USD 234 Board of Education Special Meeting — August 27, 2026
Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 27, 2026, for a special meeting at 424 S Main St., Fort Scott, KS.
President David Stewart opened the meeting.
The board approved the official agenda with the following change: FSCC/IT Services discussion to come before Preschool Project Bid discussion.
There was discussion between Board Members and Dr. Welch, FSCC President, about the FSCC/IT Services agreement. The discussion was to make clear the roles and expectations between the District and FSCC. The agreement will continue.
The Board went into executive session for personnel matters.
The Board approved to give Administration permission to enter a contract with Builtwell Consulting, LLC contingent on contact with architect, attorney, and the timeline established.
The Board went into executive session for personnel matters.
Unified School District 234 will hold a Board of Education Special Meeting on August 27, 2026, at 12:00 P.M. at the Board Office, 424 South Main, Fort Scott, KS 66701.
Agenda Summary
Call Meeting to Order — David Stewart, President
Flag Salute
Approval of the Official Agenda (Action Item)
New Business
Preschool Construction Project
FSCC/IT Services
Enter Executive Session — Personnel Matters
5.2 Exit Executive Session
Adjourn Meeting — David Stewart, President
Superintendent: Zach Johnson | Assistant Superintendent: Terry Mayfield
Phone: 620-223-0800 | Fax: 620-223-2760 | www.usd234.org
USD 234 Board of Education Regular Meeting – News Release
Monday, August 10, 2026
Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, August 10, 2026, for their regular monthly meeting at 424 S Main St.
President David Stewart opened the meeting.
The board approved the official agenda with the following change: Preschool Building Project Bid Updates and Proposal – Crossland Construction – was moved to after consent agenda.
The board approved the consent agenda, which included:
Board Minutes – 07-13-26
Financials – Cash Flow Report
Check Register
Payroll – July 17, 2026 – $1,824,919.22
Activity Funds Accounts
USD 234 Gifts
Extended Trip Applications
Fundraising Applications
Resolution 26-07 – Bank Signers – High School
Resolution 26-08 – Bank Signers – UMB
Nick Humble from Crossland Construction was present to answer questions and present the bid for the Preschool Building. The Board decided to table the vote on the bid with further discussion to come.
Jeff Johnson, High School Principal, Josh Regan, Assistant Principal, and Jared Martin, Athletic Director presented an overview of testing and discipline data from the last year. Mr. Martin reported that the extracurriculars are seeing an increase this year.
Mina Query, Eugene Ware Principal, was excited to share that Eugene Ware has all the same teachers and how that made for great collaboration this week.
Nick Johnson, Preschool Principal, also reported low turnover in staff for this coming year. The Preschool is looking at 120 enrollments to start the year.
Superintendent Zach Johnson reported that the school website is being updated and the Tiger Pride letter went out last week. Everyone is working hard toward the first day of school on Friday.
Assistant Superintendent Terry Mayfield provided a shared document and started to review the upcoming budget. The Board asked for Mr. Mayfield to start a new bid process for the Preschool Building. More discussion will come in the weeks to come.
Special Education Director Tonya Barnes shared an update and how the staff is gearing up for the start of the new school year.
Assistant Superintendent Terry Mayfield provided the Board with a preliminary overview of the proposed 2026-2027 district budget. The presentation will include projected revenues, expenditures, and other key budget assumptions in preparation for final budget adoption.
The Board approved the following:
2026-27 District Handbooks
2025-26 Audit Services Agreement with DBB, Inc., Certified Public Accountants
2026-27 Adult Meal Prices
2026-27 Emergency Operations Procedures
There was one present for Public Forum.
The Board went into executive session for personnel matters.
The Board approved the Personnel Report.
President David Stewart adjourned the meeting.
Personnel Report – Approved
August 10, 2026
Resignations/Terminations/Retirements
Brown, Khya – Resignation – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott
Coon, Osha – Resignation – Paraprofessional – Eugene Ware
The West Bourbon Elementary School is located on Fifth Street in Uniontown. The junior high and high school, and board office are located north, across the street.
Uniontown School District, U.S.D. 235 students start school on Wednesday, August 19.
Open house for the district is August 18 from 4-6 p.m.
Enrollment is currently online, but anyone needing assistance can come to the board office for the appropriate paperwork, according to Superintendent Vance Eden.
“We are excited for a great 2026-27 school year,” Eden said.
There are six new teachers this year:
Kristy Beene, is the new preschool teacher.
Ransom Pflieger is the new West Bourbon Elementary School Music Teacher, and Bralynn Sutterby is the new first grade teacher.
Tori Hathaway is the new Uniontown High School Special Education Teacher, Mike Main is the new high school math teacher and
Ryan Jarboe is the new high school social studies teacher.
The new pre-kindergarten building is located on the southeast side of the main elementary school building.
There is a new building and repurposing of an old building at West Bourbon Elementary School.
The new building will provide a learning space for the 35 currently enrolled pre-kindergarteners starting this school year, according to a school employee, Regina Cagle.
The new pre-k as seen from the east parking lot of the school.
There was a need to replace the modular building that formerly housed the pre-kindergarten learning space in the district, according to Superintendent Eden.
The old modular building on the west side of the school, the one on the north, will be the new custodial storage building.
“It was near the end of its life for use as a classroom,” Eden said. “A new building ensures that the district has a safe and quality learning environment for years to come.”
“Two old modulars were sitting where the new PK has been built. Those modulars were offered free to the public. One was claimed, and the other was demolished after no one expressed interest in it.”
The old pre-k school room is on the north, the former custodial storage building is on the south. Both are located on the west side of the elementary school campus.
There are two other modular buildings, pictured above, where the PK classrooms were previously. The location at the elementary school is on the west side of the campus.
“Our intention is to use the old PK as custodial storage… and get rid of the old modular that has been used as custodial storage.”
The following is the USD 235 Calendar for the new year:
The USD 234 Fort Scott Board of Education will hold its regular meeting on Monday, August 10, 2025, at 5:30 P.M. at the Board Office, 424 South Main, Fort Scott, KS 66701.
Agenda Summary – Public
Call Meeting to Order — David Stewart, President
Flag Salute
Approval of the Official Agenda (Action Item)
Approval of the Consent Agenda (Action Item)
4.1 Board Minutes – 07-13-26
4.2 Financials – Cash Flow Report
4.3 Check Register
4.4 Payroll – July 17, 2026 – $1,824,919.22
4.5 Activity Funds Accounts
4.6 USD 234 Gifts
4.7 Extended Trip Applications
4.8 Fundraising Applications
4.9 Resolution 26-07 – Bank Signers – High School
4.10 Resolution 26-08 – Bank Signers – UMB
Skills USA Students
Administration Overview
Leadership Reports (Information/Discussion Items)
New Business
8.1 Preschool Building Project Bid Updates – Bidding Proposal
U.S.D. 234 Board of Education Building, 424 S. Main
The U.S.D. 234, Fort Scott School District, starts the 2026-27 school year on Friday, August 14, a little over three weeks away.
Enrollment is currently open and can be done through PowerSchool, a district-wide computer software program.
If a student is new to the district, they must sign up at their school’s building office.
August 10-13 are pre-service and work days in the district.
August 14 is the first day for students.
December 21 through January 1 is Christmas break.
Spring break is March 15-19.
The last day of school is May 14.
The following are newly hired staff and teachers for the year:
The west entrance of the Kansas Renewal Institute, June 2024. KRI is located at 401 Woodland Hills Blvd., Fort Scott.
Kansas Renewal Institute-Danae Esslinger
Unified School District 234 is committed to providing general and special education services to KRI residents within school age. These services will be provided on-site at Kansas Renewal Institute, according to a prior fortscott.biz interview with KRI administration.
The Fort Scott Preschool, at 409 S. Judson.
Fort Scott Preschool-Alyssa Smith, special education
Winfield Scott Elementary School, 316 W. 10th Street, Fort Scott.
Winfield Scott Elementary School: Caleb Hendricks-assistant principal, MaKayla Pickert- second grade, Madison Hughes-physical education, Kimberly Demko-speech/language, Katherine Hill and Emily Stephans-special education.
Eugene Ware Elementary School, 900 E. Third Street.
Eugene Ware Elementary School: There are no new teachers, and the administration is still hiring for paraprofessionals that are needed, according to a spokesman at Eugene Ware.
Fort Scott Middle School. 1105 East 12th Street.
Fort Scott Middle School: Jennifer Ellis-science, Don VanBuskirk-business essentials, electives, history instruction, Dawna Krebs-math teacher, Trinadie Oney-science teacher.
Fort Scott High School. 1005 S. Main.
Fort Scott High School: Jared Martin, athletic director; Ashley Keylon-counselor, Dan
i Cummings-business teacher, Sage Hill-special education teacher, and Lucretia Rugero, special education.
The school district’s board of education phone number is: 620-223-0800.
Zach Johnson is the new superintendent for U.S.D. 234, Fort Scott’s school district, as of July 1.
ZJHeadshot – 1
As a leader, Johnson hopes to help facilitate a collective vision that focuses on the success of all students, he said.
“I believe in supporting and creating a culture that adds value and support to our staff. I look forward to working alongside our staff to create positive student outcomes every year.”
Background
“I am originally from Willard Missouri. I have been in education for 13 years. I have spent six of those years as a teacher and coach in Missouri. I then spent four years as an assistant principal/athletic director at Field Kindley High School in Coffeyville and I was the principal at Fort Scott Middle School for three years, and assistant superintendent for one year.”
Family
“My wife Bethany is a therapist at Kansas Renewal Institute (KRI). We have four kids. We are very active in the school and the Fort Scott community. We are excited to be here and look forward to continuing to build connections throughout our community.”
What is the best thing about being in education for you?
” The relationships that are made and the positive impact that is made on students.”
What is a challenge?
” I believe a challenge would be external factors that influence our district and other school districts across Kansas. Examples would be state and federal legislation that affects public education and the day-to-day work of educators.”
Is there anything new on the horizon for the district this year?-
” I am excited for the strategic planning that we will begin working on. This process will involve all stakeholders in our community to help develop the mission, vision, and values for U.S.D. 234. More information will come as we get closer to the school year.”
Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, July 13, 2026, for their regular monthly meeting at 424 S Main St.
President David Stewart opened the meeting.
The board approved the official agenda.
Honor Flight Students
Twenty-four students plus staff and medical accompanied veterans to Washington D.C. Cohen, senior, partnered with his Great Grandpa and said “it was an amazing honor” to be part of this trip. Isabella, sophomore, said “it was an honor to give recognition where there hasn’t been.” And Tyranny, graduated, commented “the bond has lasted even after the trip.” Over $60,000 was raised from July 2025 – March 2026 by so many in the community. Many were thanked for the help and support, and they are looking forward to the next trip.
Some of the Honor Flight students & Staff
Transportation Recognition
Joe Allen, Transportation Director, recognized Brenda Wunderly & Jennifer Herring. During Summer School this year he has received numerous compliments about how well the bus routes had gone during that time. He thanked both for their hard work and organization of all that goes into transporting the students to and from school even with more than usual numbers during the summer.
Joe Allen & Brenda Wunderly
Board Officers
The board approved David Stewart as Board President and Nick Barrows as Board Vice President.
Consent Agenda
The board approved the consent agenda, which included:
Board Minutes – 06-08-26
Financials – Cash Flow Report
Check Register
Payroll – June 19, 2026 – $2,122,023.06
Activity Funds Accounts
USD 234 Gifts
Resolution 26-01 – Destructions of Records
Resolution 26-02 – Waiver of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
Resolution 26-03 – Rescinding Policy Statements found in Board Minutes
Resolution 25-04 – Establish Home Rule by Board of Education
Designation of Banks for deposit of school funds:
FSHS activity funds – City State Bank
FSM activity funds – Union State Bank
Eugene Ware activity funds – UMB Bank
Winfield Scott activity funds – UMB Bank
USD 234 District – Landmark National Bank, UMB Bank, KMIP, Citizens Bank
Set fees for copying records:
10 cents per page for employees
10 cents per page for alumni
15 cents per page for non-employees
20 cents per page for color copies
Mileage reimbursement – current state mileage rate (as of 01/01/26 – 72.5 cents)
2026-27 School Fees
Recreation Commission Board Member Terms:
Megan McDermed – June 30, 2028
Abby Stepps – June 30, 2028
Dillon Duffy – June 30, 2028
Vincent Ratcliff – June 30, 2027
Dave Fly – June 30, 2027
Designation of newspaper for official school publications – Fort Scott Tribune
Offices for the 2026-27 School Year:
KASB Government Relations Network Representative – Board President
Food Service Hearing Officer/Compliance Coordinator for Federal Anti-Discrimination Laws – Terry Mayfield
Title VI, Title VII, and Title IX / ADA / Section 504 Coordinator/Point of Contact for Child Welfare Agencies – Zach Johnson
District Foster Care Liaison – Zach Johnson
Freedom of Information Officer – Zach Johnson
Food Service Program Representative – Robin Button
Clerk – Candace Jobe
Deputy Clerk – Terry Mayfield
KPERS Representative/KiCS Designated Representative Member – Angela Robinson
Treasurer – Rhonda Dawson
LCP Coordinator/Coordinator for Homeless Children/504 Coordinator – Zach Johnson
Fort Scott High School Attendance Officer – Josh Regan
Fort Scott Middle School Attendance Officer – Matt Harris
Eugene Ware Attendance Officer – Brandon Boyd
Winfield Scott Attendance Officer – Caleb Hendricks
There were none present for Public Forum.
Superintendent’s Report
Superintendent Zach Johnson reported that enrollment is now open and the various events leading up to school starting August 14th. There will be a new Tiger Pride Magazine that will be coming out monthly and will be available to the public as well as staff and students. HB 2299, which includes cell phones not being allowed from the start of school until the end of the day, was discussed with policies and procedures to be adopted later in the meeting.
Assistant Superintendent Terry Mayfield provided a shared document and updated about the end of the fiscal year budget and starting the new year. Facility updates were given, and all the projects are on track during the summer. Buildings are gearing up for staff to return and the start of the new school year. Bus and car inspections will take place this week and the Preschool drawings have been submitted.
Special Education Director Tonya Barnes shared an update on local training that will take place July 28th and is excited for staff to attend and start the new year.
Board Approvals
The Board approved the following:
2024-25 Financial Audit
SchoolsPLP Learning Platform Agreement – FS Tiger Virtual School
School Vehicle Purchase – 2018 Dodge Caravan
IT Services agreement renewal – USD 234 and City of Fort Scott
HB 2299 KASB Policy and USD 234 Procedure Recommendations
KASB Policy Updates
Apptegy Communication Platform Subscription
Resolution 26-05 – Revenue Neutral Declaration to Bourbon County Clerk
Resolution 26-06 – Supplemental General Budget Percentage
The Board went into executive session for personnel matters.
The Board approved Special Service Contracts, Supplemental Salary Schedule, and Substitute Pay Schedule.
President David Stewart adjourned the meeting.
Personnel Report – Approved, July 13, 2026
Resignations/Terminations/Retirements
Estes, Thomas – Resignation – Custodian – High School
Kegler, Terra – Resignation – Paraprofessional – High School
Krebs, Dawna – Resignation – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott
Larsen, Danny – Supplemental Resignation – Assistant Basketball Coach – High School
The Uniontown Unified School District No. 235 Board of Education will hold its regular meeting at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, July 13, 2026, in the UJHS/UHS Commons Area, Uniontown, Kansas.
Agenda
I. Call to Order
A. Flag Salute
B. District Mission Statement
C. Approve the Agenda
D. Review and approve the June 8th, 2026 Regular Meeting minutes
E. Elect President and Vice President
II. Consent Agenda
A. Approve and pay bills on the computer printout $545,673.45
B. Approve the June 2026 Treasurer Report
C. Approve the following appointments for 2026-2027:
Clerk of the Board: Pam Kimrey
Deputy Clerk of the Board: Shanna Eck
Treasurer: Chad Holt
Attorney: KASB
Ex-officio member of Vocational Agriculture Advisory Council: Brian Stewart
Elementary Attendance Officer and Truancy Reporter (KSA 72-1113): Dustin Miller
Secondary Attendance Officer, Truancy Reporter (KSA 72-1113) and Special Project Director and Title IX Coordinator: Robert Onelio
KPERS Representative and Freedom of Information Officer: Pam Kimrey
School Lunch Hearing Officer: Vance Eden
Homeless/Migrant Liaison: Vance Eden
Foster Care Liaison: Robert Onelio and Vance Eden
Title IV, Title I and Title II Administrator: Dustin Miller
Bank Depository: Union State Bank
District Newspaper: The Fort Scott Tribune
Governmental Relations Contact: Mike Mason
D. Adopt the waiver of generally accepted accounting principles including fixed asset accounting for 2026-2027 (KSA 9-1401)(Resolution 071326a)
E. Adopt 1,116 hours as the minimum school-in-session criteria for 2026-2027 (KSA 72-1106)
F. Adopt an early payment request policy (KSA 72-12-105b)(Resolution 071326b)
G. Adopt Home Rule Resolution (Resolution 071326c)
H. Adopt the resolution giving permission to destroy school records through year 2020 (federally supported program records only)(Resolution 071326d)
I. Approve no charge for textbook rental for 2026-2027 (KSA 72-4141)
J. Establish mileage reimbursement rate at .72 cents per mile. No mileage will be paid if a district vehicle is available (KSA 72-8208a)(Resolution 071326e)
K. Adopt the resolution to establish activity funds (Resolution 071326f)
L. Approve resolution to establish the following petty cash limits for 2026-2027 (Resolution 071326g):
Uniontown High School: $1,000.00
BOE: $500.00
M. Adopt the resolution for rescinding policy statements found in board minutes in 2025-2026 (Resolution 071326h)
N. Set Board of Education meeting dates: 08/10/2026, 09/14/2026, 10/12/2026, 11/09/2026, 12/14/2026, 01/11/27, 02/08/27, 03/08/27, 04/12/27, 05/10/27, 06/14/27 and 07/12/27 (KSA 72-8205)
O. Approve Surplus Equipment List dated July 13, 2026
III. Informational Items
A. Audience with patrons
B. Greenbush Superintendent Search Process – Rich Proffitt
C. KASB June Policy Updates
D. Unpaid Meal Charge Policy
E. Milk Bids
F. Blue Cross Blue Shield 2026-2027 Renewal
G. Building and District Needs Assessment/Strategic Plan
H. Preliminary Budget Review
I. Capital Projects/Vehicle Purchase
J. Strategic Plan/Direction Survey
K. Administrative Reports – Mr. Eden
IV. Action Items
A. Approve Superintendent Search Agency
B. Approve KASB June Policy Updates
C. Approve Unpaid Meal Charge Policy
D. Approve Hiland Dairy Milk Bid
E. Approve Blue Cross Blue Shield renewal for 2026-2027
F. Approve Vehicle Purchase
V. Executive Session – Personnel
VI. Executive Session – Negotiations
VII. Adjournment
Next regular board meeting date is Monday, August 10, 2026 at 7:30 p.m.
424 South Main, Fort Scott, KS 66701-2697 | www.usd234.org | 620-223-0800
Superintendent: Zach Johnson Assistant Superintendent: Terry Mayfield
Board of Education Regular Meeting
July 13, 2025 2026 – 5:30 P.M.
Board Office, Fort Scott, KS
Note: This meeting was held July 13, 2026. The year 2025 in the agenda as submitted appears to have been an error.
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 Recognitions 5.0 Matt Teeter – Strategic Planning Overview 6.0 Financial Audit Review 7.0 Reorganization of New Board (Action)
7.1 Election of President of the Board
7.2 Election of Vice-President of the Board
8.0 Approval of the Consent Agenda (Action Item)
8.1 Board Minutes – 06-08-26
8.2 Financials – Cash Flow Report
8.3 Check Register
8.4 Payroll – June 19, 2026
8.5 Activity Funds Accounts
8.6 USD 234 Gifts
8.7 Resolution 26-01 Destructions of Records
8.8 Resolution 26-02 Waiver of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
8.9 Resolution 26-03 Rescinding Policy Statements found in Board Minutes
8.10 Resolution 25-04 Establish Home Rule by Board of Education
8.11 Designation of Banks for deposit of school funds
8.12 Set fees for copying records
8.13 Mileage reimbursement – current state mileage rate
8.14 2026-27 School Fees
8.15 Recreation Commission Board Member Term
8.16 Designation of newspaper for official school publications
