Kansas students celebrate Walk and Roll to School Day on Oct. 8
Schools across Kansas will be celebrating International Walk and Roll to School Day on Oct. 8, with support from the Kansas Department of Transportation’s Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program. This annual event promotes safe behaviors and community connection by encouraging students and families to walk, bike and/or roll to school.
Currently, there are 27 schools across the state participating. Schools are encouraged to register for the event and download free materials at saferoutes.ksdot.gov/iwrsd.
October is also National Pedestrian Safety Month, a time to focus on enhancing safety for people walking. Pedestrians of all ages are vulnerable, especially children. By promoting awareness of people walking and using other active modes, Walk and Roll to School Day contributes to improving roadway safety roadways for everyone.
A few safety tips to keep in mind this October and all year long:
All: Follow the rules of the road; obey signs and signals.
Drivers: Watch for pedestrians, yield to pedestrians in or at crosswalks and never pass vehicles stopped at a crosswalk. Always use caution when backing up or driving in hard-to-see conditions.
Pedestrians: Stay focused, cross streets carefully at marked crosswalks when available, make eye contact with drivers who are slowing or stopped at a crossing and walk on sidewalks when available.
Organization
City
1
USD 417 – Prairie Heights Elementary School
Alta Vista
2
USD 268 – Cheney Public Schools
Cheney
3
USD 417 – Council Grove Elementary School
Council
4
USD 417 – Council Grove Middle School
Council
5
USD 396 – Douglass High School
Douglass
6
USD 396 – Sisk Middle School
Douglass
7
USD 396 – Seal Elementary School
Douglass
8
USD 253 – Walnut Elementary
Emporia
9
USD 234 – Ft. Scott Elementary School
Fort Scott
10
USD 457 – Charles Stones Intermediate Center
Garden City
11
USD 457 – Florence Wilson Elem
Garden City
12
USD 292 – Wheatland Schools
Grainfield
13
USD 500 – Frank Rushton
Kansas City
14
USD 500 – Quindaro Elementary
Kansas City
15
USD 395 – La Crosse Elementary School
La Crosse
16
USD 497 – Quail Run Elementary
Lawrence
17
USD 497 – Langston Hughes Elementary School
Lawrence
18
USD 383 – Oliver Brown Elementary School
Manhattan
19
USD 410 – Hillsboro Elementary School
Marion
20
USD 373 – Northridge Elementary
Newton
21
USD 233 – Havencroft Elementary School
Olathe
22
USD 233 – Scarborough Elementary School
Olathe
23
USD392 – Osborne County Schools
Osborne
24
USD 512 – John Diemer Elementary
Overland Park
25
USD 512 – Brookridge Elementary
Overland Park
26
USD 321 – Rossville Grade School
Rossville
27
USD 323 – St. George Elementary School
St. George
About KDOT Safe Routes to School
Safe Routes to School is a comprehensive and effective approach to getting more kids biking, rolling and walking safely to school. Visit KDOT’s Safe Routes to School website at saferoutes.ksdot.gov to learn more and sign up for the quarterly e-newsletter.
Johnathon Stark started as head football coach of the Fort Scott High School Tigers this year, and found there was good community support of the program.
“When I became the head football coach of FSHS, I had a lot of people reach out to me who wanted to support the program,” he said. “A number of these people brought up the idea of starting a quarterback club. Previously, I was an assistant coach at Pittsburg and they have one, so it was something I was familiar with, and I think it is a great thing for the community and the players on the team. I recruited Matt Harris and Jordan Witt to help me establish the QB Club, and they are the officers of the organization along with myself.”
“They are both alumni of the football program and the program means a lot to them. They want to see all players on the team have a great experience.”
“I just want to add clarification that the FS QB Club is not associated with USD 234,” Jordan Witt said. “Expenditure approval is done by the FS QB Club board members consisting of Matt Harris, Jordan Witt, and Johnathan Stark, not the school board. We are a separate organization, complementing the support the school district provides.”
“We applied a few months ago and were approved by the Internal Revenue Service on September 12, 2025 as a 501C3 (non-profit) organization. We are very excited about this because donors to the Fort Scott Quarterback Club can deduct the contribution as a charitable contribution.”
“ We want all Tiger football players to have the best experience playing football possible,” he said. “Quarterback clubs are common in other local communities and help provide financial support and resources to the team. School district budgets are already stretched thin and the Kansas State High School Activities Association does not allow school funds to be spent on certain things. The big advantage for Quarterback Clubs is we have the freedom to do and spend where necessary in order to support our Tiger football players both now and in the future. This is an organization that we want to see support the program for years to come.”
Coach Stark. Submitted photo.
Currently there are 65 football players from freshman through senior years.
“I send out an email update throughout the season and we are in the process of organizing some meetings and events for all members. We also share information and photos on our Facebook page. If anyone would like more information, they can email us at [email protected].”
Memberships help purchase equipment, camp fees, team meals, and other team related expenses approved by the school board that are not covered by the school district.
It will also provide insight into the football program and season updates from Coach Stark.
An individual membership is $25 for the year, and a Corporate Membership is $100. Corporate Memberships are recognized on the organization’s Facebook Page.
To become a member send name, address, and email address, and send the payment in two ways:
Venmo to: @fsqbclub
Mail a check to: FS QB Club, 809 Meadow Lane, Fort Scott, KS 66701
Corporate Memberships please email your logo.
FS Quarterback Club Logo taken from the Chamber of Commerce website.
For more information: email at [email protected] and follow on Facebook at Fort Scott Tiger QB Club.
FSHS Head Coach Johnathan Stark invites you to join the
Fort Scott Tiger
Quarterback Club
What is the Quarterback Club?
The FS QB Club is a 501c3 organization formed to provide support to eh FSHS Football Team. Quarterback clubs are common in other communities and help provide financial support and resources to the team. We operate separate from the school district, and anyone is welcome to join. We need your help to build a strong football program now and for the future.
Why become a member?
Financial Support for the Football Program — Your membership helps purchase equipment, camp fees, team meals, and other team related expenses approved by our board that are not covered by the school district.
Exclusive Access & Perks — Your membership gets you insight into the football program and season updates from Coach Stark.
How much is a membership?
An individual membership is $25 for the year, and a Corporate Membership is $100. we recognize the Corporate Memberships on our Facebook Page.
How to Join:
Fill out your name, address, and email address, and send payment via Venmo or Check.
Learn the Real Differences Between IEPs and 504 Plans
What’s the right plan for your child? How do you get one? What are your rights as a parent?
Join us for a free, informative session with a Special Education Specialist who will walk us through the key differences between 504 Plans and IEPs, how to start the process, and how to advocate for your child effectively.
Open to all parents and caregivers of children with special needs (any physical or behavioral difference)— whether you’re just starting out or looking to better understand the system.
Date: Sunday, September 28, 2025 Time: 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM Location: First Southern Baptist Church, Family Life Center, 1818 S. Main, Fort Scott, KS
Guest Speaker: Tonya Barnes, USD 234 Special Education Director
Submitted by
Cherri Walrod
Cherri Walrod, K-State Extension Community Health Worker.
Erie, KS – Area Homeschool families are invited to participate in a day of hands-on science learning at the upcoming STEM Discovery Day for Homeschoolers on Friday, October 17, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Neosho Valley Event Center, 321 N. Wood St., Erie, Kansas.
This free event is designed to spark curiosity and excitement about science, technology, engineering, and math through interactive, age-appropriate sessions led by experienced educators and professionals. Students will rotate through engaging stations that encourage exploration, problem-solving, and discovery.
All materials are provided, but participants are asked to bring a sack lunch. Parents must accompany their children.
Registration is required by October 10. To register or for more information, call 620-244-3826.
STEM Discovery Day is hosted by K-State Research and Extension, Southwind District, Wildcat District, and Cherokee County.
Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 11, 2025, for their regular monthly meeting at 424 S Main.
President David Stewart opened the meeting.
The board approved the official agenda, and the consent agenda as follows:
Board Minutes
Board Minutes
08-11-25
Financials – Cash Flow Report
Check Register
Payroll – August 20, 2025 – $1,556,743.36
Activity Funds Accounts
USD 234 Gifts
Orchestra Extended Trip
HS Powerlifting Fundraising
The Revenue Neutral Hearing was held at 5:30 PM, none were present during public forum.
The Budget Hearing was held at 5:45 PM, one public was present for clarification on Mill Levy.
The Board approved –
Resolution 25-10 – Exceeding the Revenue Neutral Tax Rate
Resolution 24-11 – Make a local option percentage in an amount of 33% for the 25-26 school year.
The Board Approved the 2025-26 Budget with consideration of the Needs Assessment.
Superintendent Destry Brown gave an update on current enrollment as we are approaching the September 20th count day. The district has received the Patterson grant. At the High School the Hydroponic Farm is growing and the students are starting to harvest from their efforts.
Assistant Superintendent Terry Mayfield provided information on the Special Education Audit that has been finalized and the district did a wonderful job completing. The district financial audit will be starting September 22. Also, he updated the Board on each of the departments and the startup of the new school year. He also attended a Bus Safety training held with the district Bus Drivers.
Assistant Superintendent Zach Johnson updated the Board on iReady testing and the growing data that we have received and soon should be able to share with parents. State has said there will be changes to some requirements for graduation starting next year and he will be collaborating with High School Principals as more information becomes available. He is also working with a few in the community with students walking to and from school and how to improve the safety and encouragement for students.
Special Education Director Tonya Barnes provided a shared an update on the CatAid payment and information that she has been working on. We should receive our first payment next month.
Tracy Homan was recognized by Principal DJ Brown “Tracy Homan from FSMS goes above and beyond for kids. She has been instrumental in developing the student council program and is often seen at after-hours programs and events supporting students.”
Maintenance recognized Dusty Hood – “Dusty covered nearly 50 extra shifts at the end of last school year covering for absent staff. Dusty cleaned up for nearly all volleyball and basketball games/tournaments both after hours and on weekends last year. He is still covering his normal daytime shift at the Middle School this year plus 3 hours per night at the High School and another 1.5 hours per night at the Middle School and anywhere else we need him. He maintains an awesome relationship with his students and staff members. He helps lead the summer crew and he helps train any and all new custodial crew. Dusty is one of our most trusted and respected employees because of his hard work and dedication to the district. His positive attitude and “can do” mentality truly raised the bar in an exemplary manner. I wish we could find more than a piece of paper to distinguish what Dusty means to us staff members behind the scenes. We are forever indebted and grateful.”
Jennifer Durkin, Paraprofessional at Kansas Renewal Institute was recognized for her hard work and always being willing to jump in and help wherever needed. She loves the kids and is present for them every day.
Eugene Ware Principal, Mina Query, recognized Todd Magee, “Todd is a wonderful employee. He serves on Guiding Coalition, PBIS, and Team Tiger. He has such a positive attitude and never minds being silly for the kids. There are plenty of pictures out there from last year’s PBIS assemblies that show just how silly he is willing to be. Just check out his Maui photos on Facebook. He is a creative teacher who works hard to make learning seem like a game. I know a few students who got through their third-grade year because he was their teacher.”
The Board Approved the following items:
Adult Meal Prices for 2025-26
Adult Breakfast – $3.00
Adult Lunch – $5.05
MOU with FSCC for shared use of facilities
Partnership agreement with Head Start
One Year Lease agreement with Head Start
There were none present for public forum.
The Board went into an executive session for personnel matters.
Fort Scott High School is holding auditions for students in ninth through twelfth grade for “Between the Line,” the musical.
Auditions are from 6:30-9 p.m. on either September 2 or 3 in the FSHS Auditorium. Students only need to attend one night of auditions. Rehearsals are Monday through Thursday from 6:30-9 p.m. Performances are Nov. 11, 13, and 15 at 7 p.m. and Nov. 15 at 2 p.m.
“Between the Lines” is based on the young adult novel of the same name by Jodi Picoult and Samantha van Leer. Music and lyrics are by Elyssa Samsel & Kate Anderson with a book by Timothy Allen McDonald & Jodi Picoult.
The musical is directed by Theatre Director Angie Bin, Music Director Taylor Jones, and Assistant Directors Mesa Jones and Abby Starkey. FSHS will be the regional debut for “Between the Lines” which Bin first saw at the International Thespian Festival in 2024.
Students who want to audition for a solo role need to prepare a song ahead of time. Sheet music and accompaniment are available from Bin at the high school.
Technical crew members are needed in the areas of sound, lighting, set design, costuming, make-up, stage management, and stagecrew. Applications are available from Bin at the high school.
The following was submitted by USD234 regarding the mill levy.
USD 234 Shares Update on Mill Levy
Fort Scott USD 234 would like to share the answers to questions that have recently arisen about the district’s mill levy and property taxes.
First, it’s important to understand how the budget process works. The Board of Education meets with the district administrators in the spring as we begin the process of building the budget. The Board provides the administration direction as to how they want the budget prepared after reviewing the needs of the district and input from the administration. Typically, the Board directs us to keep the tax rate flat or to reduce or be lower than the previous year. The administration then works on the budget preparation through the months of June and July in partnership with the Bourbon County Clerk and Appraiser, who sets assessed property valuations we use to build the budget. We present a draft of the budget to the Board of Education for feedback in August with the final presentation and budget hearing in September.
Another common question is about the Recreation Commission and Buck Run Community Center. The Recreation Commission is a separate entity from the USD 234 school district. They operate under their own board, budget, set their tax rate, and have their own budget hearing independent from the school district.
What’s Happening with USD 234’s Mill Levy?
Good news! The district’s tax rate will actually be slightly lower this year. Here’s a look at the numbers:
Fund
2024-25 Actual
2025-26 Proposed
Difference
General
20.000
20.000
0.000
Supplemental General
14.895
14.891
-0.104
Capital Outlay
7.896
8.000
+0.004
Bond & Interest
9.669
9.757
+0.088
Total
52.660
52.648
-0.012
Even though USD 234 will technically “exceed revenue neutral” because of rising property valuations in the county and State aid, the actual tax rate is going down slightly. Over the last 10 years, the district tax rate has remained stable, dropping just over 1 mill during that time period.
Why does the district choose not to be Revenue Neutral?
Each year, the Kansas Department of Education determines the percentage of state aid the district will receive based on the poverty level in the district. That number changes yearly. This year, we will receive between 65% and 69% of our funding for the supplemental general, bond and interest, and capital outlay funds from the State. That leaves only 31% to 35% of those budget totals to be funded locally. Our state aid percentage has gone up each year, which brings additional dollars into the district from other parts of the State. This was part of the equalization lawsuit that went through the courts years ago.
Why was there a discrepancy between what the County sent to taxpayers and the actual budget being published by the district?
Some of the confusion comes from the Notice of Proposed Property Tax report that Bourbon County recently mailed to taxpayers. Those numbers were based on early estimates and don’t always match what the district actually adopts. We are required to provide the County Clerk with our estimates very early in the budget building process, creating a discrepancy between the proposed and the actual budget numbers.
Here’s how the county’s estimates compared with USD 234’s proposed levy:
Fund
County Estimate
USD 234 Proposed
Difference
General
20.000
20.000
0.000
Supplemental General
17.001
14.891
-2.110
Capital Outlay
8.000
8.000
0.000
Bond & Interest
9.757
9.757
0.000
Total
54.758
52.648
-2.110
As can be seen, the original estimates were a little higher than what USD 234 is actually proposing to the Board of Education.
Clearing Up Misinformation
The District appreciates the taxpayers and the funding they provide for our students’ education. Because of the funding provided to the district, the District is able to provide high quality teachers, staff, and resources to prepare every student with the skills and knowledge needed to be successful beyond high school. The district welcomes any questions you may have about our budget or anything else concerning the school district. Should you have any questions, please contact:
What’s the right plan for your child?
Open to all parents and caregivers of children with special needs (any physical or behavioral difference)— whether you’re just starting out or looking to better understand the system.
Date: Sunday, September 28, 2025
Time: 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM
Location: First Southern Baptist Church, Family Life Center, 1818 S. Main, Fort Scott, KS
Guest Speaker: Tonya Barnes, USD 234 Special Education Director
