Category Archives: Schools

Fort Scott, Schools

New FSHS Teachers: Jon Barnes and Mike Krull

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This is part of a series featuring the new educators in Bourbon County. There are 26 new educators in USD 234.

Jon Barnes. Submitted.

Jon Barnes, 23, is the new Fort Scott High School American Government and American History teacher.

Barnes graduated from Fort Scott Community College with an Associates of Science and from Pittsburg State University he earned a Bachelor of Science in Education.

He is a first year teacher.

Barnes comes from Yates Center. His family:  mom Tonya Billiard Barnes  of Fort Scott, dad is Kevin Barnes of Mound City.

In his spare time he enjoys walking his dog, lifting weights, playing golf, basketball, watching movies, playing video games, hunting/fishing, and is involved at the  Fort Scott Church of  the Nazarene.

“I decided to become a teacher after working as a tutor my second year at FSCC,” he said. “Both my parents are in education and they certainly inspired me, as well as my fourth grade teacher and high school cross country coach, Rex McVey.”

“The part of teaching I’m most excited about is getting to work with my students,” he said. “I’m in it for the kids, I love building relationships and being a positive influence on the next generation.”

“As a first year teacher, I’m sure I will find the challenges when we get rolling, but I look forward to working through them,” he said.

Mike Krull. Submitted photo.

Mike Krull, 56, is the new Fort Scott High School Physical Education Teacher and head boys basketball coach.

He has a Bachelors of Science in Education Degree from Pittsburg State University, with emphasis in physical education and social studies.

Krull taught at Louisburg, from 1991-1998 Frankfort, from 1998-2000, Yates Center, from 2000-2002, and Parsons from 2002-2022.

He grew up in Girard, Kansas.

His wife’s name is Misty and together they have five children.

“Three are mine and two are hers,” Krull said. “One son shy of Brady Bunch. I have a son Wesley, who is a teacher at Parsons and two daughters, Kaylee, a teacher at Pittsburg, and Sydney, a  senior at PSU. I have a step-daugher, McCarly, a nurse/RN in Pittsburg and a step-son, McCade, an independent contractor in SEK.”

Some of his interests outside of school are  “obviously basketball / sports, learning new cultures around the world, traveling / cruising, grandchildren Rip and Myla,” he said.

He became a teacher because he enjoyed school, he said. “I was always around the school environment with my mother, a secretary, and father, a teacher. I went to Fort Scott Community College and Pittsburg State University for my formal training, and really enjoy being around the environment.”

“No one person really inspired me to be a teacher, but really a combination of the overall experience. My mother, father, coaches, my high school teachers, and my college teachers,” he said.

“The best part of teaching is probably knowing that other teachers go through the same thing you go through with students and also the bonds that are made with students and their families and the bond with other faculty members,” Krull said.

“Probably the biggest challenge is knowing that each day will be different, good or bad, from the previous days,” he said.

 

 

Bourbon County, Schools

New Uniontown High School Teachers: Morgan Egidy and Breanna Taylor

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Morgan Egidy. Submitted photo.
Morgan Egidy, 24, is a new instrumental/vocal teacher at Uniontown Junior/Senior High School.
Her hometown is Greeley.
She earned a bachelor degree in music education from Kansas State University and taught one year preciously at Council Grove Jr/Sr High School
“I also have judged music for 4-H Club days in multiple counties across Kansas and the North Central District Band Auditions. I have taught private lessons for all instruments, including guitar for seven years now.”
She has a son named London who will start kindergarten.
Outside of school she loves riding horses, photography, farming, plants, playing guitar/saxophone/clarinet, and composing/arranging music.
“I am very involved in my home community of Anderson County where I volunteer helping at the county fair, judging photography for them and surrounding counties, and I am active within my home church, The Garnett Church of the Nazarene.”
Egidy was very involved in band in all through her schooling and in her junior year was selected to  travel to seven countries across Europe to perform. She received scholarships from both Pitt State University and Kansas State University but accepted the K.S.U. one and was very active in marching band, pep band, quartets,concert ensembles, and solo performing, graduating  in May 2021.
 
She was inspired to teach by several people.
“Mr. Jeff Russell, my high school band director, and Mrs. Bonnie Kubacka, my elementary music teacher, were my biggest inspiration and a good friend who helped me realize how passionate I was about music.”
 
For her, seeing the light bulb moment happen for a student when they finally are able to do or understand something that was once difficult for them is the best part. “Also, the connections you make with students are so special.”
 
Teaching music has its challenges.
“Getting students in a music class in the first place is definitely a big challenge,” she said. “However, there is so much music has to offer: it greatly improves brain development, teaches life long skills such as work ethic, motivation, commitment, team work, and so much more.”
Breanna Taylor. Submitted.
Breanna Taylor, 23, is a new 8th, 9th, and 10th grade English teacher at Uniontown High School.
Her hometown is Uniontown and she is looking forward to teaching there.
This is Taylor’s first teaching job.
She earned a degree in English Education and Spanish Language and Culture from Pittsburg State University in May 2022.
She  married  Dakota on May 29, 2021, and they had a son, Greyson, born on April 20,2022.

Outside of teaching she loves to spend time with her family, shop, travel, and support small businesses.

“While at PSU, I did a solo study abroad experience for a semester in Salamanca, Spain,” she said. “I lived in a dorm ran by nuns! It was such a rich experience. I made friends from all over the world, went to places all over Europe like: Ireland, Portugal, and London, and gained a new level of independence.”
 “I have been focusing on motherhood, but I plan to get very involved in both the Fort Scott and Uniontown community,” she said. “My goal is to one day have a scholarship program in the community for students, like me, that come from low-income single parent homes.”
“I had the idea of becoming a teacher my senior year of high school, and the idea became my reality,” she said. “I was heavily inspired by my high school English teacher, Alicia Jackson. I grew up wishing to be just like her. She is so strong, smart, and wears the BEST high heels. I hated English, but she allowed me to grow a passion for it”.
“I think one of the many best parts of teaching in having a role in students’ lives!,” she said.  “I love helping students find what they are passionate about, what allows them to reach personal success, and what helps them grow to be the person they wish to be in life. “
 “I think the biggest challenge in today’s world is teachers not truly understanding what our students are going through in their lives in and outside of the hallways,” she said. “Mental health has become a huge issue in our schools- for both teachers and students. This is why my classroom will always be a welcoming room for any and all students to be their authentic selves, be kind, and discuss their mental health.”
Fort Scott, Schools

Nick Johnson: New Fort Scott Preschool Center Principal

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Nick Johnson, 35, is the new  principal at Fort Scott Preschool Center.
He is not new to the district school system, however.
“I have worked in the USD 234 school district for the last thirteen years,” Johnson said.  “I began my career teaching second grade at Eugene Ware Elementary. After the two elementary schools became attendance centers, I moved to Winfield Scott where I continued to teach second grade for nine more years.  For the last three years, I have been teaching English Language Arts and Social Studies at Fort Scott Middle School.”
Since graduating from Fort Scott High School in 2005, Johnson earned an associate’s degree from Fort Scott Community College, a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Pittsburg State University, and a master’s degree in Educational Administration from Emporia State University.
His hometown is Fort Scott.

His wife, Amanda, is also an educator who teaches elementary music at Jayhawk Elementary in Mound City.  They have two sons-  Leighton, 13, and Reid, 7.

When not teaching, he is involved in his children’s sports activities.

 “My boys enjoy sports, so when I’m not at school, I am often coaching youth football, basketball, or baseball,” he said.
How did you choose to become a  teacher?
“I worked part-time at The Keyhole Youth Center while attending FSCC.  I enjoyed getting to know the youth who frequented the center and being a positive influence in their lives.  That experience led me to explore the field of education.”
 
Is there someone who inspired you?
“While attending Fort Scott schools, I was fortunate to have many great teachers who influenced my career choice.”
 
What is the best part of teaching for you?
“The best part about being an educator is having the opportunity to have a positive impact on the lives of our youth.”
 
What are the challenges?
“The biggest challenge we are facing at the preschool is the lack of physical space to meet the current demand for early childhood education services.  We are looking forward to working with the district administration, school board, and community to develop a solution to meet the needs of our community.”
Bourbon County, Schools

Uniontown Schools Enroll Aug. 3-4

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The two school districts in Bourbon County are preparing to start classes this month.
In USD235, Uniontown, parents have an opportunity to enroll their students on Aug. 3 from 8 a.m. to noon and Aug. 4 from noon to 7 p.m. The student’s first day is August 25. This district is welcoming two new principals, a new superintendent, and six new teachers.
Fort Scott’s school district has student enrollment today, August 1, with the first day of school on August 18.
See last Friday’s fortscott.biz feature to learn more about USD 234 enrollment:  Fort Scott’s USD 234 Enrolls Next Monday
Vance Eden. Submitted photo.
U235 is varying the times to best accommodate families’ schedules, Vance Eden, superintendent, said.
“Students aren’t required to attend the event, but a parent/guardian would need to come for all enrolling students unless other arrangements have been made,” he said.
Parents will go to their children’s respective schools to enroll their students.
“While students will be able to find out who their teachers are, teachers will not be working that day,” he said.
The district has one position that they were unable to fill, “but we have made the needed adjustments to respond to the shortage,” Eden said.
As far as COVID-19 plans: “The district will continue to receive guidance from the county health officer as appropriate,” Eden said. “With it now being treated as endemic, we do not anticipate any significant impact on the student experience.  We will continue to use appropriate cleaning and disinfecting practices to minimize the sharing of illness.”
Teachers will report on August 22, with students’ first day on August 25.
To view interviews with the administrators:
New teacher profiles will be featured in coming publications
“We are excited to get the school year going,” Eden said.  “Students won’t see any major changes to their experience on the first days.  That said, we will be reflecting on and making adjustments throughout the year to best meet student needs.”
Fort Scott, Government, Schools

Fort Scott’s USD 234 Enrolls Next Monday

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USD 234 Board of Education Building, 424 S. Main

Fort Scott’s School District is  set to begin the new year and has 26 new teachers and five new administrators.

The district scheduled student enrollment for August 1, with the first day of school, August 18.

“USD 234 does still have paraprofessional, coaching, and HVAC positions open,” Dalaina Smith USD 234 Assistant Superintendent, said.

A series featuring the new teaching staff will be featured in the next few weeks on fortscott.biz.

New USD 234 Administrators  are Nick Johnson, Fort Scott Preschool Principal; Krystle Mayginnes, Winfield Scott Assistant Principal; Shelly Charter, WS Principal; Zach Johnson, Fort Scott Middle School Principal, and  Destry Brown, Superintendent.

To view prior profiles of these adminstrators:

Destry Brown: New USD 234 Superintendent

New School Administrator Series: Shelly Charter

New School Admin Series: Zach Johnson

Winfield Scott Assistant Principal: Krystle Mayginnes

Smith’s role as assistant superintendent is new, even though she is not new to the district.

Dalaina Smith began duties as assistant superintendent of USD234 on July 1. Submitted photo.

“At this time we don’t have an anticipated number of students,” she said.

USD 234, is anticipating operating a normal school year for 2022-23, “although…the district admin team will be working to ensure that there is a plan in place in an effort to be proactive,” regarding aCOVID-19 outbreak, she said.

USD 234 will be hosting in-person enrollment on Monday, August 1, 2022. 

Here is the process.

All new students will need to enroll in person at their school, according to information provided by Smith. Families having difficulty with online enrollment or internet access should also plan to attend.  Students who have enrolled online will not need to attend in-person enrollment.  
Families with multiple students will be able to enroll at a single location, but may need to visit with other buildings about specific needs.  Food service, transportation, and technology information will also be available during these times.


Building staff will be on-site to assist families with the enrollment process during the following times on Monday, August 1:

Pre-Kindergarten through 8th Grade will enroll from  7-11 a.m. and 4-6 p.m.
Fort Scott High School will enroll from 8 a.m. to noon  and 1-5 p.m.
For specific questions or concerns, please contact the building secretaries at:
Preschool Center – 620.223.8965
Winfield Scott – 620.223.0450
Eugene Ware – 620.223.3380
Middle School – 620.223.3262
High School – 620.223.0600
The following is the school district’s calendar:
Fort Scott, Schools

New Teachers at Eugene Ware: Sarah Hendricks and Anna Kim

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This is part of a series featuring new educators in Fort Scott.

There are 26 new educators in USD 234 this year.

Sarah Hendricks and Anna Kim are two new teachers at Eugene Ware Elementary School.

Sarah Hendricks. Submitted photo.
Sarah Hendricks, 22, is a new fourth grade teacher at Eugene Ware Elementary School in Fort Scott.
She received a Bachelors in Science for Elementary Education at Kansas State University and taught second grade last year at Pleasanton.
She is from Olathe.
Her husband is Caleb Hendricks, who is the head football coach for Pleasanton.
Hendricks  interests outside of school are traveling, “going on runs with my dog and watching my husband coach football,” she said.
Since a small child, she knew she wanted to be a teacher.

“It was something I knew that I always wanted to do, so it is a dream come true to be able to do this job,” she said.

“I had great teachers growing up so I always wanted to be like them,” she said.” I learned from them, but I also knew I was loved and cared for at school, I want to do the same for my students.”
For Hendricks, the best part of teaching is getting to know all of the kids and making connections with them.
“I strive to be someone who students look up to and go to whenever they may be having a difficult time whether it’s in academics or not,” she said.
“The biggest challenge in teaching for me, is knowing that I can’t fix everything in my students’ lives,” she said. “It’s hard not to bring work home.”
Anna Kim. Submitted photo.
Anna Kim, 35, is a new fifth grade teacher at Eugene Ware.
Kim is a hometown girl, that has landed back in Fort Scott.
She went to school in Fort Scott from kindergarten through high school then earned a B.A. in Cross-Cultural Ministries from Manhattan Christian College (2009) and M.A. in Teaching from Kansas State University (2022).

 

“I have been teaching in different ways for twelve years, primarily in China,” she said. “I coordinated a volunteer English teaching program for Chinese migrant students, taught third grade at an international school, and English as a Second Language at a Chinese elementary school. I have also taught online and been a substitute teacher.”

“My husband, Jong Kim, is running a restaurant in the Philippines, but will join us in Fort Scott soon,” she said. They have two kids, Naomi (6) and Josiah (3).
My parents, Curt and Kelly Toll, have taught and coached in Fort Scott in the past. My twin brother lives in Colorado with his wife and daughter.
Her involvement with the community centers around spending time with family. “I also attend and teach Sunday School at Community Christian Church,” she said.
How did you become a  teacher?
“For my first official teaching job, the school my husband worked for in China called me in and said, ‘We need a third grade teacher!’ I said, ‘Absolutely not! Not me!’. They said, ‘You’re hired.’The first year was very challenging, but I slowly adjusted and realized I really enjoyed teaching children.
Is there someone who inspired you?
“My mom has been a teacher my whole life. She has always made learning fun and made kids feel special. She is definitely a model of the teacher I want to be.”
What is the best part of teaching for you?
“One of the best parts of being a teacher is seeing students grasp something that was challenging. Building pride and confidence in students is priceless. Another fun aspect is that every day is different. Kids are hilarious and unpredictable.”
What are the challenges?
“Students today face hardships at home, with friends, and on social media like never before. Teachers are not only responsible for the academic success of students, but also for their overall well-being. It is a huge responsibility.”
Fort Scott, Schools

USD 234 Board Meets to Set Goals/Expectations of the Superintendent

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NEWS RELEASE

 

Monday, July 25, 2022

 

Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, July 25, 2022, for a special board meeting at their offices.

 

President Brown opened the meeting.

 

The board and Superintendent Destry Brown met with Sue Givens, KASB Field Specialist, to discuss goals and expectations.  Mrs. Givens provided information on the roles of the board and the Superintendent.  The board set goals and expectations for the Superintendent. Information was received and discussed in regard to superintendent evaluation tools and timeline.

 

The board adjourned.

Fort Scott, Schools

U234 In-Person Enrollment is August 1

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USD 234 Board of Education Building, 424 S. Main

 

USD 234 will be hosting in-person enrollment on Monday, August 1, 2022.

 

All new students will need to enroll in person at their school.  Families having difficulty with online enrollment or internet access should also plan to attend.  Students who have enrolled online will not need to attend in-person enrollment.

 

Families with multiple students will be able to enroll at a single location, but may need to visit with other buildings about specific needs.  Food Service, Transportation, and Technology will also be available during these times.

Building staff will be on-site to assist families with the enrollment process during the following times on Monday, August 1st:

 

PreK-8th Grade – 7:00-11:00 a..m and 4:00-6:00 p.m.

 

FSHS 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. and 1:00-5:00 p.m.

 

If you have specific questions or concerns, please contact your building secretaries.

 

Bourbon County, Government, Schools

Uniontown School District Minutes of July 11

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UNIONTOWN UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT 235, unapproved.

Uniontown, Kansas 66779

REGULAR MEETING                                                   11 JULY 2022

 

The Board of Education of Uniontown Unified School District 235, State of Kansas, met in regular session on Monday, July 11, 2022, at 7:30 p.m. in the BOE room in Uniontown, Kansas.

 

Board members present:  Jason Sutterby, Sally Johnson, Brian Stewart, Troy Goodridge,

Mike Mason and Tyler Martin

 

Board members absent: Josh Hartman

 

Others present for all or portions of the meeting:  Vance Eden, Sherri Hartman, Tammy Townsend, Tema Gilion, Tammy Helm, Fort Scott Tribune, Scott Sutton and Tim Endicott

 

Sutterby called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.  Sutterby then led the group in the flag salute.

 

Eden read the District Mission Statement.

 

Johnson, seconded by Goodridge, made a motion to approve the agenda with the changes: Consent Agenda Item C; Vance Eden as Title IV, Title I and Title II Administrator.

Motion passed 6-0.

 

Johnson, seconded by Goodridge, made a motion to approve the minutes of the June 13, 2022 Regular meeting and Special (Republished Budget) meeting.

Motion passed 6-0.

 

Goodridge, seconded by Stewart, made a motion to nominate Jason Sutterby for President.

Motion passed 5-1. (Sutterby abstained)

 

Martin, seconded by Stewart, made a motion to cease nominations.

Motion passed 5-1. (Sutterby abstained)

 

Johnson, seconded by Stewart, made a motion to nominate Mike Mason for Vice-President.

Motion passed 5-1. (Mason abstained)

 

Martin, seconded by Stewart, made a motion to cease nominations.

Motion passed 5-1. (Mason abstained).

 

Johnson, seconded by Martin, made a motion to approve the Consent agenda as amended.

Motion passed 6-0.

 

 

 

Uniontown USD 235 – Regular Meeting – July 11, 2022 – Page 2

 

  1. Approve and pay bills on the computer printout $487,808.56.
  2.   Approve the June 2022 Treasurer’s Report.
  3. Approve the following appointments for 2022-2023:

Clerk of the Board:  Sherri Hartman

Deputy Clerk of the Board:  Charlene Bolinger

Treasurer:  Chad Holt

Attorney:  KASB

Ex-officio member of Vocational Agriculture Advisory council:

Jason Sutterby

Elementary attendance officer and Truancy Reporter (KSA 72-1113):

Tema Gilion

Secondary attendance officer, Truancy Reporter (KSA 72-1113):

special project director and Title IX Coordinator:

Tracy Smith

KPERS Representative and Freedom of Information Officer:

Sherri Hartman

School lunch Hearing Officer:  Vance Eden

Homeless/Migrant Liaison:  Vance Eden

Foster Care Liaison:  Tema Gilion and Tracy Smith

Title IV, Title I and Title II Administrator: Vance Eden

Bank Depository:  Union State Bank

District Newspaper: The Fort Scott Tribune

Governmental relations contact: Mike Mason

  1. Adopt the waiver of generally accepted accounting principles

including fixed asset accounting for 2022-2023. (KSA 9-1401)

  1. Adopt 1,116 hours as the minimum school-in-session criteria for 2022-2023.

(KSA 72-1106)

  1. Adopt the resolution for rescinding policy statements found in board minutes

in 2022-2022.  (Resolution 2-2023)

  1. Approve the adoption of policies and governance rules of USD 235 per

Existing Board policies and rules.  (Resolution 3-2023)

  1. Adopt the Home Rule Resolution.
  2. Approve no charge for textbook rental for 2022-2023. (KSA 72-4141)
  3. Establish mileage reimbursement rate at .44 cents per mile. No mileage will

be paid if a district vehicle is available. (KSA 72-8208a)

  1. Approve resolution to establish the following petty cash limits for 2022-2023:

(Resolution 4-2023)

Uniontown High School                      $1000.00

BOE                                                       $500.00

  1. Adopt the resolution to establish activity funds (Resolution 5-2023)
  2. Adopt the resolution giving permission to destroy school records for

2017-2018 year. (federally supported program records only) (Resolution

6-2023)

  1. Adopt an early payment request policy. (KSA 72-12-105b)

 

 

 

 

 

Uniontown USD 235 – Regular Meeting – July 11, 2022 – Page 3

 

  1. Set Board of Education meeting dates of 08/08/2022, 09/12/2022,

10/10/2022, 11/14/2022, 12/12/2022, 01/09/23, 02/13/23, 03/13/23,

04/10/23, 05/15/23, 06/12/23 and 07/10/23. (KSA 72-8205).

 

No patron asked to speak to the board.

 

Associate Superintendent Eden gave the board an update on the budget, Health Insurance Renewal, KASB Policy updates, ESSER III Plans, surplus property, Needs Assessment and the Revenue Neutral Tax Rate Resolution.

 

Johnson, seconded by Martin, made a motion to approve the June 2022 KASB policy updates.

Motion passed 6-0.

 

Martin, seconded by Mason, made a motion to approve the disposal of Surplus Equipment.

Motion passed 6-0.

 

Johnson, seconded by Goodridge, made a motion to notify the county clerk that we will exceed and will hold a Revenue Tax Rate hearing.

Motion passed 6-0.

 

Johnson, seconded by Goodridge, made a motion to go into executive session to discuss an individual employee’s performance pursuant to non-elected personnel exception under KOMA, and the open meeting will resume at 8:40 p.m.

Motion passed 6-0.

 

Into Executive Session at 8:20 p.m.

Eden was invited into session.

Out of Executive Session at 8:40 p.m.

 

Johnson, seconded by Mason, made a motion to go into executive session to discuss the latest proposal for increasing the base pay rate from the teachers pursuant to the exception for employer-employee negotiations under KOMA and the open meeting will resume in the Boardroom at 8:55 p.m.

Motion passed 6-0.

 

Into Executive Session at 8:40 p.m.

Eden was invited into session.

Out of Executive Session at 8:55 p.m.

 

 

 

 

 

Uniontown USD 235 – Regular Meeting – July 11, 2022 – Page 4

 

Johnson, seconded by Martin, made a motion to accept the resignation of Robyn Ayers effective immediately.

Motion passed 6-0.

 

Martin, seconded by Goodridge, made a motion to hire Pam Kimrey as UHS secretary for the 2022-2023 school year.

Motion passed 6-0.

 

Johnson, seconded by Mason, made a motion to approve Bret Howard as the Superintendent of Record for 2022-2023 under the terms of agreed upon contract.

Motion passed 6-0.

 

Martin, seconded by Goodridge, made a motion to adjourn the meeting.

Motion passed 6-0.

 

Meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.

 

 

 

Date minutes approved ______________________

 

 

 

______________________________

President, Board of Education

 

 

__________________________________

Attested:  Clerk, Board of Education

 

The next regular board meeting is Monday, August 8, 2022.