James Wood has served as a member of the Board of Education in Fort Scott for four years. He was just recently re-elected in November for a second term. James works at Diehl Banwart Bolton CPAs, PA. In late November, James was promoted to a partner position with Diehl Banwart Bolton CPAs, PA, which changed his responsibilities at the firm. Consequently, James is resigning his position on the USD # 234 school board effective January 1, 2024.
“James has been a great board member and has held several leadership positions on the school board during his term. He is a creative thinker and has been a great asset to the board because of his accounting and business background. He will be sorely missed on our board,” states Destry Brown, superintendent.
On reflecting about his time on the board, James reflects, “I have truly enjoyed my time on the Board of Education. I believe in the direction our school district is going and am excited for the future of the district. I grew up as a Tiger and will always be a Tiger at heart.”
The Board of Education will discuss filling the vacancy created by Wood’s resignation at the next board meeting on January 11th.
The following is a press release from USD 234 Superintendent Destry Brown.
“I am excited to announce that thanks to Shanda Stewart, the E3 Ranch Foundation, and the Bourbon County Sheriff’s Department we are able to bring a phenomenal speaker to our community to educate us on the dangers of social media and its relationship to sex trafficking. Please mark your calendar for Wednesday, January 31st 6 p.m. at the FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center!,” according to the press release.
“Russ Tuttle will also be presenting to our students in all Fort Scott Schools on February 1st. His presentations to students are age appropriate and are geared at teaching students about the dangers of using social media.,” according to the release.
Here is the flyer for the event:
BeAlert® is the awareness and prevention strategy of The Stop Trafficking Project® to end domestic minor sex trafficking (DMST)before it starts by disrupting the exploitation of vulnerability.
THIS ADULT ONLY COMMUNITY PRESENTATION FOCUSES ON THE ROLE OF “LIFE ONLINE” FOR STUDENTS
ONE IMAGE & THREE WORDS WILL CHANGE YOUR PARADIGM!
The Who – caring adults invited to attend:
Law enforcement
Firefighter’s and EMT’s
Medical professionals
Counselors
Faith community leaders
School personnel
Parents, guardians, and all other adult family members
The What – educate and empower caring adults in our community:
Students are enamored with social media and “life online”
Name apps and provide practical advice to guide caring adults
Unpack vulnerabilities that can be exploited: loneliness, isolation, depression, suicide, sexting, sextortion, pornography, cyberbullying, exploitation, sexual exploitation, and domestic minor sex trafficking (DMST)
The How – the approach: Fast-moving Power Point presentation designed for maximum impact
The presenter – an active abolitionist: Has command of the topic and speaks with energy that grabs and keeps the attention of attendees.
The presentation – fast paced with appropriate images and videos:
Provide insight into the role of technology in exploiting vulnerabilities
Identify the demand in this high demand business of sexual exploitation
Provide the option to engage with the BeAlert® Strategy, the Stop Trafficking App, and the “top ten practical steps” for adults to keep students safer
LOCATION: FSCC ELLIS FINE ARTS CENTER
SPONSORS: E3 RANCH FOUNDATION & BOURBON COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT
TIME: 6 PM on January 31
OTHER DETAILS: NO CHILDREN PLEASE
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: SHANDA STEWART 620-215-2681
On December 11, the USD 234 School Board approved the purchase of the former Family Physicians building located at 902 S. Horton Street from Fort Scott Community College.
The building is slated to become the school district’s new Early Childhood Center, according to a press release from the center’s principal, Nick Johnson.
The Fort Scott Preschool Center is currently located at 409 S. Judson Street.
“We will find out if we receive grant funding in early February,” Nick Johnson, the principal, said. “Renovation should begin in the spring of 2024 and be completed by the end of 2024. We are planning to begin classes in the new building in January 2025.”
Nick Johnson. Submitted photo.
“This building houses three preschool classrooms, two operated by USD 234 and one operated by Head Start,” Johnson said. “USD 234 also leases a classroom in the Happy Kids Daycare and Preschool building.”
“All USD 234 preschool classrooms are half-day, blended classrooms,” he said. “The blended classrooms contain a combination of students who qualify for an Individualized Education Program, students who qualify for the state Preschool-Aged At-Risk Program, and peer models.”
“All students participate in an engaging, interactive curriculum that is aligned with the Kansas Early Learning Standards and focuses on physical, academic, and social-emotional development,” Johnson said. “Special Education staff provide cognitive and social-emotional intervention, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy to students with developmental delays.”
In addition to providing special education services for students attending classes, the preschool staff also provides services to home-based students and students in community-based preschool programs.
“Through partnerships with the Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center and Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas, students and families have access to a variety of mental health and healthcare services,” he said.
The Fort Scott Preschool staff members include four Early Childhood Special Education teachers, one part-time intervention teacher, and ten paraprofessionals.
902 S. Horton.
“The new building will bring the three existing preschool classrooms and two additional preschool classrooms under one roof,” Johnson said. “Two new classrooms are much needed as the desire for early childhood education continues to grow.”
The current preschool has 103 students enrolled, with 29 on the waiting list.
“The two additional classrooms will increase the program’s maximum capacity to 180 students which will eliminate the need for a waitlist and reduce class sizes,” Johnson said.
District staff have been working with representatives from Greenbush Education Service Center and Hight Jackson Architects to apply for the Capital Projects Fund Accelerator Grant administered by the Kansas Children’s Cabinet & Trust Fund, he said.
If awarded, grant funds will be used to remodel the existing building so that it can meet the range of employment, health, education, and childcare needs of families in the community.
To fulfill the grant requirements, current plans for the building include space for preschool classrooms, a small health clinic, a workforce development room, and a daycare area, he said.
“These new opportunities, combined with existing partnerships, will allow the Fort Scott Scott Preschool Center to achieve its vision of a community working together to support the academic, social-emotional, and physical development of each child to ensure that they are ready for Kindergarten and beyond,” he said.
Members of the USD 234 Board of Education have been invited to a Christmas Luncheon at Fort Scott High School. This will take place December 18, 2023. *NO official board action will take place.*
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 11, 2023
Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, December 11, 2023, 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
11/13/23 Board Minutes
Financials-Cash Flow Report
Check Register
Payroll – November 17, 2023 – $2,058,098.00
Activity Fund accounts
USD 234 Gifts
Erica Clark. Submitted photo.
Licensed Tiger Team Member of the Month was Erica Clark. She is an English Teacher at Fort Scott High School. Erica, Dave Watkins, and other volunteers have worked extremely hard on the Angel Tree at the High School. Each “tag” on the tree was adopted by staff or community member. This included seventy-four children
from thirty families. Last Friday, fifty-one volunteers help to wrap hundreds of presents in the High School Commons Area.
Classified Tiger Team Members of the Month were Terry Barrager and Alex Herring. Both were recognized by Dan Koppa. Terry is custodian at Eugene Ware, and Alex is custodian at Preschool. They both were recognized for their leadership and exemplary cleanliness in each of their buildings.
Terry Barrager and Alex Herring. Submitted photo.
The Barkery Team from Fort Scott High School was recognized by Assistant Principal Alex Specht. Seniors – Cainen Wood, Christian Herrington, Juniors – Daniel Brown, Nicollette Brown, Klaire Graham, Donald Morris, Nolan Madison, Sophomores – Mayia Castleberry, Haley Maloun, Julia Maloun. Each student explained the process of buying the ingredients, making the dog treats, and selling to customers. They are also learning about
managing money and making change for customers.
Nikki Regan, Flo Tanner, and Kathryn Ogle were also recognized as part of the Barkery Team. Each were acknowledged for the devotion and love for the students.
The Barkery Team: Front row left to right: Nicolette Brown, Julia Maloun, Haley Maloun Back row left to right: Donald Morris, Mayia Castleberry, Cainen Wood, Klaire Graham and Erica Clark.
Kellye Barrows, Danny Brown, and Lynette Jackson were recognized and thanked for their years of
service on the USD 234 Board of Education.
Danny Brown, Kellye Barrows and Lynette Jackson. Submitted photo.
Superintendent Destry Brown reported on the Staff Christmas Lunch to be held next Monday and the grant that
the district is working on for the early childhood center.
Tonya Barnes, Special Education Director, gave a report on the process of hiring new paraprofessionals and
DCAP reports. Tonya was able to report about the numerous training opportunities that will be available for the
Special Education department in the coming months.
Superintendent Brown reported on the district’s State Aide that will be coming in soon and will be higher than predicted. He also reminded everyone that W2s will start coming out in January.
The board went into an executive session for possible purchase of property. The board approved purchase of new Preschool Building.
The board had a presentation by Hight Jackson Architect Firm for the new Preschool Building.
The Board discussed the options of filling the vacant board seat #5. It was decided to take letters of interest with Board recommendation.
The board approved the following items:
• Purchase of new Preschool Building
• Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Kansas Grant for Linda Minor and Dakota Hall
● Personnel Report following
The board went into an executive session for personnel matters.
President Stewart adjourned the meeting.
PERSONNEL REPORT – APPROVED EMPLOYMENT
December 11, 2023
RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:
Baugher, Mark – Retirement
Lockwood, Connie – Retirement
Matkin, Brad – Resignation
O’Brien, Shawn – Resignation
Reichard, Betsy – Resignation
Sweyko, Pauline Kate – Resignation
Wells, Matthew – Resignation
TRANSFERS/REASSIGNMENTS/LEAVE OF ABSENCE:
For the 2023-24 school year:
Classified:
Palmer, Lana – Transfer from Van Driver to Full time Bus Driver
Schnichels, Laryn – Leave of Absence – Middle School Paraprofessional
Willard, Siarra – Transfer from Speech Paraprofessional to Full Time Eugene Ware Para
EMPLOYMENT:
Classified Recommendations for the 2023-24 school year:
Madison, Kendall – Winfield Scott Paraprofessional – January 2, 2024
Martin, Emily – High School Paraprofessional
Palmer, William – Van Driver – January 3, 2024
Yocham, Shelly – Speech Paraprofessional – January 2, 2024
Supplemental
Clark, Erica – Teacher Mentor 2023-2024 school year
Leadership at Fort Scott USD234 is partnering with Pittsburg-based nonprofit organization, Community GreenFarms (CGF), to bring an innovative farm classroom to the district.
The farm classroom projects being established by the nonprofit are located inside converted shipping containers outfitted with state-of-the-art hydroponic growing systems. Each unit is capable of producing nearly 500 heads of leafy greens per week, all
year round.
Once at the school, Agriculture and other teachers oversee students who manage the farm from seed to harvest, the majority of which is taken directly to the cafeteria and served in school meals. Schools may also choose to sell produce to restaurants or at farmers’ markets, donate it to nonprofits, or even send it home with
students for families to eat.
CGF was recently awarded a $1,000,000 grant from the Kansas Department of Children and Families to accelerate
their statewide farm-to-school program, the goal of which is to improve the health and habits of high school students at seven Southeast Kansas schools while teaching them new skills. The counties of focus are Allen, Anderson, Bourbon, Labette, Linn, Montgomery, and Wilson. While each of these schools will have the cost of their farm classroom covered by the grant, projects in other counties were funded differently.
In Cherokee, Crawford, and Neosho counties, the nonprofit established farm classrooms through a grassroots fundraising
a campaign similar to the one planned for Fort Scott.
This is the second such project planned for Bourbon County, as Uniontown USD235 is being provided one through a grant opportunity. While both schools applied to be the recipient of the grant-funded farm classroom, Uniontown was ultimately the school district selected by CGF.
The leadership at Fort Scott still wanted to bring one to their district and have been in discussion with the nonprofit on how to get that accomplished.
The funds for the project will be raised through a community-wide fundraising effort and the writing of grants.
According to the nonprofit’s Executive Director, Matt O’Malley, the project has the potential to have an incredible impact on students and their schools. “Students who help run these farms get unique experiences that may lead to career paths in agriculture, education, nutrition, business management, or food services.
Not only that, but these farms produce a significant amount of fresh food for schools, in some cases completely eliminating the school’s
need to purchase sub-par lettuce from outside sources. The student-grown food is then introduced to the lunchroom which can change the eating habits and health of entire student populations.”
Uniontown’s farm classroom was delivered last week and is expected to be online in February. The fundraising campaign to bring the farm classroom to Fort Scott will begin immediately, hoping that theirs could be up and running by the spring semester.
For more information, visit the nonprofit’s Facebook page or website at
www.CommunityGreenFarms.org.
Matt O’Malley / picture attached /
Executive Director
Community Green Farms
c) 620-249-6353, o) 620-404-2812 [email protected]
FSHS Thespians Direct Children’s Production of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas
The Fort Scott High School Thespians present their children’s theatre production of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas by Kathryn Schultz Miller.
Performances are at 7 p.m. on Dec. 8 and 9 at the FSHS Auditorium. Doors open 30 minutes prior to showtime.
The mini-musical is based on the traditional Christmas poem by Clement C. Moore with a modern take including Izzy the Christmas mouse played by Theodore Bowman, Rosie the red-nosed reindeer played by Mary Racer, and other holiday favorite characters such as reindeer, elves, and even the Abominable Snowman. Audience members will get to join in the fun throughout the performance. Cast members include fifty local children in 1st-8th grades.
‘Twas the Night Before Christmas’ is produced by FSHS Theatre Director Angie Bin with assistance from Levi Bin. Direction and design is by the FSHS Thespians. Junior Cooper George serves as Director with junior Mykael Lewis assisting. Junior Alyssa Popp is the Stage Manager.
Tickets are all reserved seating and are $6 from fortscotthighschool.ludus.com or at the door. Seating is limited.
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to a Chamber Coffee event this Thursday, November 16th at 8 a.m. hosted by USD-234 at Fort Scott High School, 1005 S. Main St. Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served. Attendees are asked to enter through the main entrance facing Main Street.
Fort Scott city school district was originally organized in 1865 as District No. 55 and the first school opened in the fall of 1865. By 1892 there were eleven school buildings in Bourbon County. In Kansas, the unified school districts developed after legislation passed in 1962 that was intended to reduce the number of rural school districts.
Today the USD-234 school district serves approximately 1,871 students from Pre-K to 12th grade. The mission statement for the district is that USD-234 will lead in the success of each student in becoming independent, responsible, and productive global citizens. The vision statement for the district is that USD-234 will provide an exemplary education for all.
Join us this Thursday to hear about the current and upcoming programs that are happening at the High School this year. Contact the Chamber at (620) 223-3566 for more information.
