Agenda for the Uniontown School District can be accessed:
Monday, February 12, 2024 Agenda
Category Archives: Schools
Renovated, Wider Walking Trail On The Horizon for Uniontown
The Uniontown Walking Trail is utilized daily by walkers in the small, western Bourbon County town and is slated for renovation this spring.
“Students use the trail at times and we have a significant number of patrons who use it very consistently,” said USD 235 Superintendent Vance Eden. “In its current condition, some use is limited by the cracks and condition of the asphalt. We anticipate greater use by all parties after reconstruction. ”
“The district was awarded a grant from the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks- Recreational Trails Program to pay for the majority of the project,” Eden said. “The remaining cost will be completed by the district and community members or paid from our Capital Outlay Fund.”
“The Department of Wildlife and Parks contribution will be $218,800 with the total project estimated at $321,300,” he said. “The district can self-perform or solicit donations to cover its portion and will do so to the greatest extent possible.”
“The contractor, Tristate Building, will start work later this spring,” he said. “We are anticipating mid-April to be warm and hopefully dry enough to make progress on the work. It is estimated to take around six weeks to complete.”
“The vast majority of the old trail will be completely removed and replaced with an American Disability Act compliance with a concrete trail that is 5 feet in width,” he said. “The trail is approximately 1.3 miles in length.”
The original walking trail was funded also through a Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks grant.
He said the original trail was during the early years of former Superintendent Randy Rockhold’s time with the district.
FSHS Thespians Perform “Arsenic and Old Lace”
The Fort Scott High School Thespians perform the dark comedy “Arsenic and Old Lace” at 7 p.m. on Feb. 8, 9, and 10 at the FSHS Auditorium.
Dramatists Play Service describes the play this way, “Drama critic Mortimer Brewster’s engagement announcement is upended when he discovers a corpse in his elderly aunts’ window seat. Mortimer rushes to tell Abby and Martha before they stumble upon the body themselves, only to learn that the two old women aren’t just aware of the dead man in their parlor, they killed him! Between his aunts’ penchant for poisoning wine, a brother who thinks he’s Teddy Roosevelt, and another brother using plastic surgery to hide from the police—not to mention Mortimer’s own hesitancy about marriage—it’ll be a miracle if Mortimer makes it to his wedding. “Arsenic and Old Lace” is a classic black comedy about the only thing more deadly than poison: family.”
The Brewster sisters are played by senior Jaedyn Lewis and junior Emma Guns with the role of Mortimer being played by senior Jericho Jones. Major supporting roles are played by senior Regen Wells and juniors Cooper George, Kaiden Clary, and Mykael Lewis.
Tickets for performances are $7 for adults and $5 for students and children. Tickets are available at fortscotthighschool.ludus.com or at the door. All tickets are reserved seating. Doors open 30 minutes prior to showtime.
The show is directed by FSHS Theatre Director Angie Bin and FSHS Thespian alum Mesa Jones is Assistant Director.
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Unapproved Minutes of the U235 Board of Education on January 8
UNIONTOWN UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT 235
Uniontown, Kansas 66779
Regular Meeting 8 JANUARY 2024
The Board of Education of Uniontown Unified School District 235, State of Kansas, met in regular session on Monday, January 8, 2024, at 7:30 p.m. in the BOE Meeting Room in Uniontown, Kansas.
Board members present: Mike Mason,Tyler Martin, Brian Stewart, Troy Couchman, Seth Martin, Rhonda Hoener and Matt Kelly
Others present for all or portions of the meeting: Vance Eden, Sherri Hartman, Robert Onelio, Tammy Townsend, Scott Sutton, and Tim Endicott
President Mason called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. Mason then led the group in the flag salute and welcomed the new members.
Superintendent Eden read the District Mission Statement.
T Martin, seconded by Stewart, made a motion to approve the agenda with change of STRIKE Information Item B: Sparkwheel update.
Motion passed 7-0.
T Martin, seconded by Stewart, made a motion to approve the minutes of the December 11, 2023 Regular meeting and the December 18, 2023 Special Meeting Minutes.
Motion passed 7-0.
Martin, seconded by Hoener, made a motion to approve the consent agenda.
Motion passed 7-0.
A. Pay bills in the amount of $337,912.65.
B. Approve Treasurer’s Report for December 2023.
No patron addressed the Board.
Principal Onelio gave an oral report to the board.
Superintendent Eden gave written and oral reports to the Board on the Walking Trail, KASB Policy review, Strategic plan update, Graduation on May 5, 2024 at 2:00 p.m, and a Capital Project Grant update.
Hoener, seconded by Stewart, made a motion to approve the KASB Policy updates.
Motion passed 7-0.
T Martin, seconded by S Martin, made a motion to go into executive session to discuss an individual employee’s performance pursuant to non-elected personnel exception under KOMA, and the open
meeting will resume at 9:15 p.m.
Motion passed 7-0.
Into Executive Session at 9:00 p.m.
Eden was invited into session.
Out of Executive Session at 9:15 p.m.
T Martin, seconded by Kelly, made a motion to accept the resignation of Luke Davis as UJHS Math Teacher effective 12/31/2023.
Motion passed 7-0.
T Martin, seconded by Couchman, made a motion to approve Schotze Griffiths as a cook.
Motion passed 7-0.
T Martin, seconded by Stewart, made a motion to approve Heather Tarwater as a vehicle driver.
Motion passed 7-0.
T Martin, seconded by Couchman, made a motion to accept the resignation of Bugs George effective March 15, 2024.
Motion passed 7-0.
T Martin, seconded by Kelly, made a motion to approve Jacy Walker as Elementary teacher. Motion passed 7-0.
Martin, seconded by Stewart, made a motion to adjourn the meeting.
Motion passed 7-0.
Meeting adjourned at 9:20 p.m.
Date minutes approved ______________________
______________________________
President, Board of Education
__________________________________
Attested: Clerk, Board of Education
The next Regular board meeting is Monday, February 12, 2024 at 7:30 p.m.
WBE Kindergarten Screening On March 18
A screening clinic for 2024-2025 kindergarten students has been scheduled for Monday, March 18 at West Bourbon Elementary. To be eligible for kindergarten, your child must be 5 years old on or before August 31, 2024.
Students who will be new to WBE will sign up for a 30 minute slot to be assessed on March 18. Please bring in your child’s birth certificate and immunization record. The agenda for the child will include kindergarten skills assessment, vision, hearing, speech, and checking health records.
Kindergarten children are required to have a physical exam within 12 months of beginning school and have all current immunizations. The Bourbon County Health Department will be onsite providing immunizations and physicals.
Due to the screenings, there will be no Kindergarten class on March 18th.
For the best testing environment for your child, we ask that you not bring brothers or sisters.
To set up a time for screening and assessment, please call the school at 620-224-2350, option 1, or visit https://tinyurl.com/2024WBEKindergartenRoundup.
USD 234 Board of Education Met On January 8
Unified School District 234
424 South Main
Fort Scott, KS 66701-2697
620-223-0800 Fax 620-223-2760
DESTRY BROWN
Superintendent
BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING
NEWS RELEASE
Monday, January 8, 2024
Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, January 8, 2024, for their regular monthly meeting at the board office.
President David Stewart opened the meeting.
President Stewart welcomed the new board members to their first board meeting.
The board appointed Danny Brown as board member for the next two years.
Stewart Gulager was nominated and appointed as Vice-President of the USD 234 Board.
The board approved the official agenda, and the consent agenda as follows:
Board Minutes
12/11/23 Board Minutes
Financials-Cash Flow Report
Check Register
Payroll – December 18, 2023 – $1,689,996.80
Activity Fund accounts
USD 234 Gifts
CTE Math 2023-2024 Fundraising
Update Officers
Appoint KPERS Designated Agent
Resolution 23-11 KMIP Signers
Resolution 23-12 Bank Account Signers
Classified Tiger Team Members of the Month were Tim Button and Tim Coyan.
Mr. Coyan is a preschool driver and was recognized by Superintendent Brown for not missing one day of work this last semester. He was also thanked for his willingness to be available and helpful whenever needed.
Mr. Button is in his tenth year driving for USD 234. He also was recognized for not missing one day of work last semester. Superintendent Brown stated that he is thankful for safely transporting students to and from school.
Superintendent Destry Brown reported on a Principal opening at Winfield Scott. USD 234 is taking applications until the end of January. He also shared results of building climate surveys and parent surveys that were taken last semester. Snow Day procedures were shared with the board in the event of inclement weather. Mr. Brown shared information about the events happening with the proposed new preschool building. Also, the new board members were invited to a New Board Member Training that would be held in Columbus, Kansas.
Assistant Superintendent Dalaina Smith gave an update to the board on the Essential Standards. She said we have “amazing teachers” that are working very diligently to use interventions that would increase the students’ education. This is an evolving document that will be shared on the district’s website sometime this week. USD 234 is seeing remarkable results.
Tonya Barnes, Special Education Director, gave a report on the Speech Department within Special Education. The need is growing, and she was able to share how USD 234 is working to fulfill those needs. She acknowledged the demanding work the Speech Team is doing to meet the requirements for each student.
Superintendent Brown reported on end of year finance reports.
Cherri Walrod, Community Liaison for Core Community Bourbon County (CCBBCO), gave an update to the board Monday evening. This program began in November of 2023 and has fifteen adults in the 20-week Phase One Program, with most being within the USD 234 School District. She recognized Janice Lamb, Community Coach, for working each week as a leader for the participants. She has helped with filling out applications, groceries, and being a listening ear when needed. “Core Community has been nothing but an amazing program to be a part of…It has brought my family closer together” was a testimony from a current participant. Visiting Core Community Bourbon County on Facebook will give updates, testimonies, and more information for anyone interested.
The board approved the following items:
- To publish board seat #1&4 in the Fort Scott Tribune.
- Open Enrollment Policy.
- Regular Board Meeting dates for 2024.
- Move the election of Board Officers until the July board Meeting.
- Personnel Report following
The board went into an executive session for personnel matters.
President Stewart adjourned the meeting.
PERSONNEL REPORT – APPROVED EMPLOYMENT
January 8, 2024
RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:
Center, Ronette – Retirement
Charter, Shelly – Resignation
Lynch, Tabitha – Resignation
Satterfield, Cindy – Retirement
Smith, Dalaina – Resignation
Witt, Randi – Resignation
TRANSFERS/REASSIGNMENTS/LEAVE OF ABSENCE:
For the 2023-24 school year:
Certified:
Farrington, Jannah – Mentor for Anna Anderson for the remainder of school year
Underwood, Elizabeth – Paraprofessional to full time Speech Paraprofessional Winfield Scott
EMPLOYMENT:
Classified Recommendations for the 2023-24 school year:
Foulk, Joe – Help Desk Technician
McGehee, Sarah – Preschool Paraprofessional
Robinson, Angela – Payroll Clerk
Yarick, Gail – Business Manager
Strategies to Prevent Sex Trafficking Presented to the Community This Month
January is Sex Trafficking Awareness Month.
A special presentation on strategies to prevent sex trafficking will be happening on Wednesday, January 31 at 6 p.m. at Fort Scott Community College Ellis Arts Center, 2108 S. Horton.
Children under 18 years of age are not allowed to this presentation “due to some of the explicit videos and information that will be shared that evening,” said Shanda Stewart.
“I just retired in November after 29 years with the State of Kansas, 6th Judicial District as a Probation Office,” Stewart said. “I got to hear Russ Tuttle’s presentation at a conference I attended in October and was so blown away with the information; I thought we have got to get him to Bourbon County. I was able to network with the right people to make it happen!”
“Your perception of sex trafficking and what it is, will be completely changed,” she said.
Youth will get a version for themselves the next day and faculty and staff will have a presentation at an in-service day in USD 234.
“On Thursday, February 1st the presenter, Russ Tuttle will be doing age-appropriate assemblies at all four of the USD 234 schools,” Stewart said. “On Friday, February 2nd he will do a presentation for all faculty and staff during their teacher in-service day.”
BeAlert® is the awareness and prevention strategy of The Stop Trafficking Project® to end domestic minor sex trafficking (DMST)before it starts by disrupting the exploitation of vulnerability.
This adults-only community presentation focuses on the role of life online (the internet) for students, to educate and empower caring adults in our community to prevent sex trafficking, according to a press release.
Caring adults in the community who are invited to attend:
- Law enforcement
- Firefighters and EMT’s
- Medical professionals
- Counselors
- Faith community leaders
- School personnel
- Parents, guardians, and all other adult family members
Students are enamored with social media and “life online,” according to the press release from Stewart.
The event will provide practical advice to caring adults to guide and make them aware of vulnerabilities that can be exploited such loneliness, isolation, depression, suicide, sexting, sextortion, pornography, cyberbullying, exploitation, sexual exploitation, and domestic minor sex trafficking (DMST)
The presentation will be a fast-moving PowerPoint.
The presenter, Russ Tuttle, is an active abolitionist who has command of the topic and speaks with energy that grabs and keeps the attention of attendees, according to the press release.
The presentation will have images and videos to provide insight into the role of technology in exploiting vulnerabilities, identify the demand in this high-demand business of sexual exploitation, provide the option to engage with the BeAlert® Strategy, the Stop Trafficking App, and the ‘top ten practical steps’ for adults to keep students safer.
No children, please at the January 31 presentation.
For more information, contact Stewart at 620.215.2681.
Fort Scott High School Thespians Win State Honors
The Fort Scott High School Thespian Troupe #7365 brought home several high honors from the KS State Thespian Festival this weekend.
The troupe traveled to Wichita on Jan. 4-6 for the annual festival with nearly 2,000 other Kansas Thespians. Of the thirty students who attended, half of them also competed in individual Thespy events. Two students received Superior ratings on their events, qualifying them to compete at the International Thespian Festival in June. Senior Regen Wells qualified for the third year in a row in the Monologue category and sophomore Junie Fisher qualified in the Musical Solo division. Ten other entries received Excellent ratings on their Thespys.
The troupe received the Gold Honor Troupe Award which is the highest honor a troupe can receive at Festival. FSHS also had a team qualify to compete in the finals of the Competitive Improv event.
The FSHS Advanced Drama class competed with the one-act play entitled “I Quit! A Guide to Quitting Your Job in Style” directed by senior Josiah Eisenbrandt. The troupe also competed in the Lobby Display category by creating a display featuring the Festival theme “Kansas Thespians are One of a Kind” based on the musical Six.
FSHS Thespian President Lexi Hill, a senior, was one of only 10 students in the state to win a KS Thespian college scholarship for Technical Theatre. She also auditioned for all of the colleges in attendance at the Festival and had call-backs from 21 colleges for Technical Theatre and thirteen colleges for her Acting audition.
In addition to competing, students attended workshops from professionals in the theatre industry from across the country. They also attended the best high school musicals and plays in the state that were invited to perform at the Festival.
The troupe, directed by FSHS Theatre teacher Angie Bin, is currently in rehearsals for the dark comedy “Arsenic and Old Lace.” Performances are Feb. 8-10 in the FSHS Auditorium. More information on Troupe #7365 can be found on the Fort Scott High School Thespians Facebook page.
Left to right: Junie Fisher and Regen Wells receive Superior ratings on their Thespy events at the KS State Thespian Festival qualifying them to compete at the International Thespian Festival in June.
USD234 Agenda for January 8
Unified School District 234
424 South Main
Fort Scott, KS 66701-2697
620-223-0800 Fax 620-223-2760
DESTRY BROWN
Superintendent
BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING
January 8, 2024 – 5:30 P.M.
AGENDA SUMMARY WITH COMMENTARY
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 Item)
4.1 Appoint Board Member
4.2 Election of Vice-President of the Board
5.0 Approval of the Consent Agenda (Action Item)
5.1 Board Minutes
- 12/11/23 Board Minutes
5.2 Financials-Cash Flow Report
5.3 Check Register
5.4 Payroll – December 18, 2023 – $1,689,996.80
5.5 Activity Fund accounts
5.6 USD 234 Gifts
5.7 CTE Math 2023-2024 Fundraising
5.8 Update Officers
Appoint KPERS Designated Agent
5.9 Resolution 23-11 KMIP Signers
5.10 Resolution 23-12 Bank Account Signers
6.0 Recognitions (Information/Discussion Item)
6.1 Employee Recognition
- Licensed
- Speech Team
- Classified
- Bus Driver
- Bus Driver
7.0 Leadership Reports (Information/Discussion Item)
7.1 Superintendent’s Report
7.2 Assistant Superintendent’s Report
7.3 Special Education Director’s Report
7.4 Finance Director’s Report
8.0 Old Business
8.1 Core Communities Report
8.2 Board Vacancy (Discussion Item)
8.3 Publish Board Seat Vacancy #1&4, #2&5 in the Fort Scott Tribune. (Action Item)
9.0 New Business
9.1 Resolution 23-10 to adopt Open Enrollment Policy (Action Item)
9.2 Resolution 23-13 To Establish Regular Board Meetings 2024
9.3 Resolution 23-14 To Establish Election of School Board Officers
10.0 Public Forum
11.0 Other Business – Personnel Matters
11.1 Enter Executive Session – Personnel Matters (Action Item)
11.2 Exit Executive Session
11.3 Approval of Personnel Report (Action Item)
12.0 Adjourn Meeting David Stewart, President
James Woods Leaves a Vacancy on USD 234 Board of Education
James Wood has served as a member of the Board of Education in Fort Scott for four years. He was just recently re-elected in November for a second term. James works at Diehl Banwart Bolton CPAs, PA. In late November, James was promoted to a partner position with Diehl Banwart Bolton CPAs, PA, which changed his responsibilities at the firm. Consequently, James is resigning his position on the USD # 234 school board effective January 1, 2024.
“James has been a great board member and has held several leadership positions on the school board during his term. He is a creative thinker and has been a great asset to the board because of his accounting and business background. He will be sorely missed on our board,” states Destry Brown, superintendent.
On reflecting about his time on the board, James reflects, “I have truly enjoyed my time on the Board of Education. I believe in the direction our school district is going and am excited for the future of the district. I grew up as a Tiger and will always be a Tiger at heart.”
The Board of Education will discuss filling the vacancy created by Wood’s resignation at the next board meeting on January 11th.
Youth Sex Trafficking Prevention Presentation is January 31
The following is a press release from USD 234 Superintendent Destry Brown.
“I am excited to announce that thanks to Shanda Stewart, the E3 Ranch Foundation, and the Bourbon County Sheriff’s Department we are able to bring a phenomenal speaker to our community to educate us on the dangers of social media and its relationship to sex trafficking. Please mark your calendar for Wednesday, January 31st 6 p.m. at the FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center!,” according to the press release.
“Russ Tuttle will also be presenting to our students in all Fort Scott Schools on February 1st. His presentations to students are age appropriate and are geared at teaching students about the dangers of using social media.,” according to the release.
Here is the flyer for the event:
BeAlert® is the awareness and prevention strategy of The Stop Trafficking Project® to end domestic minor sex trafficking (DMST)before it starts by disrupting the exploitation of vulnerability.
THIS ADULT ONLY COMMUNITY PRESENTATION FOCUSES ON THE ROLE OF “LIFE ONLINE” FOR STUDENTS
ONE IMAGE & THREE WORDS WILL CHANGE YOUR PARADIGM!
The Who – caring adults invited to attend:
- Law enforcement
- Firefighter’s and EMT’s
- Medical professionals
- Counselors
- Faith community leaders
- School personnel
- Parents, guardians, and all other adult family members
The What – educate and empower caring adults in our community:
- Students are enamored with social media and “life online”
- Name apps and provide practical advice to guide caring adults
- Unpack vulnerabilities that can be exploited: loneliness, isolation, depression, suicide, sexting, sextortion, pornography, cyberbullying, exploitation, sexual exploitation, and domestic minor sex trafficking (DMST)
The How – the approach: Fast-moving Power Point presentation designed for maximum impact
The presenter – an active abolitionist: Has command of the topic and speaks with energy that grabs and keeps the attention of attendees.
The presentation – fast paced with appropriate images and videos:
- Provide insight into the role of technology in exploiting vulnerabilities
- Identify the demand in this high demand business of sexual exploitation
- Provide the option to engage with the BeAlert® Strategy, the Stop Trafficking App, and the “top ten practical steps” for adults to keep students safer
LOCATION: FSCC ELLIS FINE ARTS CENTER
SPONSORS: E3 RANCH FOUNDATION & BOURBON COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT
TIME: 6 PM on January 31
OTHER DETAILS: NO CHILDREN PLEASE
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: SHANDA STEWART 620-215-2681