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, October 9, 2023
Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, October 9, 2023, 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
- 9/11/2023 Regular Meeting
- Financials-Cash Flow Report
- Check Register
- Payroll – September 20, 2023 – $1,638,198.05
- Activity Fund accounts
- USD 234 Gifts
- FSHS Extended Trip Applications
- FSHS Fundraising Applications
- Ratification of Investments
- USD 234 Substitute Pay Schedule Adjustment
USD 234 Licensed Tiger Team Member of the Month was Emily Stephens, Winfield Scott Special Education Teacher. She was recognized by Tonya Barnes for being willing to help provide services to a student that attends a local private school. This would be in addition to her students at Winfield Scott.
Classified Tiger Team Members of the Month are as follows:
Kelley Tucker, Winfield Scott Occupational Therapist Paraprofessional, was recognized by Tonya Barnes. Kelley is assisting with Hannelie Smit, Occupational Therapist. She was thanked for being extremely organized and assisting above expectations with Mrs. Smit.
Caroline Elton, Flo Tanner, Terra Kegler, Lucretia Ruggero, Jessica Cox, Fort Scott High School Paraprofessionals, were recognized by Tonya Barnes for their outstanding work with the Sensory Bulletin Board. They have provided a sensory space for the students that has proved to be highly effective and helpful. Mrs. Barnes commended each on building connections to help bring more productivity to the students.
Cynthia Hemphill-Witham and Shanna Staton, Preschool Paraprofessionals, were recognized by Tonya Barnes. As the Preschool needs are growing, they have been willing to take on more responsibilities to help the students. Mr. Johnson, Principal, recommended Cynthia and Shannon for their willingness to go above and beyond every day for the students.
Winfield Scott recognized three outstanding students:
Cash Durossette, student at Winfield Scott, was recognized by Shelly Carter and Chris Garzone. He was recognized for being respectful and always having a smile. Cash is in Ms. Kait’s second grade class.
Bodhi Farley, student at Winfield Scott, was recognized by Shelly Carter and Chris Garzone.
He was recognized for being respectful everywhere he goes. Bodhi is in Mrs. Cross’s second grade class.
Rowyn Ratcliff, student at Winfield Scott, was recognized by Shelly Carter and Chris Garzone. She was recognized for following directions and helping her friends. Rowyn was also chosen by Peerless to name her own paint chip color. She named it “Rowyn Rose.” Rowyn is in Ms. Kait’s second grade class.
Superintendent Destry Brown reported on the enrollment being down about sixty students this year. He also updated on the Finance Department and how day to day is proceeding productively. Mr. Brown updated on the board vacancy moving to “at large” but will be put to an election. Preschool has a waiting list of around thirty students. District and Greenbush are looking into a mobile unit that could help accommodate this need
Assistant Superintendent Dalaina Smith updated the Board on Fall data testing. All is done except kindergarten, but good growth is shown. RTI groups have been put in place and Title teachers have worked hard to address skill groups. Mrs. Smith updated on IReady and 504 plans and the continued training and growth of both.
Tonya Barnes, Special Education Director, reported about Indicator 12 and progress reporting. Mrs. Barnes updated about IDEA verification and CATAID revenue. The district’s first payment will come on October 15. SPED Training that will happen this month will be with TASN and then Mrs. Barnes will do training with the teachers. She also updated on the trainings that she will be attending later this month.
Superintendent Brown discussed the proposed JBCC Open Enrollment Policy. There was no action currently.
The board approved the following items:
- Acceptance of appreciated stock in the amount of approximately $130,000.00.
- Final roof payment upon completion in the amount of $173,414.60.
- Approval of District Health Insurance
- Personnel Report following
The board went into an executive session for personnel matters.
President Stewart adjourned the meeting.
PERSONNEL REPORT – APPROVED EMPLOYMENT
October 9, 2023
RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:
Chipman, Katie – Middle School – Paraprofessional
EMPLOYMENT:
Classified Recommendations for the 2023-24 school year:
Lynch, Tabitha – Preschool – Paraprofessional
Lynn, Shelby – Instructional Assistant in Automotive Technology – High School
Superintendent Destry Brown Evaluation – Due by Nov 1
Board Evaluation
