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What’s the right plan for your child?
How do you get one?
What are your rights as a parent?
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
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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.

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
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:
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)
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
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
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 Board of Education 2025-26 Budget Hearing will be Sept. 11 at 5:45 p.m. at the board office at 424 S. Main.
Terry Mayfield, assistant superintendent, provided the following information regarding the hearing:
The following was submitted by USD234 regarding the mill levy.
USD 234 Shares Update on Mill Levy
Fort Scott USD 234 would like to share the answers to questions that have recently arisen about the district’s mill levy and property taxes.
First, it’s important to understand how the budget process works. The Board of Education meets with the district administrators in the spring as we begin the process of building the budget. The Board provides the administration direction as to how they want the budget prepared after reviewing the needs of the district and input from the administration. Typically, the Board directs us to keep the tax rate flat or to reduce or be lower than the previous year. The administration then works on the budget preparation through the months of June and July in partnership with the Bourbon County Clerk and Appraiser, who sets assessed property valuations we use to build the budget. We present a draft of the budget to the Board of Education for feedback in August with the final presentation and budget hearing in September.
Another common question is about the Recreation Commission and Buck Run Community Center. The Recreation Commission is a separate entity from the USD 234 school district. They operate under their own board, budget, set their tax rate, and have their own budget hearing independent from the school district.
What’s Happening with USD 234’s Mill Levy?
Good news! The district’s tax rate will actually be slightly lower this year. Here’s a look at the numbers:
| Fund | 2024-25 Actual | 2025-26 Proposed | Difference |
| General | 20.000 | 20.000 | 0.000 |
| Supplemental General | 14.895 | 14.891 | -0.104 |
| Capital Outlay | 7.896 | 8.000 | +0.004 |
| Bond & Interest | 9.669 | 9.757 | +0.088 |
| Total | 52.660 | 52.648 | -0.012 |
Even though USD 234 will technically “exceed revenue neutral” because of rising property valuations in the county and State aid, the actual tax rate is going down slightly. Over the last 10 years, the district tax rate has remained stable, dropping just over 1 mill during that time period.
Why does the district choose not to be Revenue Neutral?
Each year, the Kansas Department of Education determines the percentage of state aid the district will receive based on the poverty level in the district. That number changes yearly. This year, we will receive between 65% and 69% of our funding for the supplemental general, bond and interest, and capital outlay funds from the State. That leaves only 31% to 35% of those budget totals to be funded locally. Our state aid percentage has gone up each year, which brings additional dollars into the district from other parts of the State. This was part of the equalization lawsuit that went through the courts years ago.
Why was there a discrepancy between what the County sent to taxpayers and the actual budget being published by the district?
Some of the confusion comes from the Notice of Proposed Property Tax report that Bourbon County recently mailed to taxpayers. Those numbers were based on early estimates and don’t always match what the district actually adopts. We are required to provide the County Clerk with our estimates very early in the budget building process, creating a discrepancy between the proposed and the actual budget numbers.
Here’s how the county’s estimates compared with USD 234’s proposed levy:
| Fund | County Estimate | USD 234 Proposed | Difference |
| General | 20.000 | 20.000 | 0.000 |
| Supplemental General | 17.001 | 14.891 | -2.110 |
| Capital Outlay | 8.000 | 8.000 | 0.000 |
| Bond & Interest | 9.757 | 9.757 | 0.000 |
| Total | 54.758 | 52.648 | -2.110 |
As can be seen, the original estimates were a little higher than what USD 234 is actually proposing to the Board of Education.
Clearing Up Misinformation
The District appreciates the taxpayers and the funding they provide for our students’ education. Because of the funding provided to the district, the District is able to provide high quality teachers, staff, and resources to prepare every student with the skills and knowledge needed to be successful beyond high school. The district welcomes any questions you may have about our budget or anything else concerning the school district. Should you have any questions, please contact:
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
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 |

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, August 11, 2025
Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, August 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
07-14-25
Financials – Cash Flow Report
Check Register
Payroll – July 18, 2025 – $1,681,850.38
Activity Funds Accounts
USD 234 Gifts
Resolution 25-08 – Remove Bank Signers
Resolution 25-09 – Add Bank Signers
Superintendent Destry Brown reported about Open House in the district happening this week. School starts this Friday and KRI will start Monday, August 18.
Assistant Superintendent Terry Mayfield provided the Board with an update on the Preschool building and the progress being made in the facility. Also, informing about how each department is preparing for the new school year.
Assistant Superintendent Zach Johnson updated the Board on iReady scores. The district is showing growth and an increase in scores. He also informed the Board about New Teacher Orientation and gearing up for the new year.
Special Education Director Tonya Barnes provided a shared document and reported on the beginning of the year starting up. The Special Education audit will be coming up soon.
The Board Approved the following items:
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
August 11, 2025
RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:
Chaplin, Mercedes – Resignation – Paraprofessional – Eugene Ware
Clements, Adam – Supplemental Resignation – Coach – Boy’s Basketball – High School
Coen, Serenity – Resignation – Paraprofessional – Preschool
Emmerson, Lynette – Resignation – Secretary – Middle School
Floyd, Gary – Resignation – ISS Supervisor – High School
Kitsmiller, Natalie – Resignation – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott
LEAVE OF ABSENCE:
Pinkerton, Sammie – LOA – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott
TRANSFER:
Beyers, Amy – Cook (Middle School) to Paraprofessional – Eugene Ware
Moberg, Katelynn – Paraprofessional – High School to Winfield Scott
EMPLOYMENT:
Classified Recommendations for 2025-26 School year:
Ackerman, Melina – Cook – High School
Collins, Ashley – Paraprofessional – Eugene Ware
Coon, Osha – Paraprofessional – Eugene Ware
Dotson, Destiny – Paraprofessional – Eugene Ware
Engstrom, Lauren – Secretary – Middle School
Esslinger, Danae – Paraprofessional – KRI
Feagins, Addison – Paraprofessional – Eugene Ware
Heckman, Opal – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott
Hoener, Rhonda – Paraprofessional – Eugene Ware
Reinbolt, Katren – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott
Strakal, Eileen – Cook – High School
Tucker, Sandy – Paraprofessional – Eugene Ware
Waala, Emily – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott
Walker, Jessica – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott
Supplemental Recommendations for the 2025-26 school year:
Aikin, Kent – Head Softball Coach – High School
Altic, Abby – Supplemental – Assistant Volleyball Coach – High School
Carney, Drew – Supplemental – Powerlifting – High School
EW PBIS Committee
Hall, Dakota – Supplemental – Head Wrestling Coach – Middle School
Woods, Nick – Assistant Track Coach – High School