Category Archives: Schools

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

Fort Scott, Government, Schools

Work Session Minutes For U 234 Board of Education

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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                                                                                                                                            

 

 

 

 

 

WORK SESSION MEETING

June 03, 2024

5:30 P.M.

 

NEWS RELEASE

 

 

The Board of Education of Unified School District 234, Fort Scott, Kansas, met for a work session at their offices at 424 S. Main at 5:30 p.m.

 

The Board collaborated with Administration on the vision, mission, & values of the USD 234 school district.

 

 

 

Fort Scott, Jobs, Schools

New Administrators at USD 234, Fort Scott School District: Mayfield and Garzone

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Terry Mayfield. Submitted photo.

Terry Mayfield, 51, is the new Assistant Superintendent of Business and Operations, who will start duties on July 1. His office will be in the USD 234 District Central Office.

Mayfield earned a Bachelor of Science in Education – Social Studies from Missouri Southern State College 1996, a Masters in Education – Secondary School Administration from University of Central Missouri 2004, and an Education Specialist – Superintendency from University of Central Missouri 2008.

“I spent nine years as a social studies teacher and coach and 19 years in school administration – four years as a building principal and 15 years as superintendent – the last eight years I have spent as the superintendent of the Drexel R-IV School District in Drexel, MO.,” he said.

His duties include:

  • Oversee all business operations in the district.
  • Collaborate with the superintendent to prepare, manage and oversee the district budget.
  • Provide financial data to the superintendent and board of education.
  • Prepare and analyze bid documents.
  • Oversee health insurance and other employee benefits.
  • Manage district investments of funds.
  • Manage bond and lease purchase payments.
  • Oversee grant funds and reporting.
  • Oversee operations departments; food service, transportation, maintenance and technology.

What is the best part of being in education for you?

The best part about being in education is the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with students and staff and to witness their personal and professional growth. Watching students develop confidence, skills, and a passion for learning is incredibly rewarding. Similarly, supporting colleagues as they advance in their careers and achieve their goals creates a collaborative and dynamic work environment. These connections and the positive impact on others’ lives make education a uniquely fulfilling field, fostering a sense of community and continuous development for everyone involved. Seeing the long-term successes of former students and colleagues further highlights the profound and lasting influence educators have on shaping futures.

What are some challenges?

Challenges in education today include providing all students with the skills they need for future success and supporting teachers and staff in a demanding profession. The day-to-day pressures of teaching, meeting diverse student needs, and staying current with educational practices can be overwhelming. It’s crucial to recognize and address these challenges to foster a supportive environment for both students and educators.

Contact info:

District Central Office Phone: 620-223-0800, 620-223-2760

Email Address: [email protected]

Chris Garzone. Submitted photo.
Chris Garzone, 54, is the new principal at Winfield Scott Elementary School in Fort Scott as of August 1. He was hired as the assistant principal last year.

Garzone earned a Master of Arts Degree in Educational Leadership from Pittsburg State University and next year will be his 30th year in education. For twenty of those years, he was an administrator.

Garzone’s duties: ” Besides the day-to-day responsibilities of being a principal, I am responsible for the educational experience of all the students at Winfield Scott Elementary School. I provide support and guidance for all staff and promote a positive culture within the building.”
“The best part of being in education is experiencing growth in student behavior and learning. A challenge would be not having enough time throughout the day to address the needs of all staff and students. Winfield Scott has an amazing staff that cares about their students. I look forward to continuing as an administrator at this school,” he said.

Contact info: [email protected] 620-223-0450

 

 

 

 

 

Entertainment, Fort Scott, Schools, Youth

FSHS Tiger Drama Camp Performs Sleeping Beauty on June 10, 11

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This year’s annual Fort Scott High School Tiger Drama Camp performs Sleeping Beauty by Kathryn Schultz Miller on June 10 and 11 at 7 p.m. at the Fort Scott High School Auditorium.

 

Thirty three students in 1st through 9th grade spent two weeks at camp preparing for the production.

 

The character of Aurora is played by 8th grader Celia Hamilton and Morgana (the Bad Fairy) is played by freshman Isis Patton. Other notable characters include King Alfred, played by freshman Beowulf Carpenter; Lilac (the Head Good Fairy), portrayed by fifth grader Audrey McNutt; and Prince Ferdinand, played by seventh grader Adam Perry.

 

The camp and show are directed entirely by FSHS Thespians. Recent graduate Regen Wells and senior Cooper George are the Directors.

 

George said, “I have been enjoying the technical aspect and working one on one with the designers. I have loved working on set dressing and learning how to use materials for what they weren’t designed for. But overall, I have loved seeing the different personalities and energies from the kids. I truly hope the kids will see what theatre is and all the different possibilities they can find in it, and the possibility of them returning for more shows or being involved with theatre during their high school and college years.”

 

Technical staff include:  senior Mykael Lewis – Stage Manager, senior Kiara Thompson and junior Garrett Arvidson – Assistant Stage Managers, graduate Casey Gomez – Choreographer, sophomore Allie Wards – Costume Designer, graduate Natalie Woods – Sound Designer, graduate Lizzy Moore and junior Junie Fisher – Music Directors, junior Charlie Chaplin and sophomore Abby Szczepanski – Lighting Designers, junior Tobi Larrabee and senior Molly Hoyt – Arts Directors and senior Milo Donnelly – Props Master. Many other Thespians serve as acting coaches and leaders and Thespian Director Angie Bin serves as show producer.

 

During the two week camp, students learn about most technical theatre areas such as lighting, sound, costuming, stagecraft, and make-up. They also help to create the artistic set decor.

 

“We are very lucky to have an amazing group of recently graduated seniors working on this staff in the areas that they are going to be majoring in in college. They are really experiencing on the job training right now in the careers they plan to pursue in the future,” Bin said.

 

“This is my fourth time working on directing the children’s summer play through the FSHS Tiger Drama camp. I find that this program is one of the most valuable things the high school runs. This year alone, I have received so many kind words from parents about how much their children love and enjoy these shows. Because of Tiger Drama Camp, I discovered my passion for directing and Stage Management. I’m pursuing theatre as a career in college. I hope you’ll all come out to support these amazing kids and see the work they’ve put into making this show spectacular!” Wells said.

Tickets for the show are $5 for reserved seats and are available at fortscotthighschool.ludus.com or at the doors. Doors open 30 minutes prior to showtime.

 

# # #

Food, Fort Scott, Schools

Summer School and Free Food Start in June at USD 234

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USD 234 School District halls are quiet right now, but in June some students will be back for more learning.
Destry Brown. Submitted photo.
“Summer school will be held during the month of June for students from preschool through high school,” said Superintendent Destry Brown. “Part of the summer school activities is for students with Individualized Educational Programs. We call this the Extended School Year. The other part for Kindergarten through 8th grade is an enrichment summer school for any student who wants to come. The high school kids will be working on credit recovery during summer school.”
“The elementary students and all the Extended School Year students will be at Winfield Scott. Elementary School,” Brown said.  “The preschool students will be at the preschool. The middle and high school students will be at the middle school.”
Winfield Scott Elementary School, 316 W. 10th Street, Fort Scott.
“Breakfast and lunch will be served daily at Winfield Scott and the Middle School and is free to all students and any other children from birth to 18. We will also be sending food home for the weekends for any student who wants or needs it.”
“Students not attending summer school may come to Winfield Scott or the Middle School at 11 a.m.”
Winfield Scott Elementary School is located  at 316 W. 10th and Fort Scott Middle School is located at 1105 E. 12th.
Fort Scott Middle School, 1105 E. 12th.

 

Bourbon County, Schools

National History Day State Champions from Fort Scott Set to Present at the Empress Events Center

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Submitted photo.

Southeast Kansas will send one project to the National History Day Championship in College Park, Maryland June 9-13. Two groups from the Bourbon County community attended the State National History Day Championships in Topeka in April.

The Fort Scott State Champion group who will compete at Nationals in June will present their performance project at 6 PM on May 28th at the Empress Event Center, 7 N Main, Fort Scott. A second group will also present their documentary that received third place at the state competition in June. This presentation will allow the students to practice sharing their projects and raise funds for their trip to College Park, MD. The community is invited to attend and support these students.

The following students are the State Champions and will be sharing their projects on June 1st:

Kenlee Eden, Blair Felt, and Kodie Wells from Fort Scott Christian Learning Center will participate in the Junior Group Performance category, coached by Megan Felt and Rachel Wells. Their project is entitled Tillie Anderson and Her Bicycle: the Picture of Free, Untrammeled Womanhood. Their project is a performance based on Tillie Anderson, one of the first professional female athletes. As the world champion cyclist from 1895-1902 Tillie Anderson was a turning point for women’s athletics, fashion, exercise, and freedom.

 

Charlee Wells and Hadley Wells from Fort Scott Christian Learning Center participated in the Junior Group Documentary category at the State National History Day competition, coached by Rachel Wells. Their project is titled Etching Voices: A Turning Point in the Recording and Music Industry. The documentary is based on the inventions of Emile Berliner specifically the impact of the gramophone. Due to the invention of the gramophone, recordings and music were made more accessible to all people which would revolutionize the mass production of music.

 

 

History Day encourages students to express their knowledge of and interest in history through creative and original dramatic performances, media presentations, historical papers, website design, or three-dimensional exhibit projects. The research and study for district, state, and national competitions take place throughout the entire school year.

The national competition involves the top 2,800 students from across the nation, chosen from over 800,000 who compete in order to advance from local to state to national competition. All 50 states and several countries will be represented at the National competition. The theme this year is “Turning Points in History.”

The Lowell Milken Center provides critiques and helps with research for National History Day Unsung Hero projects from Kansas and throughout the United States.

 

Bourbon County, Church news, Schools

St. Martin’s Academy Rugby Team Claims 2nd KS State Championship

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Celebration time! Captain Joseph Moleski raises the trophy after an epic comeback victory in the KS State Final. Submitted photo.

The Kingfishers of Saint Martin’s Academy roar back in the 2nd half to claim their 2nd straight KS State Championship in Tier 1 Rugby, defeating the Saints of Thomas Aquinas 26-19 on May 11th at the KU Rugby Complex in Lawrence, KS.

A long narrative report of the match can be read here.

Highlights:

  • 2 tries, including the game-winner with time expired, by Captain Joseph Moleski.
  • Man of the Match went to Senior Outside-Centre, Ben Skinner, who scored a late try to tie the match and had multiple long runs to put Aquinas on their heels.
  • The Kingfishers went down 19-7 mid-way through the 2nd half, only to score 19 unanswered to claim victory.
The Kingfishers finish the regular season ranked #6 Nationally and are headed to Nationals in Elkhart, Indiana to compete against the best teams in the country.
Quote from School Founder and Headmaster, Daniel Kerr: “No team works harder than our boys and when the chips were down at the end of the match, that hard work paid off.  This was the most exciting match I’ve ever been a part of.”
Senior Ben Skinner battles through a tackler en route to the match tying-score. Skinner was named Man of the Match by the hosts, KU Rugby Club.
Submitted photo.
We’re on the road right now to Nationals.  Say a prayer for the boys!
Submitted  by

Daniel Kerr

Headmaster, St. Martin’s Academy
Fort Scott, Schools

Tiger Newsletter Final Edition

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Fort Scott, Schools

USD234 Board Meeting Press Release for May 13

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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, May 13, 2024

 

Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, May 13, 2024, for their regular monthly meeting at the board office.

 

President David Stewart opened the meeting.

 

The board approved the official agenda with the change to District Cell Phone policy to be discussion only, and the consent agenda as follows:

Board Minutes

04/08/24 Board Minutes

Financials – Cash Flow Report

Check Register

Payroll – April 19, 2024 – $2,108,758.88

Activity Funds Accounts

USD 234 Gifts

Resolution 23-17 KMIP Signers

Resolution 23-18 – Account Signers

Tiger Club Fundraising

EW Book Fair Fundraising

Leadership Club Fundraising

EW Box Top Fundraising

FSHS Dance Team Fundraising

 

Zach Johnson & Matt Harris recognized Jannah Farrington and Danielle Cavin, both Special Education Teachers at Fort Scott Middle School. They were both thanked for countless hours that they put into their positions not only with paperwork and legal information but how much they care for the students. Both Administrators spoke very highly of each teacher and how each meets the needs of their students and collaborates seamlessly with staff and Admin.

 

Superintendent Destry Brown reported on an increase in enrollment for the end of the year. Also, explained about a Federal EPA Grant that the district will be applying for with various community partners. The Board will meet with Administration for a work evening.

 

The Board welcomed Terry Mayfield who will be Assistant Superintendent/Business Manager starting July 1, 2024.

 

Tonya Barnes, Special Education Director, reported the final revenue payment coming in June. She updated the board on ESY with sixty-six students attending this summer. Testing tools are being reviewed and hopefully will be updated soon.

The Board moved the district cell phone policy to discussion only and Tyler Slinkard, FSHS Speech and Debate Forensics Teacher, was present to discuss this policy.

 

The board approved the following items:

  • Five Year Professional Development Plan
  • Approval for Crossland as CMAR for Preschool building
  • FSHS Lunch Price Recommendation for 2024-25
  • 10 Passenger Van Purchase
  • New student devices for incoming 6th & 9th graders
  • Content Filter & Classroom Management Bid
  • Middle School Science Text & Resources
  • Instrument Lockers & Storage Bids – Melhart

 

The board went into an executive session for personnel matters.

 

President Stewart adjourned the meeting.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PERSONNEL REPORT

May 13, 2024

 

RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:

 

Anderson, Anna – Resignation – SPED Teacher – Eugene Ware

Bergmann, Mark – Supplemental Resignation -Assistant Debate & Forensics Coach – High School 

Casey, Hunter – 2nd Grade Teacher – Winfield Scott

Durnell, Suzan – Resignation – Instructional Coach – Winfield Scott

Forkner, Julie – Resignation – Preschool Intervention Teacher

Hall, Kathi – Supplemental Resignation – Assistant Summer Weights & Conditioning 

Hall, Laeci – Supplemental Resignation – Assistant Volleyball Coach – High School 

Hutchison, Brian – Supplemental Resignation – Assistant Football Coach – Middle School

Kegler, Terra – Supplemental Resignation – Head Volleyball Coach – High School 

Killion, Chelsea – Resignation – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott

Kim, Anna – Resignation – 5th Grade Teacher – Eugene Ware

Ludeman, Sara – Resignation – Paraprofessional – High School

Martin, Jared – Supplemental Resignation – Assistant Football Coach 

Metcalf, Alvin – Resignation – Full Time Substitute 

McGehee, Sarah – Resignation – Paraprofessional – Preschool

Michaud, Jennifer – Resignation – Spanish Teacher – High School

Motley, Aubrionna – Resignation – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott

Owenby, Bo – Retirement – Custodian – Eugene Ware

Regan, Nikki – Resignation – Special Education Teacher – High School

Specht, Alex – Resignation – Assistant Principal – High School

Weddle, Codee – Resignation – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott

 

TRANSFERS/REASSIGNMENTS/LEAVE OF ABSENCE:

For the 2024-25 school year:

Certified:

Deatsch, Erin – Kindergarten to 2nd Grade – Winfield Scott – 2024-25

Classified:

Allen, Joe – Substitute Bus Driver to Full Time Bus Driver – 2024-25

Brown, Stacy – Food Service to Paraprofessional – Middle School – 2024-25

Supplemental:

 

EMPLOYMENT:

Certified Recommendations for the 2024-25 school year:

Hay, Marilyn – 9th Grade English Teacher – High School 

Hardesty, Tabitha – SPED Teacher – Eugene Ware – 2024-25

Howell, Carolien – 2nd Grade Teacher – Winfield Scott

Johnson, Jeff – Assistant Principal – High School – 2024-25

Knopp, Mackenzie – FACS Teacher – High School 

Prine, Amanda – 2nd Grade Teacher – Winfield Scott 

Wilcoxen, Travis – Special Education Teacher – Middle School

Williams, Courtney – 5th Grade Teacher – Eugene Ware

Classified Recommendations for the 2024-25 school year:

Baublitz, Christina – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott

Coffman, Quita – Food Service – Middle School 

Elton, Martin – Kitchen Manager – Winfield Scott

Guss, Stewart – Substitute Bus Driver 

Supplemental Recommendations for the 2024-25 school year:

Martin, Dave – Assistant Girl’s Swim Coach 

Schnichels, Laryn – Assistant Cheer Coach – High School

 

Summer School Recommendations

High School

Clark, Erica – Teacher

Felt, Carson – Teacher

Harper, Amy – Teacher

Mayberry, Polly – Teacher

Robinson, Justin – Teacher

Rogers, Jaimie – Teacher

Tally, Jenna – Teacher

Middle School

Ables, Andrew – Teacher

Claypool, Tammy – Teacher

Hall, Dakota

Homan, Tracy (1st two weeks)

Messer, Kari – Teacher

Short, Samantha (last two weeks)

Middle/Elementary Shared

Bin, Angela – Teacher

Chaplin, Lisa – Teacher

Nelsen, Lori – Teacher

 

ESY Summer School Recommendations

SPED Teachers

Kassie Cate, Sierra Sprague, Danielle Cavin, Billi Jo Shoemaker, Jannah Farrington, Aubri Motley, Ashley Taylor

Paraprofessionals

Nissa Dinneen, Matt Crank, Michael Freeze, Tabitha Hardesty, Joan Page, Jordan Guss, Becky Lee, Erin Campbell, Jenny Pryor, MeKenna Lord, Kayla Purdy, Susanne Cosens, Lena Phelan, Sara Schnichels, Rhonda Perkinson, Heather Metcalf, Julius Hodges, Kathryn Ogle, Mckayla Vincent, Laryn Schnichels, Dennis Denigan, Alicia Craig, Corinna Johnson

 

Classified Renewals: Preschool, Winfield Scott, Eugene Ware, Middle School, High School, Tech Team, Kitchen Staff, District Office, Transportation Staff, Transportation Subs