Category Archives: Schools

Fort Scott, Schools

News Release From the USD234 Board Meeting on March 31

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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, March 31, 2025

 

Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, March 31, 2025, for a special meeting at 424 S Main.

 

President David Stewart opened the meeting.

 

The board approved the official agenda.

 

The Board went into an executive session for personnel matters.

 

President David Stewart adjourned the meeting.

 

PERSONNEL REPORT – APPROVED

March 31, 2025

 

 

RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:

 

Anderson, Mikiah – Resignation – Paraprofessional – Preschool

Blackburn, Brendon – Resignation – 8th Science Teacher – Middle School

Blackburn, Brendon – Supplemental Resignation – Head Football Coach – Middle School

Blackburn, Brendon – Supplemental Resignation – Assistant Wrestling Coach – Middle School

Blackburn, Brendon – Supplemental Resignation – Assistant Wrestling Coach – High School

Blackburn, Brendon – Supplemental Resignation – Summer Conditioning Coordinator

 

EMPLOYMENT:

 

Certified Recommendations

 

Hendrickson, Elanor – Special Education Teacher – High School

Karleskint, Amanda – 2nd Grade Teacher – Winfield Scott

Madison, Kendall – Special Education Teacher – Winfield Scott

Simas, Kiel – Physical Education Teacher & Weights – Middle School

Staton, Shanna – Special Education Teacher – Winfield Scott

 

Supplemental Recommendations for the 2025-26 school year:

 

Cavin, Brent – Assistant Football Coach – Middle School

 

 

Bourbon County, Fort Scott, Schools, Uncategorized

Highschools Add “Pirate Talk” As Foreign Language Option

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As high schools around the country look for ways to help students meet the two-year foreign language requirement, Fort Scott and Uniontown have come up with an innovative way to offer a new exciting option by pooling their resources to hire a new teacher for “pirate talk” classes at both highschools.

“It was really hard to find a teacher qualified to teach pirate speak,” said a school administrator who was hard to identify on this particular date. “Especially because most people who are good at speaking pirate, are usually looking for watery waves and less amber grain. But we are proud to announce that we’ve managed to procure the services of Captain Barnaby Blackwater as a teacher for the 2025 to 2026 school year.”

When asked about the compensation package offered Mr. Blackwater, the administrator seemed a big hesitant and mumbled something that sounded like “rum, doubloons, and more rum…” but it wasn’t clear exactly what they were trying to say.

Mr. Blackwater agreed to a short interview to answer some questions.

Captian Barnaby Blackwater, what convinced you to give up the high seas to come teach our high school students how to speak like a pirate?

Arrr, that be a fine question, matey! Truth be told, sailin’ the high seas be grand, but when the good folk o’ Bourbon County waved doubloons and barrels o’ their finest rum under me nose, ol’ Barnaby couldn’t resist!

Mind ye, I’m still scratchin’ me beard ’bout the notable absence o’ oceans ’round Kansas—makes sailin’ me ship, the Salty Grammar, mighty tricky—but the thought o’ teachin’ landlocked lads and lasses the sweet tongue o’ piracy warmed me black heart. And between you an’ me, I’ve a notion to recruit a few sturdy seniors to crew me ship once their diplomas be in hand! Harrr-harr-harr!

Some people say that learning pirate speak isn’t comparable to learning a foreign language and students should be required to learn more traditional languages. What do you think of those claims?

Arrrr, poppycock and bilgewater, says I! Pirate speak be as foreign as any tongue sailed across the seven seas. Why, me hearties, Pirate speak is brimmin’ with culture, tradition, and adventure—enough to put French or Spanish to shame!

Besides, when was the last time ye heard o’ French helpin’ ye find buried treasure, or Spanish teachin’ ye how to properly swing a cutlass and shout fearsome insults at yer foes, eh?

Will Pirate Speak help students get positions in the job market?

Arrr! A wise query indeed, matey! O’ course Pirate speak be useful in the job market—more useful than a parrot that can recite poetry, I’ll wager!

Think o’ the skills these young buccaneers’ll master: assertive communication (“Hand over the doubloons, ye scallywag!”), leadership (“Hoist the mainsail and ready the cannons!”), negotiation (“Five barrels o’ rum or I be walkin’ away!”), an’ teamwork (“All hands on deck, ye salty seadogs!”).

Plus, should traditional jobs fail ’em, there’s always plenty o’ room aboard me ship, the Salty Grammar. Ol’ Captain Blackwater always be lookin’ for hearty new recruits with a flair fer proper Pirate speak! Harrr-harr!

Painting of Captain Blackwater’s ship, the Salty Grammar
Fort Scott, Government, Schools, Youth

Students at Fort Scott High School Lead Community Advocacy Efforts

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Students at Fort Scott High School joined the national grassroots effort called Theatre in Our Schools Month (TIOS) to advocate for the benefits of theatre education in schools in the month of March. Members of International Thespian Society (ITS) Troupe #7365 drew attention to the need for increased access to quality theatre programs for all students.

 

To get the word out, students participated in a number of theatre related activities. On Feb. 26 and 28 the troupe participated in community service activities at the Senior Center in downtown Fort Scott. They had a Theatre in Our Schools Month Kick-Off Party on March 4 at the Museum of Creativity. On March 6, the troupe traveled to Topeka to meet with Thespians from across the state and Senator Tim Shallenburger and Representative Rick James to celebrate and discuss Theatre Advocacy Day in KS. Troupe President Cooper George and Secretary Emi King presented to the USD 234 Board of Education on March 10.

 

Throughout the month, the troupe dressed to represent various musicals on Musical Mondays and wore theatre-related shirts on Theatre Shirt Tuesdays. They also had Improv Acting Troupe practice on Tuesdays after school and FSMS Drama Club on Fridays after school. All Drama class students learned about mask use in theatre and created their own masks using plaster strips molded to their own faces. Masks were on display in the Art Gallery throughout the month. Drama classes also held a Creative Costuming contest using a tote full of miscellaneous items to create a unique costume. Technical Theatre classes designed costumes for a specific character based on costuming the school has on hand in our wardrobe. To finish out the month, the troupe saw the FSCC production of “No Exit” on March 26 and held the annual FSHS Talent Show & Minute to Win It on March 28.

 

The ITS is the theatre honor society for middle and high school students. These Thespians plan and implement TIOS activities in their schools, in their communities, and with elected officials. The presentations and activities explain how theatre education positively shapes students’ lives by instilling necessary life skills. TIOS Month is an opportunity for students, parents, communities, school boards, and elected officials to come together to make theatre education more available to all students. One of the key messages is that theatre skills help students develop vital 21st-century skills like communication, collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking, as well as social/emotional skills critical to students’ growth as young adults.

 

 

Entertainment, Fort Scott, Government, Schools, Youth

Fort Scott High School Hosts Annual Talent Show Awards

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Zoe Scott won first place in the Fort Scott High School Talent Show. Submitted photo.

The annual FSHS Talent Show and Minute to Win It was held on March 28th. The event, sponsored by FSHS Thespian Troupe #7635 and emceed by Molly Hoyt and Emma Bin, awarded cash prizes to the top three competitors.

 

Junior Zoe Scott won the $100 grand prize. She sang “At Last” by Etta James. Sophomore Allie Wards took second and $75 with her violin solo of “Adoration” by Felix Borowski. Third place and $50 went to junior Junie Fisher and freshman Gianna Gorman for their duet of “What is This Feeling” from Wicked.

Allie Ward won second place. Submitted photo.

A new Minute to Win It competition was held between clubs and organizations. The Minute to Win It winners were Blaiton Terry and Gracin Pitts for FFA. They win $200 sponsored by Thespians and National Speech and Debate Association toward their club or favorite charity.

Gracin Pitts and Blaiton Terry

The next Thespian event is the annual Rummage Sale to be held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Apr. 18 and from 8 a.m. to noon on Apr. 19 at FSHS. Enter the school through the NW doors. Prices for the sale are a free will donation. Thespians is now accepting donations at the high school or contact Angie Bin at [email protected] or 620-719-9622 for pick up.

Gianna Gorman and Junie Fisher. Submitted photo.

 

Fort Scott, Government, Schools

USD234 Meets on March 31

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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

March 31, 2025 – 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       Other Business – Time ______

4.1       Enter Executive Session – Personnel Matters (Action Item)

4.2       Exit Executive Session – _______ (Time)

4.3       Approval of Personnel Report (Action Item)

 

5.0       Adjourn Meeting _____ (Time)            David Stewart, President

Fort Scott, Schools

USD234 Board of Ed. Minutes of March 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, March 10, 2025

 

Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, March 10, 2025, for their regular monthly meeting at 409 S Judson.

 

President David Stewart opened the meeting.

 

The board approved the official agenda, and the consent agenda as follows:

Board Minutes

Board Minutes

            02-10-25

Financials – Cash Flow Report

Check Register

Payroll – February 20, 2025 – $1,699,042.60

Activity Funds Accounts

USD 234 Gifts

 

March is Theatre in Our Schools Month.  Cooper George, President, and Emi King, Secretary, presented to the Board.  Cooper has been involved for six years and he explained the benefits such as working as a team and learning how to become adults.  Emi was excited to share about the creativity and development of many skills that she has been able to acquire in the last two years she has been involved.  They both had a presentation that included many activities, plays, and events that the department is involved in.  Everyone is invited to attend the upcoming Talent Show on March 28, 2025.

 

Meredith Tucker, No Limits Rehab, was recognized by Special Education Director Tonya Barnes.  Meredith is one of the district’s Physical Therapist.  She said she loves being a part of the community and school district.  Mrs. Barnes thanked her for her willingness and excitement to help our district’s students.

 

Superintendent Destry Brown reported that the district has been chosen for the Stepping Up Initiative Grant.  This first year will be mostly planning, and he said that the group will be great to work with and is excited for this grant.

 

Assistant Superintendent Terry Mayfield provided the Board with a shared update.  The building on Horton Street will be starting demo soon.  He also updated about the Cell Phone Tower purchase and how he is working for a bid soon.

 

Special Education Director Tonya Barnes updated the Board on Categorical Aid with a payment on March 15.

 

Nick Johnson, Preschool Principal, staff, and several students were present to inform the Board about the Preschool program. There are 122 students with five teachers.  Principal Johnson recognized the excellent staff that works with these students. A few of the students help everyone in attendance with their morning pretzel song.  Staff also recognized Principal Johnson for helping in every area throughout the Preschool including driving a van and more.

Michelle Stevenson, Early Childhood Coordinator, works with prenatal to six-year-olds.  She works on building relationships with parent/child/community.  It is a literacy and strength-based program that with each visit the children receive a new book. This program provides different events for families each year.

 

The Board Approved the following items:

  • 2025-26 School Calendar (Pending Negotiations)
  • Designate Make up Day due to missed weather
  • JAG Kansas School to Work Program Renewal

 

There was discussion about possible sale of district owned property.  This was discussion only.

 

There were none present for public forum.

 

The Board went into an executive session for personnel matters.

 

President David Stewart adjourned the meeting.

 

PERSONNEL REPORT – APPROVED

March 10, 2025

 

RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:

 

Hall, Kathi – Supplemental Resignation – Assistant Wrestling Coach

Holm, Susan – Resignation – Paraprofessional – High School

Mills, Lacy – Resignation – Paraprofessional – Eugene Ware

Trimble, Aidan – Resignation – Paraprofessional – Eugene Ware

 

TRANSFER:

 

Rainey, Taylor – KRI SPED Teacher to Eugene Ware SPED Teacher

Pitts, Jaxon – Maintenance II Groundskeeper to Maintenance I Groundskeeper/Athletic Fields Manager

Torres, Cynthia – ELA Teacher to Spanish Teacher – High School 2025-26

 

EMPLOYMENT:

 

Certified Recommendations

Carney, Drew – PE & Weights – High School

Erie, Aleana – English Teacher – High School

 

Classified Recommendations for the 2024-25 school year:

Bowman, Kinsley – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott

Chaplin, Mercedes – Paraprofessional – Eugene Ware

Miller, Martha – Paraprofessional – Eugene Ware

Weber, Shelia – Paraprofessional – Eugene Ware

 

Supplemental Recommendations for the 2024-25 school year:

Abati, Delynn – Head Dance Team Coach – High School

Glades, Matt – Assistant Football Coach – High School

Horton, Curtis – Assistant Football – High School

Martin, Dave – Assistant Girls’ Swim Coach

Woods, Nick – Assistant Track Coach – High School

 

Administration Contracts – Extended 26-27

Terry Mayfield

Tonya Barnes

Nick Johnson

Chris Garzone

Nicole Gilmore

Yasmina Query

Brandon Boyd

Zach Johnson

Matt Harris

Scott Kimble

Jeff Johnson

 

Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, Schools, Youth

Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge Tuesday, March 11

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Sending on behalf of the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce

Join us for the Public Trade Show!

2024-25

Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge

Tuesday, March 11th

11:30am – 12:45pm

FSHS Aux Gym, 1005 S. Main St.

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce announces the sixth annual Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge (YEC) in partnership with NetWork Kansas and Fort Scott High School. Forty-four students of the high school Business and Entrepreneurship classes have prepared startup business plans as either individuals or groups and will compete for cash prizes to be judged on Tuesday, March 11th , 2025.

The community is invited to a public tradeshow exhibit from 11:30am to 12:45pm that day to view the creative business plans in support of the students and place a vote for the Community Choice award.

Mrs. Morgan Sage at the high school has incorporated YEC into the business curriculum she teaches. Therefore, the students have been working on their business concepts since last semester including four

components of a business plan, elevator pitch, formal presentation, and a tradeshow exhibit. A judging panel selected by the Chamber and a representative of NetWork Kansas pre-judge the first three

components, and the competition culminates with the public tradeshow.

Cash prizes totaling up to $3,000 will be presented for first, second, and third place overall and the Community Choice award at 1:00pm following the tradeshow after the final scores are tallied.

The Chamber organizes the program in association with the NetWork Kansas E-Community Partnership and Bourbon County is one of many communities across Kansas to host a competition. The local overall winner will advance to the state-wide Kansas Entrepreneurship Challenge to be held April 17 th in Manhattan, which is sponsored by NetWork Kansas, Kansas State University Research & Extension, and Kansas State University for the Advancement of Entrepreneurship.

Contact the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce for more information at 620-223-3566 or [email protected].
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members below!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US
 
Fort Scott, Government, Schools

Agenda for the USD234 Board of Education on March 10

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The Fort Scott Preschool, at 409 S. Judson.

—

This meeting will be held at 409 S Judson (Please enter through the Judson Street Doors) instead of at the Board Office. 

Candace Jobe

MIS Clerk USD 234

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

March 10, 2025 – 5:30 P.M.

PUBLIC AGENDA

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

            02-10-25

            4.2       Financials – Cash Flow Report

            4.3       Check Register

            4.4       Payroll – February 20, 2025 – $1,699,042.60

4.5       Activity Funds Accounts

4.6       USD 234 Gifts

5.0       Recognitions

            FSHS Drama Department will present

OT/OTA/PT – Tonya

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       Preschool Presentation                    

 

7.0       Old Business

            7.1       Cell Tower Purchase Update (Information Only)

8.0       New Business

            8.1       Approval of 2025-26 School Calendar (Pending negotiations) (Action Item)

            8.2       District Owned Property Sale (Discussion/Information Only)

8.3       Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) – Kansas School-to-Work Program (Action Item)    

 

9.0       Public Forum

10.0     Other Business – Time ____

 

10.1     Enter Executive Session – Personnel Matters (Action Item)

10.2     Exit Executive Session – _______ (Time)

10.3     Approval of Personnel Report (Action Item)

 

11.0     Adjourn Meeting _____ (Time)            David Stewart, President

Bourbon County, Government, Schools

Uniontown Will Get New Preschool Building, Fire Alarm System, and ADA Front Entrance

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Vance Eden from the school website.

Voters yesterday approved an improvement plan for USD 235.

In 2021, Uniontown’s school district board of education had an engineering study in which they identified needs to be addressed, Superintendent Vance Eden said.

In November 2023 there was a bond issue put before the patrons of the district. That bond proposal failed, but the board felt that they still needed to address the issues pointed out in the 2021 study.

“The board came up with the money in the capital outlay fund to improve the agriculture department at the high school,” Eden said. “That took the majority of what they had in capital outlay.”

“The board didn’t have the cash to take on the other needs,” he said.

All graphics are from the Uniontown School District Facebook page.

Yesterday, March 4, another bond issue was presented to the patrons for approval, that has a $1,250,000 price tag with no annual tax rate increases for property owners.

It passed, with 67 percent of “yes” votes

“I’m glad the community had some consensus,” Eden said.

The next step in the process is that the finance team works with the Kansas Department of Education, with engineering and architectural work being approved, he said. Then contractors are sought for the construction and bids are let.

There are three components to the project: a new preschool building, a new fire alarm system at the high school, and a new front door area at West Bourbon Elementary School that is ADA and security compliant.

The fire system and front door areas should be completed by the start of the 2025-26 school year, Eden said.

The build of the preschool will take from 6-12 months and will likely start in the fall 2025.

The preschool program will continue in temporary accommodations until the new building is completed, he said.

Graphic of the unofficial results from yesterday’s voting on the bond issue. 211 patrons voted yes, 104 voted no. Graphic provided by the Bourbon County Clerk.

 

Uniontown High School houses the district’s school superintendent and board office.

 

The Preschool Building

The current modular preschool building, which is nearing the end of its usable life, will be replaced with an on-site built facility that will house the preschool and two offices.

Kansas law requires the district to provide special education services for children ages 3 and 4. Slots not filled by special education students are funded by Kansas law for at-risk children.

“After that, we fill with other students, most commonly referred to as model students,” he said.

Up to twenty students for the morning session and twenty more in the afternoon can be served in the district.

Also housed in the new building will be the speech therapist and the school psychologist, “who spend the majority of their time in that classroom,” he said.

 

The High School New Fire Alarm System

The new high school fire alarm system will replace the outdated one that operates by manual pull stations, which does not notify the fire department should a fire occur while no one is in the building. The new fire alarm system will have heat and smoke detectors and notify the fire department immediately.

 

 

The New Entrance Doors At the Elementary School

The current doors do not always close and latch, in spite of frequent repairs, and are a security risk. In addition, they are not in compliance with Standards for Accessible Designs.

 

Fort Scott, Government, Schools

FSHS Principal Scott Kimble Chosen for Leadership For Tomorrow Class

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Scott Kimble from USD 234 Staff Directory.

The Kansas Association of School Boards recently announced its Leadership for Tomorrow (LFT) Class of 2025, according to a KASB press release.

Participants are nominated and then chosen through an application process that focuses on individual leadership in Kansas public education and participation in activities that promote effective governance and raise student achievement.

Scott Kimble, Fort Scott High School Principal was selected to participate in the leadership class.

The class gives board members, superintendents and administrators time to explore change theories and strategies, participate in leadership skill training and expand understanding of education and key issues for effective governance and raising student achievement, according to a press release. Through five two-day sessions, the class will visit local schools, hear classroom presentations and participate in class discussions of issues and challenges facing Kansas education.

“My participation in the KASB Leadership for Tomorrow class will greatly benefit our school district by enhancing my leadership skills and deepening my understanding of effective governance and educational policy,” Kimble said. “This program will provide valuable insights into best practices, innovative strategies, and emerging trends that can be applied to improve student achievement and district operations. Through collaboration with other educational leaders, I will gain new perspectives and ideas that can help us address challenges and implement meaningful changes. The knowledge and skills I develop will enable me to advocate more effectively for our students, staff, and community, ensuring that our district remains forward-thinking and student-centered. Ultimately, my participation will strengthen our district’s leadership capacity and contribute to a culture of continuous improvement.”

 

The KASB Leadership for Tomorrow Class of 2025 includes: 

  • Rex Boley, Blue Valley USD 384 Superintendent
  • Kristin Borrowman, Lyons USD 405 Building Leader
  • Ashley Bugbee, Oxford USD 358 Building Leader
  • Jordan Carlson, Washington USD 108 Building Leader
  • Leslianne Craft, Andover USD 385 Building Leader
  • Anne Costello, Lawrence USD 497 Board Member
  • Alec Gartner, KASB Staff
  • Dan Grundy, Columbus USD 493 Superintendent
  • Amy Jones, Nickerson-South Hutchinson USD 309 District Leader
  • Tyson Kendrick, Canton-Galva USD 419 Building Leader
  • Scott Kimble, Fort Scott USD 234 Building Leader
  • Gina Loomis, SPT Architecture KASB Partner
  • Jared Meitler, Rock Creek USD 323 Board Member
  • Liz Plunkett, Syracuse USD 494 Building Leader
  • Jennifer Reed, Haysville USD 261 District Leader
  • Chase Rietcheck, Ulysses USD 214 Building Leader
  • Heather Stapp, Colby USD 315 Building Leader
  • Megan Storey-Kupersmith, Osawatomie USD 367 District Leader
  • Melody Stuckey, Goddard USD 265 District Leader
  • Christy Weiler, Seaman USD 345 Board Member
The events schedule over the next year:

SESSION 1 Topeka KSHSAA Office and Seaman USD 345 on March 27- 28.

SESSION 2 Troy USD 429 and Easton-Pleasanton Ridge USD 449 on April 24-25.

SESSION  3 Herington USD 487 and Manhattan USD 383 on June 12-13.

SESSION 4 Ellsworth USD 327 and Russell USD 407on Sept. 4- 5.

 SESSION 5 Frontenac USD 249 and Fort Scott USD 234 on Oct. 2-3.

November 14-16, 2025: Wichita will be the class graduation, held during KASB Annual Conference.

Kimble’s Education and Experience
Kimble graduated from Derby High School and continued his education at Montana State Northern. After earning his degree he spent several years teaching in both Colorado and Oregon before returning to Kansas in 2003.
“I dedicated nine years to teaching at Buhler High School before transitioning into administration. With 15 years of classroom teaching experience and 12 years as an administrator, I have developed a deep commitment to education as the true equalizer in life. I believe every student deserves our very best, and I am passionate about empowering teachers to be great and make a lasting impact on their students.”