2023-24 and 2024-25 school years
Brandon Boyd – Eugene Ware Elementary Assistant Principal – 2-year renewal for the 2023-24 and 2024-25 school years
Come check out the different business plans conceived by students as part of the competition organized
by the Chamber. These students have worked hard over the last semester-plus on all aspects of their business concepts and your attendance and support would be appreciated!
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce will be hosting the fourth annual Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge in partnership with Fort Scott High School. Eighteen students have prepared startup business ideas and will compete for cash prizes to be judged on Tuesday, March 7th.
As part of the event, the students will have tradeshow exhibits displaying their business concepts in the Fort Scott High School auxiliary gym from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. on Tuesday and the public is invited and encouraged to stop by during this time, take a look at the different booths, and vote for their favorite.
The Chamber organizes the program in association with the NetWork Kansas E-Community Partnership and Bourbon County is one of many communities across Kansas to host a local competition from which the students compete against each other for nearly $3,000 in prize money with the top winner advancing to the state Kansas Entrepreneurship Challenge to be held in April 20th in Manhattan.
The public is welcome and encouraged to stop by the tradeshow on Tuesday, March 7th to view the creative business plans and support these students who have worked on their projects over the past several months as part of their class.
Both the east and west doors of the high school will be open for entry during this time; however, it is encouraged that you use the main west doors to enter.
Contact the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce for more information at 620-223-3566 or [email protected].
Thank you to our Chamber Champions for their support!
A screening clinic for 2023-2024 kindergarten students has been scheduled for Monday, March 20 at West Bourbon Elementary. To be eligible for kindergarten, your child must be 5 years old on or before August 31, 2023.
Students who will be new to WBE will sign up for a 30 minute slot to be assessed on March 20. Please bring in your child’s birth certificate and immunization record. The agenda for the child will include kindergarten skills assessment, vision, hearing, speech, and checking health records.
Kindergarten children are required to have a physical exam within 12 months of beginning school and have all current immunizations. The Bourbon County Health Department will be onsite providing immunizations and physicals.
Due to the screenings, there will be no Kindergarten class on March 20th.
For the best testing environment for your child, we ask that you not bring brothers or sisters.
