Category Archives: Schools

Fort Scott, Government, Schools

USD 234 – No Increase in Mill Rate for 2021-22

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The USD 234 Board of Education recently adopted resolutions aimed to not increase a tax burden on local residents.
Gina Shelton, USD234 Business Manager, said during a recent presentation to the board that two resolutions were needed to move forward with funding for the school district.
Resolution 21-07 was to adopt LOB Percentage.
“This resolution has no impact on the property tax,” Shelton said.  “This resolution is required as we are adopting the state average in our Local Option Budget.  This allows us to budget up to 31% of our general fund in our LOB fund, maximizing the state aid we receive.”
The second was Resolution 21-08 which regards exceeding a revenue-neutral rate.
“The 2021-22 budget was built by keeping the mill rate flat for USD 234,” Shelton said.  “The school district is not revenue neutral for property tax purposes because the assessed valuation increased and therefore the total amount of property tax collected is more than the prior year.”
“What is important for our community to understand is that the 20 mills assessed for the USD 2324 General Fund is set by statute and those funds are sent directly to the State of Kansas,” she said.  “Then that 20 mills is put with other sources of Kansas revenue and then distributed back out to school districts in the form of enrollment-based funding.”
“The 20 mills that are assessed for our general fund are set by statute,” she said. “As the assessed valuation increased, the only way for the school district to remain revenue neutral would have been to decrease the mill rates in the other funds. We have four funds that we levy taxes in – General, LOB, Capital Outlay, and the Bond.”
“Because the assessed valuations increased district-wide, even though our mill rate isn’t changing, the amount of taxes being assessed are more,” Shelton said. “The assessed valuations are set by the county, not the school district.”
  “For 2021-22, for each $1 raised locally in the general fund, the district receives $8.67 in state aid,” Shelton said.  “Because that 20 mills is set by statute, we would have had to reduce the mills in other funds to be revenue-neutral. This would have impacted our ability to fund our student’s educational needs, capital outlay needs, and our bond payment schedule.”
“The budget is built and driven by the board’s mission and areas of focus – which all center around kids,” she said.
Shelton said the  district’s 2021-22 budget is made up of:
State Revenue – 76%
Federal Revenue – 12%
Property Tax – 12%
Fort Scott, Government, Schools

USD 234 Board News Release

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NEWS RELEASE

 

Wednesday, August 25, 2021 – 6:00 p.m.

 

Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at the Fort Scott Middle School Commons on Wednesday, August 25, 2021, for a special board meeting.

President James Wood opened the meeting.  Mr. Wood opened the Budget Hearing.  Gina Shelton, Business Manager/Board Clerk, presented information regarding the 2021-22 budget.  Mr. Wood closed the Budget Hearing

Board members approved the 2021-22 budget.

Board members heard a presentation by Dr. Doug Shane.

Several patrons spoke during the public forum.

Board members approved the following employment matters:

 

A.    Resignation of Allison Dey, Eugene Ware paraprofessional, effective at the end of the 2020-21 school year

B.    Resignation of Jessica Johnson, Eugene Ware paraprofessional, effective at the end of the 2020-21 school year

C.    Leave of absence for Haleigh Lowry, Winfield Scott cook

D.    Transfer of Megan Hull, Winfield Scott paraprofessional, to Eugene Ware paraprofessional for the 2021-22 school year; transfer of Vangie Korinke, Eugene Ware paraprofessional, to Winfield Scott paraprofessional for the 2021-22 school year

E.     Employment of Andon Prestley as a Eugene Ware paraprofessional for the 2021-22 school year

F.     Employment of Mikiah Anderson as a preschool center paraprofessional for the 2021-22 school year

G.    Employment of Laryn Thompson as a middle school 7.5-hour paraprofessional for the 2021-22 school year

H.    Employment of Shytanna Reed as a middle school paraprofessional for the 2021-22 school year

I.      Employment of teacher mentors for the 2021-22 and 2022-23 school years

J.      Resignation of DeLynn Abati as the high school play assistant, effective at the end of the 2020-21 school year

K.    Employment of Josh Hudiburg as a middle school assistant boys’ basketball coach for the 2021-22 school year

 

The board adjourned.

 

Fort Scott, Government, Schools

NEWS RELEASE From USD 234

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Wednesday, August 25, 2021 – 5:30 p.m.

 

Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at the Fort Scott Middle School Commons on Wednesday, August 25, 2021, for a special board meeting.

President James Wood opened the meeting.  Mr. Wood opened the Revenue Neutral Hearing.  Gina Shelton, Business Manager/Board Clerk, presented information regarding the Revenue Neutral Hearing.  Mr. Wood closed the Revenue Neutral Hearing.

Board members approved the following:

 

·       Resolution 21-07 – To Adopt LOB Percentage

·       Resolution 21-08 – A Resolution expressing the Property Taxation Policy of USD 234 Fort Scott with Respect to Exceeding the Revenue Neutral Tax Rate for Financing the Annual Budget for 2021-22

 

The board adjourned.

Bourbon County, Schools

New Teachers At USD 235: April Stock, Linda Rogers and Stephanie Defebaugh

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This is part of a series of features on new educators in the Uniontown district. USD 235 School District starts school on August 26.

April Stock, center, with her family. Submitted photo.
April Stock, 35, is a new first-grade teacher at West Bourbon Elementary School, Uniontown.
Stock earned her  Master of Science in Elementary Education from Fort Hays State University.
“This will be my first year as a classroom teacher but I have been lucky enough to be a para and work with the amazing special education teacher and be a part of the great team of paraprofessionals at West Bourbon Elementary!” she said.
She is married to Kolby Stock and has three  children, Klara (13), Kyson (10), and Kort (8).
“I have wanted to be an elementary teacher ever since I was in the first grade and I wanted to be just like my first-grade teacher,” she said.  “I have been blessed with being a stay-at-home mom for many years and now that my children are all in school, I decided it was time for me to pursue teaching.”

 

“The best part of teaching is getting to spark the curiosity and creativity inside of students and instill within them a desire to learn and seek out knowledge,” Stock said.  “I enjoy connecting with each student to see just what each of their individual needs are so that I can provide them with what is necessary for them to learn.”

 

Linda Rogers. Submitted photo.

Linda (Ramsey) Rogers will be teaching reading and math for 1st and 2nd-grade students at West Bourbon Elementary School.

She graduated from Uniontown High School in 1974, Pittsburg State University in Elementary Education in 1979, and received a master’s degree in 1987.

She and her husband, Harold, have been married for 31 years and have two sons, and Harold’s married daughters have given them seven grandchildren, she said.

“Most of my career was spent in second grade for USD 234, Fort Scott,” she said.  “I’ve also taught 1st, 4th, 5th, and 6th grade, for a total of 39 years.”

For the past two years, she has substituted for USD 235 in Uniontown.

“One of the most rewarding aspects of teaching for me is working with children; to see their progress and watch them take pride in their accomplishments,” Rogers said.  “Education is a tough job, but being a part of something that will impact the future of our community, our nation, and our world makes this profession extremely rewarding.”
In her spare time she is involved in her church and crafting.
“This summer and last, I’ve helped with Feeding Families In His Name Ministry every Monday,  through Community Christian Church, and also led a women’s Bible study on Sunday mornings.  For the past 2 1/2 years, I’ve learned how to quilt, and have become addicted!”
Stephanie Defebaugh. Submitted photo.
Stephanie Defebaugh, 29, will teach preschool at USD 235.
She graduated from Pittsburg State University after receiving her associates degree at Coffeyville Community College.
Defebaugh has taught the last three years in Iola as a kindergarten teacher.
She has been married for five years to her husband, Andrew and has a son, Blaine, who is four years old and a daughter, Kendall, who will turn one this month.
She pursued her career because of a teacher she had.
“I had a wonderful and patient teacher who was able to identify my learning struggles and helped me overcome them. I would like to pay that forward to others.”
“One of the basic human needs is belonging, and teaching can provide that,” she said. Teaching plays a vital role, alongside the families, in shaping young children of our community and nation. Plus, I enjoy coloring with them.”
“Teaching is a tough job, but it is one where you can make the most impact in another person’s life,” Defebaugh said. “The challenges we, as teachers, face is different by the day, so you have to make sure you have a Plan Z as A-Y may not work.”
In her spare time, she has been playing one of her husband’s past times, golf.
“I am enjoying it more than I thought,” she said.  “I also enjoy watching baseball.”

 

 

Bourbon County, COVID-19, Government, Schools

USD235 Starts School: Masks Recommended, New Teachers, New Consession Area

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Bret Howard, Superintendent of USD 235. Submitted. photo.

Uniontown USD 235 has teacher in-service  Aug. 23-25 with an open house from 4-6 p.m. on Aug. 25

The first day of school is Thursday, August 26.

New teachers this year are Linda Rogers who will be teaching first/second grade, April Stock who will teach fifth grade and Stephanie Defebaugh who will teach pre-kindergarten.

The USD 235 Board of Education passed in a 6 to 1 vote,  its 2021-22 Operational Guidelines on Monday, August 9.  The approved guidelines may be accessed on the link https://5il.co/wxj7

“Masks will be highly recommended but not required inside all USD 235 buildings,” Superintendent Bret Howard said.  “Masks will be required on all school-provided transportation.  A federal mandate on all public transportation was enacted over the summer that includes school busses and school vehicles.”

New this year is a restroom and concession area.

The former restroom and concession area, in the old superintendent’s office south of the football field, now houses the Girard Medical Center Clinic in Uniontown.

The district is working on replacing the restrooms/concession facility.

“There will be a concession stand and bathroom built on the northwest side of the home football bleachers,” Howard said.  “We have taken the fence down and will be starting construction soon.”

 

 

 

Fort Scott, Schools

New Teachers At U234: Carlee McCullough and Johnna Walls

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This is part of a series introducing new Fort Scott educators.

Johnna Walls. Submitted photo.

Johnna Walls, 22, is a new fourth-grade teacher at Eugene Ware Elementary School in Fort Scott.

She graduated from Fort Scott Community College with an associate of science degree, then Ottawa University with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. OU was where her grandfather, John Walls, also graduated with an education degree, she said.

Walls spent the last three years serving as a substitute paraprofessional and substitute teacher throughout the Fort Scott district.

Her family includes her parents, Wayne and Colleen Walls, and a brother, Timothy Vaughan, and now includes her boyfriend Christian Cox, and two dogs Peach and Ponch.

After working as a paraprofessional at Eugene Ware Elementary she got inspired to teach, she said. “I previously had no interest in teaching, however, working with these amazing kids changed something in me and I knew this was what God was calling me to do with my life. My first group of students at Eugene Ware inspired me to take a leap and I am thankful every day for those students.”

For Walls, the best part of teaching is the relationships.

“I meet so many amazing kids from an array of backgrounds and I am able to lead them to see the world of possibilities that are open to each and every one of them,” she said. “More than anything, I love seeing them come in at the beginning of the year and then transform into confident, capable, and thriving individuals.”

“Challenges are everywhere within the realm of teaching,” Walls  said. “Yet, the challenges are continuously outshined by the numerous accomplishments and happy moments that are always popping up within the school. Challenges are simply a step in creating positive change and positive outcomes.”

Outside of her career, she travels nationwide rodeoing, she said.
“I barrel race on my horse, Rocket,  while also cheering on Christian while he rides bulls.”

 

Carlee McCullough. Submitted photo.

Carlee McCullough, 29, is a new teacher at Fort Scott Preschool, which is a part of USD 234.

She graduated from Pittsburg State University and has one year of experience teaching second-grade at Hume, MO.

She and her husband Danny McCullough have two boys, Canyen and  Callen.

“I pursued teaching because I wanted to make a difference and I’m someone who loves a challenge,” she said. “In education, you are constantly being challenged with problem-solving ways to help your students reach their full potential.”

“The best part of teaching hands down has to be when you see the light bulb or ‘aha ‘moment in your children’s eyes or on their face,” McCullough said.  “It’s that moment when they understand what you have taught them. It’s so exciting because not only are you so proud of them but you can tell how proud of themselves they are and those moments are so special and so fun.”

“A challenge for me is just making sure I’m showing up each day as the best version of myself, but it’s a challenge I look forward to each day,” she said.

Outside of her teaching career, she helps on the family farm with haying in the summer, checking cattle, doctoring cattle, and weaning calves in the next couple of weeks, she said.

 

COVID-19, Fort Scott, Government, Schools

USD 234 Students Start Aug. 19: Masks Are Required

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Ted Hessong. Submitted photo.
This week USD 234 students will start school on August 19.
Today and tomorrow are professional development days for teachers, followed by a work/plan day on August 18.
There is mandatory wearing of masks guidelines in the district due to the recent surge in the COVID-19 virus in the county.
There are three new USD 234 Teachers hired in July and August:
Johnna Walls, who will teach 4th grade,  Justin Robinson who will teach middle school and high school band and Carlee Campbell-McCullough who will teach preschool.

Below are the USD 234 – Fort Scott School Operations Guidelines for school year 2021 – 2022, provided by Superintendent Ted Hessong:

Masking
● Mandatory masking of K-12 students and staff starting August 16th while indoors. USD 234 School Board reevaluate at monthly board meetings
● Federal order – masking on buses or other group modes of transportation
● Masks will be available for students and staff
Hygiene Measures
● Hand washing emphasis will continue
● Hand sanitizer will be available in all classrooms
● Social distancing (3 feet) when possible
● Cover coughs and sneezes
● STAY HOME WHEN FEELING ILL (2 or more symptoms)
○ 100.0 ℉ = Must be fever free w/o medication for 24 hours to
return to school
○ No attendance based incentives
● Signage will be present
Cleaning of Facilities
● Cleaning regimens and protocols are established
● Cleaning solutions that are rated to eliminate COVID will be used
● All classrooms and buses will have cleaning supplies
Contract Tracing and
Quarantines
● Contact tracing and quarantines will be done in cooperation with Bourbon County Health Department
○ Positive or symptomatic = 10 day isolation
○ Close Contact at school (3 feet more than 15 minutes)
■ High risk – unmitigated = 10 day quarantine
■ Low risk – mitigated = do not have to quarantine
● Staff and students who are vaccinated (must have proof) and
asymptomatic will not have to quarantine if they are a close contact.
Diagnostic Screening and Testing
● Screening and testing options are available to parents from the Bourbon County Health Department and Community Health Center. Over the counter COVID-19 test kits will not be accepted as valid.
Vaccinations to school communities
● Vaccination opportunities are available to students, parents, and staff from the Bourbon County Health Department, Community Health Center, Walmart, or Walgreens. CHC has vaccinations for students 12 years of age and older.
● Vaccinations were made available to all staff last Spring
Accommodations for children with disabilities
● Students with an IEP, 504 Plan, and other documented student supports will have all appropriate accommodations and supports made available to them.
Coordination with state and local officials
● USD 234 School Board will consider all state and local health guidance.
Continuity of Services
● Academic needs will be met through continued full-time, in-person
instruction. Summer learning opportunities were offered. Virtual learning opportunities are available.
● Social, emotional, and mental health needs will be met through social and emotional curriculum and counselors.
● Student health and food service needs will be available for all students. All students will have access to free breakfast and lunch daily as well as school nursing services.
● The USD 234 Operations Guidelines could be changed at any time, with school board approval, to ensure the safety of students and staff.
Updated: Aug 9, 2021
Fort Scott, Schools

Kansans Can Meeting This Evening

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JOIN US TONIGHT!
Education officials announce
Kansans Can Success tour coming to 50 locations & Fort Scott is on the list!
Everyone, including educators, parents, legislators, members of the business community, and members of the media are invited to attend!
MONDAY, AUGUST 16TH!
Kansas Commissioner of Education Dr. Randy Watson and Deputy Commissioner Dr. Brad Neuenswander are conducting 50 community conversations.
The Kansas State Board of Education’s outcomes for measuring progress toward achieving that vision were also derived from information gathered during the tour. Outcomes include social-emotional growth, kindergarten readiness, Individual Plan of Study, graduation, postsecondary success, and civic engagement.
Watson and Neuenswander will share success stories, as well as challenges, discuss the Kansans Can School Redesign Project, answer questions, and gather information during the tours.
Kansas, Schools

Give Input on Future of Kansas Education on August 16

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Kansans Can Success Tour will be in Fort Scott at 6 p.m. on Monday, August 16 at the River Room, 3 W. Oak, directly above Luther’s BBQ.

“We are happy to host Dr. Watson and Dr. Neusenwander in Fort Scott,” USD 234 Superintendent Ted Hessong said.  “USD 234 is very supportive of the Kansas State Board of Education’s Vision that Kansas can lead the world in the success of each student and the outcomes they have chosen to help define a successful Kansas high school graduate.”

Kansas Commissioner of Education Dr. Randy Watson is facilitating community conversations across the state to gather feedback on the state’s vision for K-12 education, according to https://www.ksde.org/Agency/Fiscal-and-Administrative-Services/Communications-and-Recognition-Programs/Vision-Kansans-Can/Success-Tour

“The Kansans Can Success Tour is a 50-city event that kicked off July 26. Commissioner Watson, Deputy Commissioner Dr. Brad Neuenswander and members of the Kansas State Board of Education will gather community input on the current direction for Kansas K-12 education and share progress made toward achieving the vision established by the Kansas State Board of Education,” according to the website.

“The 2021 tour is a follow-up to the Kansas Children. Kansas’ Future. community conversations tour that took place in 2015. Using the feedback gathered from more than 2,000 parents, educators, legislators, school board members, business community members, and more, the State Board created a new vision for education: Kansas leads the world in the success of each student.

“Now, nearly six years later, we are again asking you to lend your voice to the conversation.

“Please plan to join one of the 50 events scheduled across the state. If possible, attendees are asked to bring a laptop, cell phone or tablet for an interactive portion of the presentation.”

 
Fort Scott, Government, Schools

U234 Press Release on BOE Meeting Aug. 9

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NEWS RELEASE

 

Monday, August 9, 2021

 

Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at the Fort Scott High School Cafeteria on Monday, August 9, 2021, for their regular monthly meeting.

President James Wood opened the meeting.  The board approved the official agenda.

The board approved the consent agenda as follows:

 

A.    Minutes

B.    Bills and Claims

C.    Payroll – July 20, 2021 – $1,206,738.56

D.    Financial Report

E.    Activity fund accounts

 

Several patrons spoke in the public forum.

Brenda Hill, KNEA President, gave a report.  In addition, Ted Hessong,

Superintendent, and Gina Shelton, Business Manager/Board Clerk, shared information with board members.

The board approved an operational plan for the 2021-22 school year.  Board members discussed homeschool students participating in district activities.  The board also approved:

 

·       Addition of high school boys’ and girls’ swimming to the supplemental salary schedule for the 2021-22 school year

·       Addition of a Possession of Firearms policy for the 2021-22 Employee Handbook

·       New Generation contract for the 2021-22 school year

·       No Limits Rehabilitation for physical therapy service for the 2021-22 school year

·       CHC Contract for the 2021-22 school year

·       2021-22 Classified Salary Schedule

 

Board members shared comments and then went into executive session to discuss employee-employer negotiations for the 2021-22 school year.  The board returned to open meeting and returned to executive session to discuss personnel matters for nonelected personnel and returned to open meeting.

The board approved the following employment matters:

 

A.    Transfer of Sabrina Cady, van driver, to middle school paraprofessional for the 2021-22 school year

B.    Leave of absence for Katie McGee, Winfield Scott kindergarten teacher

C.    Leave of absence dates for Natalie Kitsmiller, Winfield Scott paraprofessional

D.    Leave of absence for Becky Howard, middle school paraprofessional

E.    Employment of Johnna Walls as a Eugene Ware fourth grade teacher for the 2021-22 school year

F.     Increase in contract days and gas stipend for Krista Gorman, instructional coach for the district, for the 2021-22 school year

G.    Resignation of Ken Klassen, high school head boys’ golf coach; resignation of Kourtney Harper, high school assistant volleyball coach; and resignation of Allison Gorman, high school assistant softball coach, effective at the end of the 2020-21 school year

H.    Employment of Eugene Ware supplemental employees for the 2021-22 school year

I.      Employment of Gordon Harris as a 10-month middle school custodian for the 2021-22 school year

J.      Additional work hours for Dee Peters, Winfield Scott paraprofessional, to include a two-hour regular route bus driving position for the 2021-22 school year

K.    Employment of Madeline Martin as the high school head boys’ and head girls’ swimming coach for the 2021-22 school year; employment of Kenny Hudiburg as high school assistant girls’ tennis coach for the 2021-22 school year

 

The board adjourned.

 

Bourbon County, Fort Scott, Government, Kansas, Schools

Free Meals Available For All American Students

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Free school meals are available for all students
during 2021-2022 school year

The National School Lunch Program Seamless Summer Option (SSO) waiver allows all Kansas students the option of free breakfast and lunch each school day during the 2021-2022 school year – ensuring students are fueled and ready to learn.

The waiver allows the SSO to operate when school is open during the regular school year – through June 30, 2022. It is a continuation of a commitment to provide safe, healthy meals free of charge to children as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to threaten food and nutrition security of the most vulnerable – our students, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The waiver also will help schools continue to plan for a safe opening in the fall. For example, it will eliminate the need to collect meal payments. This speeds up the service of meals, which reduces contact and potential exposure to COVID-19.

The USDA’s National School Lunch Program SSO is typically only available during the summer months. However, extending it allows for a strong emphasis on providing fruits and vegetables, milk, and whole grains while allowing schools to serve the meals for free.

Schools that choose the SSO option will receive higher-than-normal meal reimbursements for every meal they serve, which will support them in serving the most nutritious meals possible while managing increased costs associated with operational and supply chain challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The USDA covers the cost of the meals for all students. There is no need for families to fill out an application.

Every meal that is served helps USD 234 foodservice program financially and keeps local food service staff members employed.
The free meals, which are safe, nutritious, and delicious, help extend family food budgets, too.

For more information, contact USD 234, 424 S. Main, Fort Scott, KS. Phone 620-223- 0800.

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have speech disabilities may contact
USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.

Additionally, program information may be made
available in languages other than English.

To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at: https://www.usda.gov/oascr/how-to-file-a-program-discrimination-complaint, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information
requested in the form.

To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:
(1) Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;
(2) Fax: (202) 690-7442; or
(3) Email: [email protected].

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
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Bourbon County, Fort Scott, Schools

Community Conversation on Kansans Can Succeed Aug. 16

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Education officials announce
Kansans Can Success tour coming to 50 locations & Fort Scott is on the list!
Everyone, including educators, parents, legislators, members of the business community, and members of the media are invited to attend!
Kansas Commissioner of Education Dr. Randy Watson and Deputy Commissioner Dr. Brad Neuenswander are conducting 50 community conversations.
The Kansas State Board of Education’s outcomes for measuring progress toward achieving that vision were also derived from information gathered during the tour. Outcomes include social-emotional growth, kindergarten readiness, Individual Plan of Study, graduation, postsecondary success, and civic engagement.
Watson and Neuenswander will share success stories, as well as challenges, discuss the Kansans Can School Redesign Project, answer questions, and gather information during the tours.