Category Archives: Schools

Bourbon County, Jobs, Schools, Youth

U235 Is Gearing Up for New School Year

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Vance Eden. From the school’s website.
This week marks the beginning of enrollment for the school year in U.S.D. 235.
Enrollment for Uniontown’s school district is two days:
  • Thursday, July 27th from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Friday, July 28th from noon to 7 p.m.
The district’s open house is August 15 from 4 to 6 p.m.
The first day of class for students is August 16.
New teachers in the district are Amanda Ostrander-preschool, Lakyn Rucker-first grade, Tyler Ericson-fourth grade, Jacy Walker-six grade, Alex Chesney-West Bourbon Elementary School Music, Ian Ballinger, high school social studies, Christal Martin-high school science student teacher, Abby Onelio, high school Spanish/,Multi-Tiered Systems of Support(  she will work to support students struggling academically)and Carrie Sutcliffe-high school science.
Rebecca Sutterby is the new high school digital media contact and Nick Trim is the new School Resource Officer.
A series featuring new teachers for U235 started with new junior high/senior high principal Robert Onelio on July 17. Watch for profiles of the new teachers in the coming weeks.
To view Onelio’s feature:
Improving the District
“The district continues to consider bringing a bond to the voters for consideration,” said Superintendent Vance Eden. “We will start the strategic planning with the community this fall to try to establish some short and long-term, up to five year, goals. We’ll continue to work to improve ourselves as a district and support new hires as they join our team this fall.”
In May, the following retired from the district:
Rhonda Allen-elementary music, Jeanne Camac- jr/sr high counselor, Jean Cook-jr. high English and Language Arts, Betty Dennis-nurse, Amber Ericson-fourth grade, and Bonnie Rathbun-sixth grade.
Fort Scott, Government, Schools

U234 Board of Ed. Press Release of Meeting on July 17

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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, July 17, 2023

 

Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, July 17, 2023, for their regular monthly meeting at the board office.

 

President Danny Brown opened the meeting.

 

The board approved the official agenda with removal of 8.1 Roof Payment and 9.7 MOU with SEK Mental Health.

 

The board reorganized. David Stewart was elected as President of the Board and James Wood was elected as Vice-President of the Board.

 

The board approved the consent agenda as follows:

FSHS activity funds – City State Bank,

FSMS activity funds – Union State Bank

Eugene Ware Elementary activity funds – UMB Bank,

Winfield Scott Elementary activity funds – UMB Bank

USD 234 District – Landmark National Bank, UMB Bank, and KMIP

  • Designation of newspaper for official school publications – Fort Scott Tribune
  • Officers for the 2023-24 school year

KASB Governmental Relations Network Representative – Board President

Food Service Hearing Officer/Compliance Coordinator for Federal Anti-Discrimination Laws/Title VI, Title VII, and Title IX of the Civil Rights Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act/Coordinator/Point of Contact for Child Welfare Agencies/District Foster Care Liaison/Freedom of Information Officer – Destry Brown

Food Service Program Representative – Robin Button

Clerk/KPERS Representative/KERMP Designated Representative of Member – Gina Shelton

Treasurer – Rhonda Dawson

LCP Coordinator/Coordinator for Homeless Children/504 Coordinator – Dalaina Smith

Fort Scott High School Attendance Officer – Alex Specht

Fort Scott Middle School Attendance Officer – Matt Harris

Eugene Ware Elementary School Attendance Officer – Brandon Boyd

Winfield Scott Elementary School Attendance Officer – Christopher Garzone

  • Recreation Commission Board Member Term

Tammy Hill 4 years June 30, 2026

Susan Marbery 4 years June 30, 2025

Stewart Gulager 3 years June 30, 2025

Mike Chipman 3 years June 30, 2024

Adam Lancaster 3 years June 30, 2024

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, for information only – As of 07/01/23 – 65.5 cents
  • 2023-24 School Fees

 

Superintendent Brown congratulated and thanked Connie Billionis for the work she had provided to USD 234 during her 42 years of service with the district. Mrs. Billionis retired this year.

 

Classified Tiger Team Member – Superintendent Destry Brown recognized Katie Chipman as the Classified Tiger Team Member of the Month.

  • Chipman is a Paraprofessional at Fort Scott Middle School. She worked at Summer School in June and was willing to do whatever was needed. Ms. Chipman has been with USD 234 for a total of 7 years including subbing and full-time work.

 

Licensed Tiger Team Member – Superintendent Destry Brown recognized Nichole Regan as the Licensed Tiger Team Member of the Month.

  • Regan is a Special Education Teacher at Fort Scott High School. Mrs. Regan coordinated Extended School Year this summer for all of our Special Education kids. She organized the teachers, paraprofessionals, and activities. Mrs. Regan has taught for USD 234 for 9 years.

Superintendent Destry Brown shared a video where Fort Scott High School was recognized at the June 15th Kansas Board of Regents meeting as an All-Star High School for their work with high school seniors.

Superintendent Destry Brown provided an update to the board on the Safe & Secure Grant awarded to USD 234. This grant will be used to purchase protective film for the high school, additional cameras, and walkie-talkies for communication purposes. Mr. Brown also reported on the award of the Mental Health Intervention Team Program Grant, which will be used to provide a social worker who will help coordinate services between families and providers. Mr. Brown shared the good news that all kids will eat free this school year at USD 234.

 

Dalaina Smith, Assistant Superintendent, updated the board on USD 234’s accreditation being fully approved by the state. Mrs. Smith shared information on two PLC professional development workshops that staff will attend in July, one focusing on educator wellness and the other on the PLC programming. Mrs. Smith shared an update on the internally developed mentoring program which is being put in place instead of using an outside provider and also discussed the new teacher orientation to be held the second week of August.

 

Tonya Barnes, Special Education Director, updated the board on the USD 234 Job Fair that was held. Twenty-two people attended the event. Mrs. Barnes noted that several interviews have already taken place and it is anticipated that the district will be fully staffed at the start of the school year. Mrs. Barnes welcomed Candace Jobe as the Special Education Administrative Assistant and discussed the formation of a Special Education leadership team for 2023-24 that will rotate year to year to provide input.

 

Gina Shelton, Finance Director, updated the board on the 403(b) Match Plan, including participation numbers of 92%, final cash balances for 2022-23, remaining ESSER balance, and the Household Economic Survey. Mrs. Shelton explained how that survey is tied to the funding USD 234 receives in the areas of Title, At-Risk, and in the form of ERATE discounts. Mrs. Shelton encouraged all families to help the district by completing the survey so that there is not a loss in other funding for programs.

 

The board approved the following items:

  • Happy Kids Lease Agreement for the 2023-24 School Year
  • Timeline for Budget Adoption including dates for Special Board Meetings
    • Budget Presentation – 08/07/23 – 5:30 p.m.
    • Revenue Neutral Hearing – 08/28/23 – 5:30 p.m.
    • Budget Hearing – 08/28/23 – 5:45 p.m.
  • Certifying to the County Clerk intent to not be Revenue Neutral and related declarations
  • Purchase of FSHS Social Studies AP and Dual Credit Resources
  • Purchase of FSHS MAP Assessment and Professional Development
  • Contribution of $10,000 to Core Communities
  • Facility Use Permit for FLAG Church
  • Personnel Report following
  • Increase to the Substitute Pay Schedule

 

During the public forum section, Superintendent Brown thanked Dan Koppa, Brian Pool, and Stephen Mitchell for their help in moving food items due to the loss of power after the storm on Friday night.

The board went into an executive session for personnel matters.

President Stewart adjourned the meeting.

 

PERSONNEL REPORT – APPROVED EMPLOYMENT

July 17, 2023

 

RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:

  • Fields, Kelly – Resignation – Fort Scott High School English Teacher as of June 28, 2023
  • Hall, Laeci – Resignation – Fort Scott High School Paraprofessional as of June 30, 2023
  • Harris, Shelby – Resignation – Eugene Ware Elementary 3rd Grade Teacher as of June 29, 2023
  • Harney, Joel – Resignation – Fort Scott High School Assistant Boys Basketball

 

TRANSFERS/REASSIGNMENTS:

For the 2023-24 school year:

Classified:

  • Crank, Matt – Fort Scott Middle School Paraprofessional – increase from 7.50 hours per day to 8.00 hours per day
  • Hemphill-Witham, Cynthia – Fort Scott Preschool Center Paraprofessional – increase from 7.50 hours per day to 8.00 hours per day
  • Schnichels, Laryn – Fort Scott Middle School Paraprofessional – increase from 7.50 hours per day to 8.00 hours per day
  • Tally, Lisa – Fort Scott Middle School At-Risk Instructional Aide – increase from 7.50 hours per day to 8.00 hours per day

 

EMPLOYMENT:

Certified Recommendations for the 2023-24 school year:

  • Forkner, Julie – Fort Scott Preschool Center Intervention Teacher for part-time
  • Furry, Frances – Eugene Ware Elementary 3rd Grade Teacher

 

Supplemental Recommendations for the 2023-24 school year:

  • Barrows, James – Fort Scott Middle School Football Coach
  • Griffetts, Christopher – Fort Scott High School Art Show
  • Hall, Laeci – Fort Scott High School Assistant Volleyball Coach
  • Schnichels, Laryn – Fort Scott Middle School Gym Supervisor
  • Stepps, Abby – Fort Scott Middle School Summer Conditioning
Bourbon County, Jobs, Schools

New Uniontown Jr/Sr High Principal: Robert Onelio

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Robert Onelio. Submitted photo.

Robert Onelio, 42, is the new junior/senior high principal at USD 235.

Uniontown High School.

“I’ve always felt it was a calling to work in education” Onelio said. “It’s rewarding to see kids grow and learn but also over the years it’s even more rewarding to see former students succeed as adults!”

A challenge as an educator is ” nothing stays the same and you must find a balance between the tried and true and the new trends that come into education. All the while keeping in mind what is best for kids.”

He is married to Abby Onelio who is  going to be working at Uniontown Junior/Senior High School as a Spanish Teacher. They have four children.

They will be commuting from their farm in Crawford County.

“As a family we are active in our church, 4H, and sports,” Onelio said. “Also, we enjoy traveling, camping, riding dirt bikes, and taking care of cows!”

He earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from Pittsburg State University in 2004, and a Master of Science in School Leadership from Baker University in 2011.

Onelio has 18 years total in the field of education in Arkansas City Public Schools: six years as a World History teacher, five years as an assistant high school principal, five years as a head elementary principal and two years as head middle school principal.

 

Fort Scott, Government, Schools

U234 Board Agenda for July 17

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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

JULY 17, 2023 – 5:30 P.M.

PUBLIC AGENDA

 

1.0       Call Meeting to Order         

Danny Brown, President

 

2.0       Flag Salute

 

3.0       Approval of the Official Agenda (Action Item)

 

4.0       Reorganization of New Board (Action Item)

            4.1 Election of President of the Board

            4.2 Election of Vice-President of the Board

 

5.0       Approval of the Consent Agenda (Action Item)

            5.1       Board Minutes – 06/12/2023 Regular Meeting & 06/27/2023 Special Meeting

            5.2       Financials-Cash Flow Report 05/31/2023 & 06/30/2023

            5.3       Check Register

            5.4       Payroll – June 20, 2023 – $1,957,353.85

            5.5       Activity Fund accounts – 05/31/2023

            5.6       Designation of Banks for deposit of school funds

            5.7       Designation of newspaper for official school publications

5.8       Officers for the 2023-24 school year

            5.9       Recreation Commission Board Member Term

            5.10     Resolution 23-01: Resolution for Waiver of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles

            5.11     Resolution 23-02: Resolution for Rescinding Policy Statements Found in Board Minutes

            5.12     Resolution 23-03: Resolution to set dates and times for board meetings

            5.13     Resolution 23-04: Resolution to Establish Home Rule by Board of Education

            5.14     Resolution 23-05: Resolution for Destruction of Records

            5.15     Set fees for copying of records

5.16     Mileage reimbursement – current state mileage rate

5.17     2023-24 School Fees

 

6.0       Recognitions (Information/Discussion Items)

6.1 Student Recognition

6.2 Employee Recognition

6.3 Board Member Acknowledgements

 

7.0       Leadership Reports (Information/Discussion Item)

            7.1       Superintendent’s Report

            7.2       Assistant Superintendent’s Report

            7.3       Special Education Director’s Report

            7.4       Finance Director’s Report

                                               

8.0       Old Business

8.1       Roof Payment (Action Item)

           

9.0       New Business

9.1       Happy Kids Lease Agreement for the 2023-24 School Year (Action Item)

9.2       Set Dates for Budget Presentation, Revenue Neutral Hearing and Budget Hearing (Action                     Item)

9.3       Revenue Neutral Declaration to County Clerk (Action Item)

9.4       FSHS Social Studies AP and Dual Credit Resources (Action Item)

9.5       HS MAP Assessment (ELA, Math, and Science) & Professional Development (Action Item)

9.6       Contribution to Core Communities (Action Item)

9.7       MOU with SEK Mental Health (Action Item)

9.8       Facility Use Request – FLAG Church (Action Item)

9.9       Substitute Pay Schedule 2023-24 (Action Item)

 

10.0     Public Forum

11.0     Other Business – Personnel Matters

11.1     Enter Executive Session – Personnel Matters (Action Item)

11.2     Exit Executive Session

11.3     Approval of Personnel Report (Action Item)

 

12.0     Adjourn Meeting

                       

Fort Scott, Government, Schools

Special Gathering of U234 Board of Ed

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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

 

From:   Gina Shelton, Board Clerk, USD 234

 

Re:        Notice of Gathering     Monday, July 17, 2023

4:30 p.m.

Retirement Celebration

Board of Education, 424 S. Main, Fort           Scott, KS 66701

 

There may be a majority of USD 234 Board Members present at the above event.  Even though a majority may be present, no school district business will be conducted.

 

Fort Scott, Jobs, Schools

Connie Billionis Retires From U234

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Connie Billionis. Submitted photo.
Connie Billionis is retiring from USD 234 School District after 42 years.
USD 234 Board of Education Building, 424 S. Main
“I worked as a secretary at Fort Scott Middle School for 13 years,” Billionis said. “I then transferred to the USD 234 Board of Education (office) as Deputy Clerk and Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent for the remainder of my career for a total of 42 years.”
There have been many changes since she started over four decades ago.
“Changes in technology made a huge difference in how I performed my job,” she said.  “I started out typing student schedules on an electric typewriter. Attendance was recorded by collecting absentee slips every hour at the middle school and recording the information by marking boxes by hand in large leather books.  And now, everything is completed on laptops, using two or more screens.  All state reports, documents, board policy, board of education agendas, etc. are accomplished using the internet through multiple programs.”
The best aspect of her job has been co-workers, teachers, and students.
“I have made life-long friendships and memories with lots of laughter and a few tears along the way,” she said.  “I loved seeing students grow and change before they moved on to the high school. It was great when teachers would come into the office to share a student’s essay or a student’s success.  At the board office, I truly enjoyed keeping track of calendar events, preparing board agendas for monthly and special meetings, and assisting teachers with their professional learning opportunities.  It has been an honor to serve the students, faculty, and staff at USD 234.”
As with all of life, there have been challenges.
“One of the biggest challenges has been the changes with each administration,” Billionis said.  “I was fortunate to work with eight different superintendents, and each one made a change in the working environment.”
She does have plans for retirement.
“I’m looking forward to spending more time with my husband, Gary.  I love to be with my grandkids, and I have a great time outside in the garden,” she said.  “Just having an opportunity to relax and enjoy God’s beautiful world will be a blessing.  The hardest part of retirement will be missing the day-to-day interaction with my office friends.”
The retirement reception for Billionis is on Monday, July 17, at 4:30 p.m. at the Board of Education office.
Business, Fort Scott, Schools

Donation to U234 of Science Cabinets from Robert and Kim Coon

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Robert and Kim Coon own A1 Towing. Submitted photo.
Robert and Kim Coon are the owners of A1 Towing Service and often that business leads to buying salvage lots and liquidations.
“Any time there is a semi (tractor/trailer) accident that one of our three locations work, we will bid on the cargo,” Coon said. “Often the cargo is undamaged and we can sell the items at a discount price in our community.”
He gave an example.
“In 2022 we sold 25 new  residential heat and air-conditioning  systems and insulation for a 30% of the value, to locals,” Coon said.
At the beginning of this year, Coon, worked a wreck that had some science lab cabinets that were unharmed.

“Opportunity came for us to acquire these bio cabinets, Kimberly (his wife) called and spoke with Gina Shelton (USD234 Board Clerk and Finance Director) about donating them if the school district could use them. Gina was instrumental in the process. I believe they are going to be used in two different science classes.”

“These bio cabinets couldn’t have a better home than USD 234 science labs,” Coon said. “Kim and I have six proud  Fort Scott Tigers.”

Coon initially contacted the school district at the end of January, Destry Brown, USD 234 Superintendent said.
Destry Brown. Submitted photo.
“We then polled both principals and they felt they could use the cabinets in classrooms,” Brown said. ” In March, connections were made between Mr. Coon and the district to coordinate delivery.  The cabinets were delivered on April 6, but the spaces they are to go in are either under construction with the heating, ventilation , air-conditioning energy projects, being used for summer programming, or being deep cleaned as we do in the summer months.”
Photo of the science cabinet. Submitted photo.
They intend to place them in the appropriate classrooms as soon as those spaces are ready, Brown said.
“We did not want to unpackage them before moving them to avoid damage,” Brown said. “Right now they are being stored at the district offices to protect them.”
The estimated value of the two science lab cabinets is $34,280 ($17,140 each) based upon estimates of comparable property, Brown said.
Usage will be to secure storage materials in classrooms.
“The middle school is adding programming related to a paint booth and this would allow for secured storage of that,” Brown said.

“They will be placed at the middle school and/or high school,” Brown said.  “This will be determined after the principals return to contract for the 2023-24 school year.”

Fort Scott, Jobs, Schools

New Assistant Prinicpal at Winfield Scott: Chris Garzone

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Submitted photo.

Chris Garzone, 53, is the new Assistant Principal at Winfield Scott Elementary, Fort Scott, starting August 1.

Winfield Scott Elementary School, 316 W. 10th Street, Fort Scott.

From Prescott, Arizona, he attended Sterling College on a scholarship to play football and baseball and received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Health and Physical Education K-12.

Garzone chose a career in education because of the lasting impact teachers and coaches had in his life.
He is in his 28th year in education.
Those years include Gallup, New Mexico, at a small catholic school.
“I was the K-12 Physical Education teacher, taught 10th grade health, was the Athletic Director, and coached various sports.”
They  moved to Fort Scott, where his wife Laura taught at St. Mary’s and he was hired at Nevada R5 Schools, teaching elementary physical education K-2 for one year, then taught health classes at Heartland Behavioral Health School for five years. He coached softball, baseball, football and basketball while in Nevada.
In 2005, he completed the Educational Leadership Program from Pittsburg State University and was hired as an assistant principal at Pittsburg Community Middle School.
After one year, he transferred to Pittsburg High School and was an assistant principal for 17 years.
“The best part of being an administrator is the relationships that have occurred between students, staff, the families and the community,” he said. “We are all on a team focused on doing what’s right for each individual child. Observing teachers and students having success inside and outside the classroom is very rewarding for me. I am a servant leader who places others’ needs above my own.”
“I accepted the Assistant Principal position at Winfield Scott because professionally it will be a good challenge for me, switching from secondary to elementary,” he said.  “Fort Scott is an amazing community. My wife grew up here and this small town is a good place to live and be involved in.”

He is celebrating his 30th wedding anniversary with Laura Tuchscherer of Fort Scott this August, he said.

They have four children: Haley, a May 2023 Kansas University Graduate  pursuing a masters degree in Public Health, with the intent on attending medical school;  Austin, attending Pittsburg State University in the Automotive Certification Program; Molly,  at PSU pursuing Elementary Education; Tyler,  a junior at Fort Scott High School,who plans to play basketball for the Tigers.

“Our children have blessed our lives in so many ways,” he said.

Fort Scott, Jobs, Schools

U234 Job Fair Today

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USD 234 Job Fair!

Come join the Tiger Family!

USD 234 will be hosting a Job Fair on July 11th, 2023 from 11am-4pm and July 12th,2023 from 2pm-7pm.

This event will be held in the FSMS – Flex Space

(on the South Side of the Building)

1105 E. 12th St.

For more information contact the Board of Education at

620.223.0800 or visit their website at www.usd234.org
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
Fort Scott, Schools

U234 Report from June 27 Meeting

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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 SPECIAL MEETING

NEWS RELEASE

Tuesday, June 27, 2023

 

Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 27, 2023, for a special board meeting at the board office.

 

President Danny Brown opened the meeting.

 

The board approved the following items:

  • High School Science Resources from McGraw Hill in the amount of $13,531.64
  • Preschool Resource from FrogStreet in the amount of $23,216.16
  • KERMP Property, Casualty, Auto Insurance Renewal
  • Laptop Storage from WebRestaurant & Supply from Amazon in the amount of $16,946.08
  • Year-End Budget Review and Approval of Transfers

 

The board went into executive session and then approved the Personnel Report as presented.

 

President Danny Brown adjourned the meeting.

 

 

 

 

PERSONNEL REPORT – APPROVED EMPLOYMENT

June 27, 2023

 

RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:

Feagins, Cecil J – Retirement – Fort Scott Middle School Custodian, as of August 31, 2023

Gumfory, Chelsea – Resignation – Fort Scott Middle School 8th Grade Math Teacher as of June 26, 2023

 

TRANSFERS/REASSIGNMENTS:

For the 2023-24 school year:

Certified:

Hall, Kathi – transfer from Fort Scott Middle School 6th Grade ELA Teacher to Fort Scott Middle School 8th Grade Math Teacher

Minor, Linda – transfer from Winfield Scott Elementary 2nd Grade Teacher to Winfield Scott Elementary Technology Teacher

 

Classified:

Glover, Carol – Winfield Scott Cook – change in hours from 5.5 hours to 5.0 hours

Vincent, McKayla – transfer from Eugene Ware Elementary Paraprofessional to Winfield Scott Paraprofessional

 

EMPLOYMENT:

Certified Recommendations for the 2023-24 school year:

Rivera, Jacquelyn – Winfield Scott Elementary 2nd Grade Teacher

Singmaster, Torrie – Fort Scott Middle School 6th Grade Math Teacher

 

Classified Recommendations for the 2023-24 school year:

Jobe, Candace – Special Education Administrative Assistant

Judson, Mary – Fort Scott High School Cook

Kim, Jong – Winfield Scott Kitchen Manager

Marsh, Anna – Eugene Ware Elementary Cook

Jones, Haley – Administrative Assistant/Communications Coordinator

 

Supplemental Recommendations for the 2023-24 school year:

Ables, Andrew – Fort Scott Middle School Assistant Football Coach