Category Archives: Schools

Fort Scott, Schools

New USD 234 Teachers: Oxholm, Prine, Jones

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This is part of a series of new teachers in USD 234 School District, Fort Scott. There are 24 new teachers and two new administrators in the district.

School starts for students on August 16.

There are five campuses in the district:

  • Fort Scott Preschool Center (serving pre-kindergarten students ages 3+)
  • Winfield Scott Elementary School (serving kindergarten through through second-grade students)
  • Eugene Ware Elementary School (serving third through fifth-grade students)
  • Fort Scott Middle School (serving sixth through eighth-grade students)
  • Fort Scott High School (serving ninth through twelfth-grade students)

According to its website, the district has nearly two thousand students enrolled within the district and over 350+ staff members.

 

Submitted photo. Chris Oxholdm.

Chris Oxholm , 34, is a new Fort Scott High School Special Education teachers.

He earned degrees from the Mass. College of Liberal Arts (BA), and Colorado Christian University (MEd) and has four years of teaching experience.

In his spare time, “You can catch me with Ashley and the kids down at the Pool! We are new to Kansas but we love this cool town so far!”

They have been married since September 3, 2016, and have three children; Charles (6), Frannie (4), and little Emma (2).

“We also live with our Nanny, Miss Dana, and our two Standard Poodles, Fenway and Wrigley. “

“The best part about being an educator, for me, is seeing progress in students that have worked on something that they struggle with.”

“My biggest challenge as an educator has been maintaining the same energy all day.”

Amanda Prine. Submitted photo.

Amanda Prine, 37, is a new 2nd-grade teacher at Winfield Scott Elementary School.

She has a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Missouri Southern State University and a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Northwest Missouri State University.

She is entering her 14th year in education.

“During that time, I have worked as an elementary teacher and as the director of an early childhood center.”

She is a parishioner of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Nevada, MO, where her family resides, and has recently finished a term serving on her local Parks and Recreation Board.

She and her husband, Lee, have two daughters, Aubrey and Lynleigh “as well as three dogs and two cats.”

” Aubrey will be entering her senior year in Nevada this school year and Lynleigh will be joining me in Fort Scott as she enters first grade!”

She said the best thing about being an educator is making a positive impact on our students and getting to witness the moment that learning concepts click for them as they learn something new.

For her the most challenging thing about being a teacher is “managing our time so that we can best meet the needs of each student while accounting for different levels of learners and learning styles.”

Taylor Jones. Submitted photo.
Taylor Jones, 23, is a new Spanish teacher at Fort Scott High School.
She earned a Bachelor of Arts, Modern Languages; emphasis in Spanish language and culture  from Pittsburg State University class of 2023 and is a 2019 FSHS graduate.
“I am in the Transition to Teaching program through Fort Hayes State University, which will take me from a restricted teaching license to a professional teaching license while also getting my Masters of Science in Education,” she said.
Her community involvement includes volunteering with Core Communities in Fort Scott since November of 2023.
“I enjoy watching a variety of sports, music, and theatre events at the high school and college level. I also have been going to the Pittsburg Presbyterian Church since college, singing in the choir, playing instruments, and helping with the tech team.”
She is the eldest child of Joshua and Karen Jones and has a twin sister, Madison, and a younger brother, David.
“The best thing about being a new educator is the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on students’ lives while continuously learning and growing in the profession,” she said.
“One challenge of being a new teacher is balancing the various student needs while learning the ins and outs of the job.”
Fort Scott, Schools

USD 234 Meeting Minutes from July 29

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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 29, 2024

 

Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 7:30 a.m. on Monday, July 29, 2024, for a special meeting at the board office.

 

President David Stewart opened the meeting.

 

The Board approved Resolution #24-06 for Supplemental General Budget Percentage.  It will be published in the Fort Scott Tribune Wednesday, July 31, 2024.

 

PERSONNEL REPORT – APPROVED

July 8, 2024

 

RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:

 

Graham, Jenna – Resignation – Paraprofessional – Middle School

Lewis, Bert – Resignation – Social Science Teacher – High School

Palmer, William – Resignation – Preschool Van Driver

Pryor, Kyra – Resignation – Paraprofessional – Eugene Ware

 

LEAVE OF ABSENCE:

 

Bowles, Kendall – 8/30/24-10/11/24

 

TRANSFER:

 

Feeback, Brennen – Special Education Teacher to Social Science Teacher – High School

Herring, Jennifer – Maintenance II to Cook – High School

Rackley, Karen – Ticket Clerk (Winfield Scott) to Ticket Clerk (Middle School)

Sharp, Frances – Food Service (Middle School) to Ticket Clerk (Winfield Scott)

 

EMPLOYMENT:

Certified Recommendations for the 2024-25 school year:

 

Regan, Nikki – Special Education Teacher – High School

Torres, Cynthia – ELA Teacher – High School

 

Classified Recommendations for the 2024-25 school year:

 

Bowers, Chelsie – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott

 

Supplemental Recommendations for the 2024-25 school year:

 

Barrows, Nick – Assistant Football Coach – High School

Robertson, Tom – Assistant Girls Golf Coach – High School

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fort Scott, Government, Schools

Agenda for the USD 234 Board of Education on July 29

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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 29, 2024 – 7:30 A.M.

AGENDA SUMMARY WITH COMMENTARY

1.0       Call Meeting to Order                                  David Stewart, President

2.0       Flag Salute

3.0       Resolution #24-06 for Supplemental General Budget Percentage

 

4.0       Enter Executive Session – Personnel Matters (Action Item)

4.1       Exit Executive Session – _______ (Time)

4.2       Approval of Personnel Report (Action Item)        

 

5.0       Adjourn Meeting _____ (Time)            David Stewart, President

Fort Scott, Schools

USD 234 New Teachers: Howell, Motley, Weddle

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This is part of a series of new teachers in USD 234 School District, Fort Scott. There are 22 new teachers and two new administrators in the district.

School starts for students on August 16.

There are five campuses in the district:

  • Fort Scott Preschool Center (serving pre-kindergarten students ages 3+)
  • Winfield Scott Elementary School (serving kindergarten through through second-grade students)
  • Eugene Ware Elementary School (serving third through fifth-grade students)
  • Fort Scott Middle School (serving sixth through eighth-grade students)
  • Fort Scott High School (serving ninth through twelfth-grade students)

The district has nearly two thousand students enrolled within the district and over 350+ staff members, according to its website.

Carolien Howell. Submitted photo.

Carolien Howell, 49, is a new second-grade teacher at Winfield Scott Elementary School.

She has a varied teaching experience.

  • First-grade teacher for 3 years at Grace Christian Academy in Saipan, Mariana Islands
  • PE/Art teacher for grades 1-5 for one year at Grace Christian Academy in Saipan, Mariana Islands
  • Third-grade teacher for 4 years at Grace Classical Academy, Springfield, MO
  • Fourth-grade teacher for 1 year at Polk County Christian School, Bolivar, MO
  • Substitute teacher in Wyoming elementary schools for 2 years.
  • Substitute teacher at Meadowlark and George Nettels Elementary Schools for 3 years.

She is involved in her church, Family Life Assembly of God in Pittsburg as a pre-kindergarten teacher,  works with youth Sunday School, life group leader and host, and on the refreshments team.

Her husband, Bill Howell,  works as the director of Family and Children’s Services at Crawford County Mental Health and they have been married for 27 years.

They have two sons. Liam, 14 years old, attending Pittsburg High School as a freshman, and Karsten,12, a 7th grader at Pittsburg Community Middle School.

“The rest of my family lives in the Netherlands, which is where I am from,” she said.

“I think that the best part of being an educator is seeing the growth in the students,” she said.

There are many challenges to being an educator, she said.

“One of the biggest challenges is managing and helping all the students when there are so many needs within the classroom.”

Aubri Motley. Submitted photo.

Aubri Motley, 28, will be a new special education teacher at Winfield Scott Elementary School.

” I graduated from Ottawa University with a bachelor of arts in elementary education and three years of experience as a para-educator in a school setting.”

She and her husband Levi have three children together and live on a small ranch with three dogs and a cat.

“From my experience as a para I think the best thing about being an educator is when you see the “aha moment” from a student because whatever they are learning is starting to click,” she said. “I am sure I will come across many challenges as a first-year educator but I am ready to tackle all of the challenges head-on.”

 

Codee Weddle and family. Submitted photo.
Codee Weddle, 25, is a new fourth-grade teacher at Eugene Ware Elementary School.
At Fort Scott Community College she earned an Associate in Science, from  Ottawa University and a Bachelor’s in Arts in Education.
She was a paraprofessional for five years at Winfield Scott Elementary School.
She is a member of Fort Scott Nazarene Church, and she and her husband, Dalton, have two sons Porter (3)  and Kallum (9 months).
“I love interacting with the kids and watching them feel excited about learning!” she said.
“A challenge I have had in the past is not being able to help more outside of school. Knowing what they go through and then expecting them to come to school as if everything is okay is heartbreaking.”

 

Fort Scott, Schools

New Teachers in USD 234: Wilcoxen, Hastings

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This is part of a series of new teachers in USD 234 School District, Fort Scott. There are 22 new teachers and two new administrators in the district.

School starts for students on August 16.

There are five campuses in the district:

  • Fort Scott Preschool Center (serving pre-kindergarten students ages 3+)
  • Winfield Scott Elementary School (serving kindergarten through through second-graderade students)
  • Eugene Ware Elementary School (serving third through fifth-grade students)
  • Fort Scott Middle School (serving sixth through eighth-grade students)
  • Fort Scott High School (serving ninth through twelfth-grade students)

 

The district has nearly two thousand students enrolled within the district and over 350+ staff members, according to its website.

Travis Wilcoxen. Submitted photo.
Travis Wilcoxen, 31, is a new  7th Grade Special Education Teacher,  at Fort Scott Middle School.
He has a bachelor’s degree from Ozark Christian College and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Special Education.
This is his first year teaching.
“My family and I are active members of Community Christian Church, where I currently serve on the Mission’s Committee. I also serve on the board for the Bourbon County Coalition.”
His wife, Jenni, and he have been married for nine years and have two children. Jude, 6,  and Nora, almost 4 years old. They also have a Golden Retriever dog, Charles (Charlie) Barkley.
What is the best thing about being an educator?
“I don’t know yet. I can tell you that I am most excited to work with the students, their parents, and the other 7th-grade teachers. My goal is that my students come to school excited and ready to work hard.”
What is a challenge?
“I have no teaching experience to pull from. I know that this year will be full of learning for me as well. Balancing teaching, studying for my master’s, and still being a present husband and father will not be easy. Even so, bring it on!”
Nicky Hastings is the new Fort Scott High School Special Education Teacher.
She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Pittsburg State University and also a Master’s Degree in Special Education from Pittsburg State University.
She has 23 years experience in education.
“I have been married to Don for 34 years and have two daughters and a son and have eight grandchildren.
“The best thing about being an educator is watching the success of my students in life,” she said.
“My challenge is always trying to find the most useful way to connect to my students so I can help them in the best way so they will succeed.”
Bourbon County, Schools

New Teachers at U235 School District: Shrewsbury, Harris

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There are two school districts in Bourbon County, USD 234, Fort Scott, and USD 235, Uniontown.

This is part of a series featuring new teachers in the districts.

Uniontown schools have enrollment for the 2024-25 year on July 25-26 and the first day of school is August 15.

Uniontown has four new teachers and one new principal.

The school has a new telephone number: 620.224.2350.

Caitlin Shrewsbury and family. Submitted photo.
Caitlin Shrewsbury, 31,  is a new third-grade teacher at West Bourbon Elementary School, Uniontown.
“I received my Bachelor’s of Science in Education at Pittsburg State University, as well as my Master’s of Science in elementary teaching,” she said. “I did my student teaching at WBE and I am now back in the very same classroom! I taught 3rd grade at Eugene Ware for 8 wonderful years.”
“I enjoy coaching my daughter’s t-ball team as well as teaching summer school for several years. My husband and I love to attend local fundraisers and charity events.”
Her husband, Weston, runs his own small cattle business and they have two daughters; Zaley (5) and Sway (2).
“The best thing about being an educator is the relationships you build with your students and colleagues. These relationships last a lifetime!”
“The biggest challenge I have seen lately is what they call teacher burnout. It is no easy job!”
Susan Harris. Submitted photo.

Susan Harris, Hepler,  will be the 7th and 8th-grade math and high school speech, debate/forensics teacher at Uniontown Junior High School for the 2024-25 school year.

Susan has a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Education, Speech, Drama, Forensics/Debate; a Master’s in K-12 Teacher of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL); and a Master’s in K-12 Special Education. She has endorsements in 5th-9th Math, English, Social Science, and Science. She just completed her 25th year of teaching.

Prior to her twenty-five years in education, she was a hair stylist for sixteen years, owning her own salon in Hepler until she and her husband, Brian, received a grant to attend college.

It was grant designated for farmers who were suffering through the farm crisis of the 80s and 90s.

It was challenging for her and her husband to manage a farming operation while raising their three children, attending college, and working, she said.

Harris’s response to any student who says they don’t think they can attend college is that they  “might surprise themselves at the challenges they can overcome.”

She says the best thing about being an educator is building up your students’ faith in their own abilities until they can overcome their own challenges.

Harris currently serves on the Hepler Library Executive Board; she was the teacher representative for the USD 101 Site Council; and she served as the local Vice-Chair and Chair of the ANW-Kansas-National Education Association (KNEA) where she attended many leadership trainings and Representative Assemblies in Topeka, Wichita, and Washington DC.

She has three children, eight grandchildren, “and one grandbaby angel.” She enjoys attending her grandchildren’s plays, and ball games, and ” just hanging out with them while they are young.”

Harris states that though she will miss her former students and co-workers, she is proud to say she is a Uniountown Eagle and looks forward to building relationships with her new students and co-workers.

Fort Scott, Government, Schools

News Release of the July 8 U234 Board of Education Meeting

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BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING

NEWS RELEASE

Monday, July 8, 2024

 

Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, July 8, 2024, for their regular monthly meeting at the board office.

 

President David Stewart opened the meeting.

 

The Board voted for David Stewart to remain as Board President and Stewart Gulager to remain Board Vice-President.

 

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

Board Minutes

06/03/24 Minutes

06/10/24 Board Minutes

Financials – Cash Flow Report

Check Register

Payroll – June 20, 2024 -$2,128,270.84

Activity Funds Accounts

USD 234 Gifts

Appoint Terry Mayfield as Deputy Board Clerk

HS Extended Trip Forms 24-25

HS Fundraising Applications 24-25

Resolution 24-01 – Destruction of Records

Resolution 24-02 – Waiver of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles

Resolution 24-03 – Rescinding Policy Statements found in Board Minutes

Resolution 24-04 – Establish Home Rule by Board of Education

Designation of Banks for deposit of school funds

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

For information only – as of 07/01/24 – 67 cents

2024-25 School Fees

Recreation Commission Board Member Term

Designation of newspaper for official school publications – Fort Scott Tribune

Offices for the 2024-25 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 of the Civil Rights Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act/Coordinator/Point of Contact for Child – Destry Brown

Welfare Agencies/District Foster Care Liaison/Freedom of Information Officer – Haley Jones

Food Service Program Representative – Robin Button

Clerk – Candace Jobe

KPERS Representative/KiCS Designated Representative Member – Angela Robinson

Treasurer – Rhonda Dawson

LCP Coordinator/Coordinator for Homeless Children/ 504 Coordinator – Destry Brown

Fort Scott High School Attendance Officer – Jeff Johnson

Fort Scott Middle School Attendance Officer – Matt Harris

Eugene Ware Attendance Officer – Brandon Boyd

Winfield Scott Attendance Officer – Nicole Gilmore

Bourbon County Ready Board – vacant

June 2024 KASB Policy Updates

 

Superintendent Destry Brown reported on the SAFE Schools grant that will help update security cameras, district radios, and provide additional AEDs. Also, he clarified information about the new Preschool Building.

Assistant Superintendent Terry Mayfield updated the board on cross training and job descriptions within the district office. He explained the processes for his position and how he planned to bring information to the Board in the future. Lastly, he gave an update about closing the 23-24 school year budget.

Tonya Barnes, Special Education Director, reported on finances coming in for the upcoming school year. She explained about updating Special Education manuals that need to

be completed this next year

 

The board approved the following items:

  • Workers Compensation Renewal 2024-25
  • KiCS Property, Casualty, Insurance 2024-25
  • 2024-25 Emergency Operations Procedures
  • Dates set for Budget Presentation, Revenue Neutral Hearing & Budget Hearing
  • Resolution 24-05 Revenue Neutral Declaration to the Bourbon County Clerk
  • ERate Order

 

There was none present for public forum.

 

The board went into executive session for negotiations/salary discussions.

 

The board went into an executive session for personnel matters.

 

President Stewart adjourned the meeting

 

 

 

PERSONNEL REPORT – APPROVED

July 8, 2024

 

RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:

 

Colvin, Angela – Resignation – Paraprofessional – Middle School

Geneva, Nancy – Resignation – Food Service

Wilson, Kerrie – Resignation – Receptionist/District Admin Assistant – Board Office

 

TRANSFER:

 

Dawson, Jamie – School Psychologist Para

Endicott, Jencyn – Preschool Para

 

EMPLOYMENT:

Certified Recommendations for the 2024-25 school year:

 

Rainey, Taylor – Special Education Teacher – KRI

Stewart, Mya – .5 Speech Para & .5 OT Para

 

Classified Recommendations for the 2024-25 school year:

 

Matkin, Tammy -Receptionist/District Admin Assistant – Board Office

Thurston, Jordan – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fort Scott, Government, Schools

Agenda for the U234 Board of Education for July 8

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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 8, 2024 – 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       Reorganization of New Board (Action)

5.0       Approval of the Consent Agenda (Action Item)

            5.1       Board Minutes

  1.    06/03/24 Minutes
  2. 06/10/24 Board Minutes

            5.2       Financials – Cash Flow Report

            5.3       Check Register

            5.4       Payroll – June 20, 2024 -$2,128,270.84

5.5       Activity Funds Accounts

5.6       USD 234 Gifts

5.7       Appoint Terry Mayfield as Deputy Board Clerk

5.8       HS Extended Trip Forms 24-25

5.9       HS Fundraising Applications 24-25

5.10     Resolution 24-01 – Destruction of Records

5.11     Resolution 24-02 – Waiver of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles

5.12     Resolution 24-03 – Rescinding Policy Statements found in Board Minutes

5.13     Resolution 24-04 – Establish Home Rule by Board of Education

5.14     Designation of Banks for deposit of school funds

5.15     Set fees for copying records

5.16     Mileage reimbursement – current state mileage rate

5.17     2024-25 School Fees

5.18     Recreation Commission Board Member Term

5.19     Designation of newspaper for official school publications – Fort Scott Tribune

5.20     Offices for the 2024-25 School Year

5.21                 June 2024 KASB Policy Updates

6.0       Leadership Reports (Information/Discussion Item)

            6.1       Superintendent’s Report     

            6.2       Assistant Superintendent’s Report

            6.3       Special Education Director’s Report

                       

 

7.0       New Business

7.1       Workers Compensation Renewal 2024-25 (Action)

7.2       KiCS Property, Casualty, Insurance 2024-25 (Action)

7.3       2024-25 Emergency Operations Procedures (Action)

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

7.5       Revenue Neutral Declaration to the Bourbon County Clerk (Action)

 

8.0       Public Forum

9.0       Other Business – 

9.1       Enter Executive Session – Negotiations/ Salary (Action Item)

9.2       Exit Executive Session

9.3       Approval of Negotiated Agreement (Action Item)

9.4       Approval of Salary (Action Item)

 

9.5       Enter Executive Session – Personnel Matters (Action Item)

 

9.6       Exit Executive Session

9.7       Approval of Personnel Report (Action Item)

 

10.0     Adjourn Meeting            David Stewart, President

Fort Scott, Schools

New Fort Scott School Administrators: Gilmore and Johnson

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Nicole Gilmore. Submitted photo.
Nicole Gilmore. 31, is the new Winfield Scott Elementary School Assistant Principal in Fort Scott.

Gilmore earned Building Principal Certification from Pittsburg State University in 2023, Master of Social Work from the University of Washington-Seattle in 2016, and Bachelor of Social Work and Bachelor of General Studies in Political Science from the University of Kansas in 2015.

For the past six years, she has been a School Social Worker with the SEK Interlocal #637 at The Learning Center in Girard, KS, which is a day school program across 13 school districts in Southeast Kansas for K-12 students with significant emotional and behavioral disabilities.
“I additionally have experience as an Adjunct Instructor through the University of Kansas School of Social Welfare for the past four years and as the Colorguard Instructor at Pittsburg High School for seven years.”
“Previously, I have had clinical experience in child welfare and medical settings, along with working internationally in schools with the Peace Corps in Thailand,” she said. “I have had administrative experience in nonprofits through tasks such as quality assurance, planning and public policy, grant writing, and data analysis.”

She will start her duties on  August 1.

“I have been actively working with Mr. Garzone, the new principal of Winfield Scott, as well as teachers in the building already! I was fortunate enough to attend the Missouri School-Wide Positive Behavioral Supports Conference in Osage Beach this summer (June 3-5) and we are excited to start implementing some of the ideas that we learned while attending!”

“As an assistant principal, I will support the principal and co-lead in all academic programming.
” I will assist in overseeing daily activities, committees, meetings, and school operations,” she said. “I will work collaboratively in the planning of school needs, alongside students, families, staff, and community stakeholders.”
“The best part of being in education is building relationships with students, staff, and families,” she said. “I love to see students grow and develop over time, with the knowledge and skills that they’ve learned while at school, and that we can do it because we work in partnership with each other. I’m excited to work with the K-2 students, specifically, because that is often where they start to develop a hate or love relationship with the school, and the staff at Winfield Scott has a huge role in that! I believe that we have fantastic teachers in the Winfield Scott building, who will foster that love of learning, and I’ll be here to help augment and magnify all the great things they do every single day!”
“Some challenges include having limited resources and funding, as well as the ever-growing need for additional personnel,” she said. “There is a teacher shortage across the United States today, not just isolated to Fort Scott, but there is a significant need to not only attract but focus on retaining and growing our teachers here. Additionally, with the increase in behavioral and emotional challenges, our teachers and support staff need help in navigating appropriate ways to respond and how to work with community partners such as SEKMHC (Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center) to implement quality wraparound services that meet the needs of the student and their family.”
Her  email is [email protected]
Jeff Johnson. Submitted photo.
Jeff Johnson, 34, is the new assistant principal
at  Fort Scott High School.

 

At Pittsburg State University he earned a Bachelor of Science in Education in 2013 and majored in Biology. Also from
Pittsburg State, he earned a Master of Science in Educational Leadership in 2018.

Johnson has worked 11 years at Pittsburg High School as a science teacher, coach (football and basketball), and administrator and was an assistant principal for the last four years at Pittsburg High School.

He officially starts on August 1.
Johnson’s duties are safety and security for staff and students, student and staff supervision, instructional leadership, student support services, student discipline, and extracurricular activities.
What is the best part of being in education for you?
“It is working alongside amazing educators and the opportunity to positively impact students’ lives and help them reach their full potential.”
What are some challenges?
“Some challenges include meeting diverse student needs and finding solutions for staffing needs.”

“I am a proud graduate of USD 234 and I am excited to be a Tiger again! ” he said.

Contact info: [email protected]

 

Fort Scott, Schools

Report from the U234 Board of Education Meeting on June 10

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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, June 10, 2024

 

Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, June 10, 2024, for their regular monthly meeting at the board office.

 

President David Stewart opened the meeting.

 

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

Board Minutes

05/13/24 Board Minutes

06/03/24 Work Session Minutes

Financials – Cash Flow Report

Check Register

Payroll – May 08, 2024 – $1,677,190.37

Activity Funds Accounts

USD 234 Gifts

Resolution 23-19 KMIP Signers

Belinda PItts and Cynthia Row. Submitted photo.

Belinda Pitts, mental health liaison, was recognized by Tonya Barnes and Destry Brown. She was thanked for her willingness to be involved and available to the students. Belinda has taken this newer roll and has really excelled. She started as a para and transferred to this position in September.

 

Cynthia Row, SEK Mental Health, along with her team (Malinda Bailey, Ashlee Reeder, and Angel Brazeal) were recognized by Tonya Barnes and Destry Brown. Cynthia is our “911 call” with some of our students. She was thanked for always being pleasant and easy to work with. Her and her team work throughout the district with students. We are extremely glad to be partnered with SEK Mental Health.

 

Destry Brown was recognized by staff for his support and help throughout this last year. The ESY students made him a poster of “what I love about Mr. Brown” that was presented to him by staff.

 

Superintendent Destry Brown reported on the budget for end of fiscal year. He also informed the Board about the EPA grant that the district will partner with that will help in the workforce development. There was a report from CHC and the services they provided to the students for the 2023-24 school year.

 

Assistant Superintendent Dalaina Smith updated the board on iReady testing for the 2023-24 school year where there has been excellent improvement thanks to the hard work of the teachers and staff.

 

Tonya Barnes, Special Education Director, reported on Extended School Year being held in partnership with Summer Enrichment at Winfield Scott this summer. She explained about the final SPED payment for the fiscal year and gave a quick look at training for August with the SPED staff.

 

 

The board approved the following items:

  • iReady Testing Quote
  • TCI Social Studies Resource Quote
  • 2024-25 District Handbooks
  • Purchase of two vehicles
  • Resolution 23-20 – Hazard Mitigation Plan
  • Resolution 23-21 – Change Method of Election
  • District Cell Phone Policy

 

There was none present for public forum.

 

The board went into executive session for negotiations.

 

The board went into an executive session for personnel matters.

 

President Stewart adjourned the meeting.

 

PERSONNEL REPORT – APPROVED

June 10, 2024

RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:

Carter, Leah – Retirement – Physical Education Teacher – Middle School – May 28, 2024

Hall, Kathi- Supplemental Resignation – Assistant Softball – High School

Hoener, Rhonda – Resignation – Part Time School Psychologist Paraprofessional

Hull, Megan – Resignation – Paraprofessional – High School

King, Christina – Supplemental Resignation – Play Assistant (Fall Musical) – High School

Peterson, Emily – Resignation – Special Education Teacher – Preschool – May 17, 2024

Nance, Amy – Resignation – 1st Grade Teacher – Winfield Scott

Staton, Shanna – Resignation – Paraprofessional – Preschool – May 15, 2024

 

EMPLOYMENT:

Certified Recommendations for the 2024-35 school year:

Coen, Jessica – Special Education Teacher – Preschool

Cox, Kelly – Reading/Math Intervention Teacher – Preschool
Dunkeson, Lewis – Special Education Teacher – High School

Groll, Delaney – .6 Speech Pathologist

Holthaus, Danielle – Virtual Kansas Renewal Institute Teacher May 20 – July 31, 2024

Jones, Taylor – Spanish Teacher – High School

Lancaster, Bridgett – Girls Physical Education Teacher- Middle School

Russell, Heather – School Psychologist

Vincent, McKayla – 1st Grade Teacher – Winfield Scott

Classified Recommendations for the 2024-25 school year:

Guss, Stewart – Full Time Bus Driver

Supplemental Recommendations for the 2024-25 school year:

Colvin, Crystal – Assistant Volleyball Coach – High School

Flanner, Kevin – From assistant to Head Volleyball Coach – High School

Gorman, Allie – Girls Summer Conditioning – High School

Homan, Tracy – STUCO & Yearbook Sponsor – Middle School

Martin, Jared – Girls Summer Conditioning – High School

Sprague, Nate – Assistant Summer Weights & Assistant Football Coach – Middle School

High School Supplemental Recommendations for the 2024-25 School year

Summer School Elementary 

Julie Forkner, Candy Turner, Sabrina Terry, Rhonda Hoener, Lindsey Gulager, Brooklyn Newell, Amy Nance, Vangie Korinke, Lindsey Davis, Moriah Dillow, Rhiannon Tuck, Katie McGee, Michelle Defebaugh, Tiffnie Spears, Darcy Workman, Caitlin Shrewsbury, Anna Kim, Kim Couch, Regina Cruse, Xoe Altic, Jenny Tourtillott, Linda Minor, Sarah Dunivan, Caleb Hendricks

Summer School Additional Paras

Samara Hernandez, Nancy Mincks

Summer School Preschool 

Andrea Heckman, Cynthia Hemphill-Witham, Mya Stewart, Shannah Staton, Natasha Lindo

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fort Scott, Government, Schools

U234 Board Agenda for June 10

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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

June 10, 2024 – 5:30 P.M.

NEWS RELEASE

1.0       Call Meeting to Order                  David Stewart, President

2.0       Flag Salute

3.0       Approval of the Official Agenda (Action Item)

4.0       Approval of the Consent Agenda (Action Item)

            4.1       Board Minutes

  1. 05/13/24 Board Minutes
  2. 06/03/24 Work Session Minutes

            4.2       Financials – Cash Flow Report

            4.3       Check Register

            4.4       Payroll – May 08, 2024 – $1,677,190.37

4.5       Activity Funds Accounts

4.6       USD 234 Gifts

4.7       Resolution 23-19 KMIP Signers

5.0       Recognitions (Information/Discussion Item)

6.0       Leadership Reports (Information/Discussion Item)

            6.1       Superintendent’s Report     

            6.2       Assistant Superintendent’s Report

            6.3       Special Education Director’s Report

            6.4       Finance Director’s Report                          

 

7.0       New Business

7.1       iReady Testing Quote (Action)

7.2       TCI Social Studies Resource Quote (Action)

7.3       2024-25 District Handbooks (Action)

7.4       Nissan Vehicle Bid (Action)

7.5       Resolution 23-20 – Hazard Mitigation Plan

7.6       Resolution 23-21 – Change Method of Election

 

8.0       Old Business

            8.1       District Cell Phone Policy (Discussion/Action)

9.0       Public Forum

10.0     Other Business –Negotiations

11.0     Other Business – Personnel Matters

 

12.0     Adjourn Meeting            David Stewart, President