Category Archives: Schools

Fort Scott Quarterback Club Begins At The High School

Johnathon Stark, from the USD234 Website.

Johnathon Stark started as head football coach of the Fort Scott High School Tigers this year, and found there was good community support of the program.

“When I became the head football coach of FSHS, I had a lot of people reach out to me who wanted to support the program,” he said.  “A number of these people brought up the idea of starting a quarterback club.  Previously, I was an assistant coach at Pittsburg and they have one, so it was something I was familiar with, and I think it is a great thing for the community and the players on the team. I recruited Matt Harris and Jordan Witt to help me establish the QB Club, and they are the officers of the organization along with myself.”

“They are both alumni of the football program and the program means a lot to them. They want to see all players on the team have a great experience.”

“I just want to add clarification that the FS QB Club is not associated with USD 234,” Jordan Witt said. “Expenditure approval is done by the FS QB Club board members consisting of Matt Harris, Jordan Witt, and Johnathan Stark, not the school board. We are a separate organization, complementing the support the school district provides.”

“We applied a few months ago and were approved by the Internal Revenue Service on September 12, 2025 as a 501C3 (non-profit) organization. We are very excited about this because donors to the Fort Scott Quarterback Club can deduct the contribution as a charitable contribution.”

We want all Tiger football players to have the best experience playing football possible,” he said.  “Quarterback clubs are common in other local communities and help provide financial support and resources to the team.  School district budgets are already stretched thin and the Kansas State High School Activities Association does not allow school funds to be spent on certain things.  The big advantage for Quarterback Clubs is we have the freedom to do and spend where necessary in order to support our Tiger football players both now and in the future. This is an organization that we want to see support the program for years to come.”

Coach Stark. Submitted photo.

Currently there are 65 football players from freshman through senior years.

“I send out an email update throughout the season and we are in the process of organizing some meetings and events for all members. We also share information and photos on our Facebook page. If anyone would like more information, they can email us at [email protected].”

Memberships help purchase equipment, camp fees, team meals, and other team related expenses approved by the school board that are not covered by the school district.

It will also provide insight into the football program and season updates from Coach Stark.

An individual membership is $25 for the year, and a Corporate Membership is $100.  Corporate Memberships  are recognized on the organization’s Facebook Page.

To become a member send name, address, and email address, and send the payment in two ways:

  • Venmo to: @fsqbclub
  • Mail a check to: FS QB Club, 809 Meadow Lane, Fort Scott, KS 66701

Corporate Memberships please email your logo.

FS Quarterback Club Logo taken from the Chamber of Commerce website.

For more information: email at [email protected] and follow  on Facebook at Fort Scott Tiger QB Club.

 

Join the FSHS Quarterback Club

Sending on behalf of Chamber Member

FS Tiger Quarterback Club

FSHS Head Coach Johnathan Stark invites you to join the

Fort Scott Tiger

Quarterback Club

What is the Quarterback Club?

The FS QB Club is a 501c3 organization formed to provide support to eh FSHS Football Team. Quarterback clubs are common in other communities and help provide financial support and resources to the team. We operate separate from the school district, and anyone is welcome to join. We need your help to build a strong football program now and for the future.

Why become a member?

  • Financial Support for the Football Program — Your membership helps purchase equipment, camp fees, team meals, and other team related expenses approved by our board that are not covered by the school district.
  • Exclusive Access & Perks — Your membership gets you insight into the football program and season updates from Coach Stark.

How much is a membership?

  • An individual membership is $25 for the year, and a Corporate Membership is $100. we recognize the Corporate Memberships on our Facebook Page.

How to Join:

Fill out your name, address, and email address, and send payment via Venmo or Check.

Corporate Memberships please email us your logo.

  • Venmo to: @fsqbclub
  • Mailing Check: FS QB Club, 809 Meadow Lane, Fort Scott, KS 66701

Need more information?

If you have questions, reach out via email at [email protected] and follow us on Facebook at Fort Scott Tiger QB Club.

Let’s grow stronger together.

Join the Quarterback Club today.

Go Big Red!!!

Thank you,

Matt Harris, President

Jordan Witt, VP / Treasurer

Coach Johnathan Stark

Fort Scott Tigers Quarterback Club

Click HERE for the Fort Scott Tigers Quarterback Club Facebook Page!

Thank you to our Chamber Champion members below!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701

Parents: Learn the Real Differences Between IEPs and 504 Plans

Is Your Child Struggling in School?
Learn the Real Differences Between IEPs and 504 Plans
🔹 What’s the right plan for your child?
🔹 How do you get one?
🔹 What are your rights as a parent?
Join us for a free, informative session with a Special Education Specialist who will walk us through the key differences between 504 Plans and IEPs, how to start the process, and how to advocate for your child effectively.
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Open to all parents and caregivers of children with special needs (any physical or behavioral difference)— whether you’re just starting out or looking to better understand the system.
📅 Date: Sunday, September 28, 2025
🕕 Time: 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM
📍 Location: First Southern Baptist Church, Family Life Center, 1818 S. Main, Fort Scott, KS
🎤 Guest Speaker: Tonya Barnes, USD 234 Special Education Director
Submitted by
Cherri Walrod
Cherri Walrod, K-State Extension Community Health Worker.
Community Health Worker
K-State Research and Extension Southwind District

STEM Discovery Day for Homeschoolers Scheduled for October 17

Erie, KS – Area Homeschool families are invited to participate in a day of hands-on science learning at the upcoming STEM Discovery Day for Homeschoolers on Friday, October 17, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Neosho Valley Event Center, 321 N. Wood St., Erie, Kansas.

This free event is designed to spark curiosity and excitement about science, technology, engineering, and math through interactive, age-appropriate sessions led by experienced educators and professionals. Students will rotate through engaging stations that encourage exploration, problem-solving, and discovery.

All materials are provided, but participants are asked to bring a sack lunch. Parents must accompany their children.

Registration is required by October 10. To register or for more information, call 620-244-3826.

STEM Discovery Day is hosted by K-State Research and Extension, Southwind District, Wildcat District, and Cherokee County.

USD234 Board of Ed News Release 9/12/25

Dusty Hood, Jennifer Durkin, Tracy Homan, Todd Magee. 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

Thursday, September 11, 2025

 

Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 11, 2025, for their regular monthly meeting at 424 S Main.

 

President David Stewart opened the meeting.

 

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

Board Minutes

Board Minutes

08-11-25

Financials – Cash Flow Report

Check Register

Payroll – August 20, 2025 – $1,556,743.36

Activity Funds Accounts

USD 234 Gifts

Orchestra Extended Trip

HS Powerlifting Fundraising

 

The Revenue Neutral Hearing was held at 5:30 PM, none were present during public forum.

The Budget Hearing was held at 5:45 PM, one public was present for clarification on Mill Levy.

The Board approved –

Resolution 25-10 – Exceeding the Revenue Neutral Tax Rate

Resolution 24-11 – Make a local option percentage in an amount of 33% for the 25-26 school year.

The Board Approved the 2025-26 Budget with consideration of the Needs Assessment.

Superintendent Destry Brown gave an update on current enrollment as we are approaching the September 20th count day. The district has received the Patterson grant. At the High School the Hydroponic Farm is growing and the students are starting to harvest from their efforts.

Assistant Superintendent Terry Mayfield provided information on the Special Education Audit that has been finalized and the district did a wonderful job completing. The district financial audit will be starting September 22. Also, he updated the Board on each of the departments and the startup of the new school year. He also attended a Bus Safety training held with the district Bus Drivers.

Assistant Superintendent Zach Johnson updated the Board on iReady testing and the growing data that we have received and soon should be able to share with parents. State has said there will be changes to some requirements for graduation starting next year and he will be collaborating with High School Principals as more information becomes available. He is also working with a few in the community with students walking to and from school and how to improve the safety and encouragement for students.

Special Education Director Tonya Barnes provided a shared an update on the CatAid payment and information that she has been working on. We should receive our first payment next month.

 

Tracy Homan was recognized by Principal DJ Brown “Tracy Homan from FSMS goes above and beyond for kids. She has been instrumental in developing the student council program and is often seen at after-hours programs and events supporting students.”

Maintenance recognized Dusty Hood – “Dusty covered nearly 50 extra shifts at the end of last school year covering for absent staff. Dusty cleaned up for nearly all volleyball and basketball games/tournaments both after hours and on weekends last year. He is still covering his normal daytime shift at the Middle School this year plus 3 hours per night at the High School and another 1.5 hours per night at the Middle School and anywhere else we need him. He maintains an awesome relationship with his students and staff members. He helps lead the summer crew and he helps train any and all new custodial crew. Dusty is one of our most trusted and respected employees because of his hard work and dedication to the district. His positive attitude and “can do” mentality truly raised the bar in an exemplary manner. I wish we could find more than a piece of paper to distinguish what Dusty means to us staff members behind the scenes. We are forever indebted and grateful.”

Jennifer Durkin, Paraprofessional at Kansas Renewal Institute was recognized for her hard work and always being willing to jump in and help wherever needed. She loves the kids and is present for them every day.

Eugene Ware Principal, Mina Query, recognized Todd Magee, “Todd is a wonderful employee.  He serves on Guiding Coalition, PBIS, and Team Tiger.  He has such a positive attitude and never minds being silly for the kids.  There are plenty of pictures out there from last year’s PBIS assemblies that show just how silly he is willing to be. Just check out his Maui photos on Facebook. He is a creative teacher who works hard to make learning seem like a game.  I know a few students who got through their third-grade year because he was their teacher.”

 

The Board Approved the following items:

  • Adult Meal Prices for 2025-26
    • Adult Breakfast – $3.00
    • Adult Lunch – $5.05
  • MOU with FSCC for shared use of facilities
  • Partnership agreement with Head Start
  • One Year Lease agreement with Head Start

 

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

September 11, 2025

 See Attached Corrected Personnel Info:

2025-26 News Release 081125 (1).docx(1)

 

 

USD234 Trustees Meet on Sept. 11

 

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

September 11, 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       Revenue Neutral Rate Hearing Budget Hearing with charts

4.1       Open Hearing (Action Item)

4.2       Hear from Patrons

4.3       Close Hearing (Action Item)                       

 

5.0       Budget Hearing (5:45 pm) – Review Code 99

5.1       Open Hearing (Action Item)

5.2       Hear from Patrons

5.3       Close Hearing (Action Item)

6.0       Resolution 24-08: Exceeding the Revenue Neutral Tax Rate for financing the annual budget

for 2025-26 (Action Item)

7.0       Resolution 24-09: Make a Local Option Percentage in an amount of 33 percent for the

2025-26 school year (Action Item)

8.0       Approval of the 2025-26 Budget with Consideration of the Needs Assessment (Action Item)

9.0       Approval of the Consent Agenda (Action Item)

            9.1       Board Minutes

                                    08-11-25

            9.2       Financials – Cash Flow Report

            9.3       Check Register

            9.4       Payroll – August 20, 2025 –  $1,556,743.36

9.5       Activity Funds Accounts

9.6       USD 234 Gifts

9.7       Orchestra Extended Trip

9.8       HS Powerlifting Fundraising

10.0     Leadership Reports (Information/Discussion Item)

            10.1     Superintendent’s Report (Destry)  

10.2     Assistant Superintendent’s Report (Zach)

            10.3     Assistant Superintendent’s Report (Terry)

            10.4     Special Education Director’s Report

11.0     Employee Recognitions

 

           

 

 

12.0     New Business

            12.1     Consideration of Adult Meal Prices for 2025-26 School Year

                                    Adult Breakfast – $3.00  Adult Lunch – $5.05

            12.2     Consideration of MOU with Fort Scott Community College for shared use of facilities

12.3     Consideration of Partnership Agreement with Head Start

            12.4     Consideration of One-Year Lease Agreement Renewal with Head Start

 

13.0     Public Forum

14.0     Other Business – Personnel Matters – Time __________

13.1     Enter Executive Session – Personnel Matters (Action Item)

13.2     Exit Executive Session – _______ (Time)

 

15.0     Adjourn Meeting _____ (Time)            David Stewart, President

 

 

FSHS Announces Auditions for the Musical “Between the Lines”

Fort Scott High School is holding auditions for students in ninth through twelfth grade for “Between the Line,” the musical.

Auditions are from 6:30-9 p.m. on either September 2 or 3 in the FSHS Auditorium. Students only need to attend one night of auditions. Rehearsals are Monday through Thursday from 6:30-9 p.m. Performances are Nov. 11, 13, and 15 at 7 p.m. and Nov. 15 at 2 p.m.

“Between the Lines” is based on the young adult novel of the same name by Jodi Picoult and Samantha van Leer. Music and lyrics are by Elyssa Samsel & Kate Anderson with a book by Timothy Allen McDonald & Jodi Picoult.

The musical is directed by Theatre Director Angie Bin, Music Director Taylor Jones, and Assistant Directors Mesa Jones and Abby Starkey. FSHS will be the regional debut for “Between the Lines” which Bin first saw at the International Thespian Festival in 2024.

Students who want to audition for a solo role need to prepare a song ahead of time. Sheet music and accompaniment are available from Bin at the high school.

Technical crew members are needed in the areas of sound, lighting, set design, costuming, make-up, stage management, and stagecrew. Applications are available from Bin at the high school.

For additional information, please contact Bin at [email protected] or 620-719-9622.

# # #

USD234 Hearing Notice and Proposed Budget for 2025-2026

Update: It appears that the dates published in the notice that was mailed to residents and the USD 234 public hearings will be on 9/11/2024 at 5:30 at 424 S Main. The USD 234 Recreation (Buck Run) will be at 9/3/2025 at 12 PM at Buck Run Community Center.

According to Terry Mayfield, Assistant Superintendent at USD234, the public hearing regarding the district’s proposal to exceed the revenue-neutral rate will be held on September 8th, 2025, at 5:30 & 5:45 p.m. at 424 S. Main, Fort Scott, KS 66701. The county’s Notice of Proposed Property Tax Increase and Public Hearing mailing, which was previously mailed to county residents, had listed the hearing dates as September 3rd and September 11th.

According to the notice, “Detailed budget information, including budget profile, building needs assessment and Board state assessments review is available at the District Office on the district website and will be available at this hearing.”

See the attached PDF for the proposed budget amounts:
USD 234 Hearing Notices 2025-2026

 

Historical Cost of Education per Student at USD234

In 1977, USD234’s budget was discussed in the Tribune. The story lists the district’s budget as $2,332,642 and the number of students as 2112 for the year, which gives a cost per student of $1,104.47.

This historical cost per student is now part of the data that school districts submit to the state, but the district no longer has (or can’t easily obtain) records before 2002.

The most recent cost per student at USD234 was $19,110 in 2024. This was down just slightly from the $19,235 cost per student in 2023. While $19,110 is $18,006 more than what each student cost in 1977, inflation accounts for a portion of that increase.

In 1977, the average annual wage in the United States was $9,779.44, and a new car could be purchased for $3,000 to $6,000. To obtain a fair comparison, one needs to graph the growth of spending against the amount of the 1977 cost per student, adjusted for inflation, each year. While no data was available from 1978 to 2001, those amounts have been represented as an even increase between the 1977 amount and the amount in 2001. The actual cost per student between those years may not be individually accurate, but the growth rate will be correct. Inflation numbers come from BLS.gov.

There may be some minor discrepancies due to school years not aligning with the Jan to Dec, inflation numbers used in the calculation, but those issues will average out over longer periods of time.

According to the data, if USD234 spent the same amount as they did in 1977, while increasing it as needed to keep up with inflation, the expected cost per student would $5,882 in 2024.  Instead, the cost per student is $19,110, representing an increase of $13,288, or 228% more than what can be explained by inflation. For context, if the average wage of $9,779.44 had grown by the same amount, the average wage would now be $169,207. (In 2023, the average wage in the US was $66,621)

Obviously, inflation isn’t the only thing that drives up the cost of education, but it is a critical component and essential to factor in when comparing the current costs to historical.

Below is a chart of the data. Italicized numbers were not available from the school district and are extrapolated from the overall growth rate.

USD234 Historical Cost Per Student Inflation Adjusted from 1977 baseline
1977 $1,104.47 $1,104.47
1978 $1,341.37 $1,179.99
1979 $1,578.27 $1,289.49
1980 $1,815.17 $1,468.85
1981 $2,052.07 $1,642.55
1982 $2,288.98 $1,780.37
1983 $2,525.88 $1,846.45
1984 $2,762.78 $1,923.85
1985 $2,999.68 $1,991.82
1986 $3,236.58 $2,069.23
1987 $3,473.48 $2,099.43
1988 $3,710.38 $2,184.40
1989 $3,947.28 $2,286.35
1990 $4,184.19 $2,405.29
1991 $4,421.09 $2,541.22
1992 $4,657.99 $2,607.30
1993 $4,894.89 $2,692.26
1994 $5,131.79 $2,760.23
1995 $5,368.69 $2,837.63
1996 $5,605.59 $2,915.05
1997 $5,842.49 $3,003.78
1998 $6,079.40 $3,050.98
1999 $6,316.30 $3,101.95
2000 $6,553.20 $3,186.92
2001 $6,790.10 $3,305.86
2002 $7,027.00 $3,343.62
2003 $7,288.00 $3,430.46
2004 $7,356.00 $3,496.55
2005 $7,950.00 $3,600.38
2006 $8,751.00 $3,743.87
2007 $9,444.00 $3,821.58
2008 $10,014.00 $3,985.16
2009 $10,042.00 $3,986.35
2010 $10,275.00 $4,091.01
2011 $9,863.00 $4,146.21
2012 $10,142.00 $4,279.39
2013 $10,548.00 $4,347.64
2014 $10,529.00 $4,416.29
2015 $10,962.00 $4,412.35
2016 $12,111.00 $4,472.94
2017 $11,608.00 $4,584.76
2018 $12,353.00 $4,679.69
2019 $12,652.00 $4,752.28
2020 $14,094.00 $4,870.45
2021 $15,383.00 $4,938.62
2022 $15,453.00 $5,308.02
2023 $19,235.00 $5,648.28
2024 $19,110.00 $5,822.86

USD235 New Teachers, Goals, and Construction Projects in 2025

Vance Eden from the district’s website.
Students start school in USD235, Uniontown, on August 20.
“We anticipate enrollment numbers being similar to what it was last year,” said Superintendent Vance Eden. “We frequently see fluctuations in enrollment all the way through the first week of school, though.”
This year, there is a new athletic director/assistant principal, Megan Mason.
Additionally, the following new teachers are: Aidan Abandon, high school history; Jennifer Ziegler, high school English; Cole Criss, junior/senior high physical education; Lauren Shinn, 6th grade; and Dallas Masoner, 6th grade.
The teachers in new assignments this year are Jenny Covey, 3rd grade; Rose Gauthier, 2nd grade; and Haley Troutman, Kindergarten.
“The kindergarten through 8th grade have new math resources this year, and there is a sprinkling of new supplementary materials throughout the district,” Eden said.
“A noteworthy item, the new ag shop will provide students with a better learning and shop space,” Eden said. “We are excited for what this can mean for the (agriculture) program.”
“For pre-kindergarten, we opened enrollment to three-year-old students who meet the necessary criteria for participation. We are excited to provide this opportunity to families and those young learners.”
“The district has adopted six goals as part of this year’s strategic plan.  Those include:
  • 1.5-  Conduct a thorough review of literacy and math proficiency rates K-12 to determine successes, trends, and potential gaps.
  • 1.8- Conduct a review of discipline policies and align them and their implementation to district objectives of clarity, consistency, and accountability.
  • 2.3-  Support staff development efforts through shadowing other educators in other districts.
  • 2.8-  Develop additional ways to utilize hands-on and experiential learning opportunities.
  • 3.4-  Develop additional ways to recognize students who are consistently meeting specific expectations.
  • 3.6-  Increase timely, consistent, and effective communication between schools and families. Consider options with apps, newsletters, and additional surveys for input.”
“Aside from that, the district will be completing all of the relevant construction projects related to the passing of the bond  (last year approved by constituents) over the next year. Timelines for those individual projects vary.”