Tag Archives: featured

Ecker: New Real Estate Agent with Lyons Realty Group

Bill Ecker, taken from the Lyons Group Realty Facebook page.
Bill Ecker, 65, received his real estate license in February, 2023.
He was recently hired by Lyons Realty Group.
“My job will be to help others with the sale or purchase of property,” he said. “I am available almost every weekday after 2 p.m. and on weekends.”
Contact him at  620-224-6311 or email, [email protected]
Ecker lives in Fort Scott and is a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church.
In his spare time, Ecker enjoys a variety of activities.
“I love to golf, gardening, bike riding, hiking and watching almost any sport,” he said. He has two daughters, Sarah in Durham, NC and Amy in Centerton, AR and two grandchildren.
Bailey Lyons. Submitted photo.
Lyons Realty Group recently announced Ecker’s hiring on its Facebook page:
“Bill is no stranger to rural living, in fact, that’s what he prefers. He moved to Fort Scott in 1994 from a rural community in Central Illinois, and has enjoyed building a life in this community ever since.
“While Bill is new to real estate, he is not new to customer service and helping people. He has worked in sales and service his entire life, and is passionate about exceeding his customer’s expectations.
Coming originally from the farm lands in Illinois, Bill has working knowledge of agricultural properties and their uses.
“Bill’s father was a carpenter giving him knowledge of general construction. His diverse background makes him well-qualified to help with any facet of real estate whether it be agriculture, residential, or commercial.
“Bill entered the real estate business in hopes of helping others achieve their goals of property ownership, and he gets great satisfaction out of helping others succeed. Finding the right property for the right person is his newest passion.”

Core Community Program to Start in Bourbon County

Submitted graphics.
Fort Scottian Jennifer Michaud attended a seminar several years ago where Deborah Factor spoke about the Core Community program, her husband Bill said.
The mission for Core Comunity is to engage the community to lift families out of poverty,  according to https://youthcoreministries.org/what-we-do/core-community/
Submitted graphics.
Factor started with a youth mentorship program and then added the Core Communities program, to help families as well,
Bill Michaud,  said in an interview with fortscott.biz.
Bill Michaud. Submitted photo.
“I have been in contact with and getting to know Deb for…several years,” Bill said. “I recognized that poverty is an issue that is well documented and often discussed in southeast Kansas but I’m not aware of any programs that work so directly to hit the issue head-on. I believe that this is a program that has great potential to help change peoples lives so I brought it up a few times during different community-focused conversations in which I was involved over a several year period.”
Submitted graphics.
A small group of people came to see the potential that Bill Michaud saw, so there were a couple of follow-up informational meetings.
“In February Jennifer and I, Rachel Carpenter, Lindsay McNeil, Lisa Robertson and Destry Brown traveled to Greensburg, Kansas to attend one of Deb’s regular Monday class sessions and were able to see the program in action and hear more stories of lives impacted first-hand,” Michaud said.
  “In March we asked Deb to come to Fort Scott to present to a larger group of church representatives, social service organizations and anyone else we thought might have an initial interest in learning about the program,” Bill Michaud said.  “(Bourbon County Commissioner) Clifton Beth was in attendance at that presentation and at the conclusion, asked Deb to set a time to do an abbreviated presentation to the county commission.”
Submitted graphics.
In April, Bill Michaud and Deb Factor(on a Zoom call) presented to the commission on the Core Community Ministry.

Factor stated she started in 1998 in Greensburg,  doing ministry for youth, according to the commission minutes. During the process she had kids she worked with for years walk into adulthood and follow in the cycle of poverty.

Factor said that her goal was to help the kids grow into healthy, thriving adults who can give back in their community and not be under the constant burden and struggle of poverty, according to the commission minutes.

Submitted graphics.

In 2015, after modeling a program that had been successful elsewhere, she launched the poverty program, Core Community.

They have 13 programs in Kansas and one in Illinois currently.

The program consists of weekly meetings, 48-50 weeks per year, and will continue to meet with the individuals for two to five years. The program tries to educate the community on what poverty really is, according to the county commission minutes.

Factor told the commission the program identifies barriers and helps people push through them, with 70 %  increasing their income.

Core Community is tracking  those that are out of poverty for ten years to gather data to see if they are maintaining the upward trajectory.

The first step in bringing the program to the community is fundraising. Then a community coordinator would be hired and reside in the county with CORE Community being their employer, and an advisory board formed.

Michaud said this is a fundraising-based organization and would not  ask the county for money to sustain the program.

Bourbon County Commissioner Clifton Beth said he worked in home health and hospice in southeast Kansas and saw first-hand the poverty that residents are facing and would like to see the school district, college and city government come together to make this program happen, according to the commission minutes.

Michaud stated about five churches in Fort Scott have been asked to become involved.

The Bourbon County Commission in a vote of 2-1 voted to give Core Community program $50,000 to get it started in this community.

Nelson Blythe voted against it, stating that “he doesn’t believe charity is the role of government, and there is nothing stopping others in the community from writing a check.” Nelson stated “This is taxpayer’s money that should go toward making the courthouse run and roads better”, according to the commission minutes.

The county’s Chief Financial Officer Susan Bancroft,  stated the money would come from PILOT funds received  from the windmill money to the county for economic development, according to the commission minutes.

There is a requirement to have approximately the first years budget raised before launching the program, Michaud said in an interview.  This could take up to 18 months.
“Before we launch our program in Bourbon County we are going to work to identify what sustainable funding sources we think we will be able to count on to fund the program in future years,” Michaud said in an interview.
The City of Fort Scott and the Bourbon County Commission have approved money to help with start up costs.
The city has approved $15,000 and will be meeting with the Core Community representatives on May 18, FS City Manager Brad Matkin said.
“The City and County funding that has been approved are remarkable gifts that will allow us to get this program launched and accelerate the time frame for this program to begin helping people, but this program is not one that we anticipate will require future city / county funding,” Michaud said.   “We have developed an advisory board that consists of representatives of several church and social service organizations so that we have input from a very broad base of representatives.   This…board will also guide the organization once we launch the program.”
Michaud can be reached at [email protected].

Presbyterian Village Annual Auction is Saturday, April 29 at the Fairgrounds

Submitted photos of some of the auction items.

The Fort Scott Presbyterian Village Fundraising Public Auction will be held this year at the Bourbon County 4-H building, located on 2109 S. Horton street, about 3 blocks north of the Presbyterian Village.

The auction will start at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 29th.

Submitted photos of auction items.

“Bring a truck and a friend we have lots of great items too numerous to list and picture,” PV Executive Director Ginger Nance,said .  “Lots of surprises on auction day, as we have been gathering items for about 2 years and much is still in storage!”

Submitted photos of auction items.

“All proceeds are kept local in Fort Scott to benefit the Presbyterian Village Good Samaritan program, designed to assist seniors who outlive their resources through no fault of their own, as well as other Life Enriching Programs that directly benefits our local seniors,” Nance said.

Submitted photos of auction items.

” We have been doing the auction annually for many years,” she said.  “COVID got us off course for a couple of years, but we hope to build this back to return this to an annual event and this year promises to offer great items for people to bid on.”

Submitted photos for auction items.

“There is truly something here for everyone!” she said.

“We have everything from great, clean, household items, furniture (antique, vintage and new—some like new or never used), we have décor (some specialty artwork from local, K.C. and other artists),  we have really nice washing machines, costume and other jewelry (some gold), handicap equipment (some new), we even have collectible coins this year that were donated from an estate!”

Submitted photos of auction items.

Feel free to contact Ginger Nance at (620) 224-6173 or Joe Redden (620) 644-8417 with questions or to make an appt. to preview.

Submitted photos of auction items.

 

Fort Scott Presbyterian Village is a faith-based, not-for-profit senior living community dedicated to serving  residents with a culture inspired by our Christian values and heritage, according to its website:  https://www.fortscottpresbyterianvillage.org/

 

 

Local Swim Team Seeking Sponsors

The Fort Scott Hurricanes team, 2022. Submitted photo.
Fort Scott Hurricanes is a competitive summer swim team for youth who range in age from 5-18 years.
The group started around 1980, said Tara Holt, who is the Parent Board President of the swim team.
This year the team is part of the Tri-State Swim Conference.
The local club petitioned Tri-State at the fall conference meeting in 2022 to become a permanent member.
“Full, official membership gives our team the  right to vote at  conference meetings  and to be on the rotation  to pick invitational swim meet dates,” she said. “The conference approved our permanent membership… at the first of the month. Being a part of the Tri-State Swim Conference has given our swimmers more consistent competition.”
The head coach of the Hurricanes, in her fourth season, is Samantha Short.
Hurricane’s Assistant Coach Claire Holt, Eli Holt and Coach Samantha Short at the 2022 Tri-State A Championships. Submitted photo.
“We are fortunate to have her back coaching for us this season! The kids and parents love her!” Holt said “Our new assistant coach will be Claire Holt.  Claire  is joining us as a coach after having been a swimmer for the Hurricanes for 13 seasons. She graduated last year.”
One way to support the youth swim team is to order Papa Don’s Pizza on Wednesday, May 17 from 10:30 A.M. to 8 P.M.
“Papa Don’s will be giving the Hurricanes 10% of the proceeds that day!” Holt said. “The Hurricanes thank Papa Don’s for their generosity!”

“We are currently seeking sponsors for the 2023 season.” Holt said. “There is a list of sponsors from last year here (just scroll down):  https://www.gomotionapp.com/team/recfsh/page/home.”

To register for the team’s 2023 season: team-registration
The group has a Facebook page that has a link to  register  for the team as well,  https://www.facebook.com/FSHurricanes
“The Hurricanes will have a meeting for the parents of new swimmers on Wednesday, May 3 at 5:30 P.M. in the small gym at Buck Run Community Center,” Holt said.

RSVP Today For the FSCC Women’s Appreciation Luncheon on April 26

Ellis Fine Arts Center on the campus of Fort Scott Community College, 2108 S. Horton.

Fort Scott Community College’s Women’s Appreciation Luncheon  is April 26 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Ellis Fine Arts Center, 2108 S. Horton. Please RSVP today, April 25 by 3 p.m.

In addition to lunch, catered by Great Western Dining and Twigs & Berries, there will be door prizes and product displays.

The menu for the event:

  • Choose one wrap from two selections: Southwest or club (Great Western Dining)
  • Traditional salad (Twigs & Berries)
  • Caprese pasta salad (Twigs & Berries)
  • Sugar cookie fruit pizza (Twigs & Berries)
  • Rainbow fruit salad (Twigs & Berries)

Cost of the lunch is $5. One can also pay at the door.

“The purpose of the event is to provide a luncheon of good food, great company, and to support local businesses owned by women,” Allie Birket, a Community Relations Committee member said. Birket,  who is the assistant to the college president and Susie Arvidson, director of library services, are on the committee.

RSVP to [email protected] or 620-223-2700.

Vendors are FSCC Nursing Dept., FSCC Cosmetology Dept., Better in Bourbon Clothing, Tupperware, Mary Kay Cosmetics, Jbloom Jewelry, Riggs Chiropractic Fort Scott, Red Aspen, Bourbon County Health Dept., The Baby Stitch, Erica George Photography, The River Room (event center), Flying P Ranch, Kimberly Demko, Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center, Desert Blooms Boutique, Locust Hill Lamanches (goat milk products).

 

 

Locara: Local Products/Services Listed on Internet Platform Courtesy of HBCAT

Submitted graphic of Locara’s home page.
 Locara Inc. is a new business partner with Healthy Bourbon County Action Team, HBCAT.
“Locara is a platform that supports small businesses by expanding their local customer base beyond word of mouth channels,” according to Tylor Hunn cofounder. “We offer a cost-effective and user-friendly e-commerce solution for these business owners to connect with local buyers.”
HBCAT has paid for up to 80 local businesses to have their products and services listed on the Locara platform for a year, which is a value of $60 per business, Hunn said.
Tylor Hunn. Submitted photo.
They launched their website on April 5,  https://www.locara.us  in partnership with HBCAT and their Dare to Dream event.
“Through our partnership with HBCAT, we are piloting our startup in the Fort Scott area, helping local businesses display their products and services and expand their reach,” Hunn said. “We believe that this partnership is a great opportunity to support the growth and success of small businesses in the community.”
Hunn is chief executive officer of the business and Ali Zia is his technical partner.
They are registered in a small town in upstate New York, Chittenango.

They have been in business for two months and have five employees.

“Locara provides a location-based platform for small businesses to list and showcase their products and services online,” he said. “This means that these businesses can create a digital storefront where they can display pictures, descriptions, and pricing of their products or services, just like in a physical store.”

“We realized that small, local businesses face a range of difficulties including limited resources, limited visibility, and challenges competing with larger corporations,” Hunn said. “We have also noticed a large movement towards people wanting to support local, but very few actually do because there is no easy way to discover all the businesses around them, but more specifically, discover what they are selling.”

Locara’s internet platform  centralizes all the small businesses in a community into a single storefront where local buyers can more easily find and purchase what they need, Hunn said.

Locara search results graphic, submitted.

“For example, imagine a local mother who makes and sells crafts from home but, from her experience sewing her kid’s clothes back together, she also wants to offer clothing repair services,” he said. “This woman can list each of the crafts and services she wants to sell. The community is then able to visit our website and browse through this mother’s products and services like they would be browsing on Amazon or Walmart’s website with the exception that everything listed on the website is from a local business. Our goal is to create an easier experience not only for small, local businesses to showcase what they sell, but also for buyers to find and make purchases from local businesses.”

 

Contact info:

 

Splash Pad and Sensory Park Moves Forward

Fort Scott City Commissioner Josh Jones, right,  and FS Water Distribution Supervisor Bill Lemke discuss the splash pad project on April 19 at the site on North National Ave. Jones is one of the initiators of the splash pad project, as well.

Fort Scott City Commissioner Josh Jones was on the site of the future splash pad and sensory park on April 19. Jones is also one of the organizers of the project.

Dirt work has begun on the Fort Scott Splash Pad and Sensory Park looking southwest towards National Avenue.
The Fort Scott Splash Pad and Sensory Park Committee from it’s Facebook page. On the committee: Bailey Lyons, Kelly Barr, Katie Hueston, Meredith Tucker and Josh Jones.

“It has started,” Jones said. “You’ll start seeing water lines and concrete, the above ground (part) in three to five weeks.”

The crews will be working around the annual Good `Ol Days events, the first weekend in June, he said.

Looking south from the Lunette Blair Blockhouse on Skubitz Plaza. This is the proposed site of the sensory park.

The splash pad will be a 50 by 50 foot multiple feature water site and the sensory park will be two pads, roughly 24 by 24 foot for children’s equipment that is easily accessed, with no physical barriers.

Looking north from the Lunette Blair Blockhouse to the splash pad site.

The splash pad and sensory park will be located on Skubitz Plaza at the north end of downtown Fort Scott, on North National Avenue.

Fort Scott Splash Pad and Sensory Park rendition from their Facebook page.
Poster explaining the sensory park from the Fort Scott Splash Pad and Sensory Park Facebook page.

 

High School Students Can Get a Head Start on High Demand/High Paying Jobs

Photos taken from CTEC’s Facebook page.
For students who want a career in construction trades such as welding, masonry, carpentry or heating and air conditioning, which are high demand and high paying jobs,  there is a short cut  to do that.
Junior or senior year students in Fort Scott High School and Uniontown High School have the opportunity to get a head start on these jobs,  said Kris Mengarelli, Fort Scott Community College’s Director of the Career and Technology Center, CTEC.
“CTE courses prepare students with the technical, academic, and employment skills needed for life after high school,” from CTEC’s Facebook page. “The courses hone critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills—all valuable tools needed to succeed in today’s workforce.”
“Starting in the fall of 2023, we are….offering carpentry basics, OSHA 10 (certification training) and introduction to craft skills for high school and college,” he said. “This is typically for juniors and seniors. It’s a two-year program to get a certificate.”
“The teacher will be Michael Casner, a Fort Scott High School teacher,” he said. “He’ll be teaching dual credit classes for those three classes at the high school. Uniontown will be able to send students over to attend those classes as well. The schools will coordinate what works best.”
The target student is any interested in the trades for a career.
The State of Kansas is offering an Excel in CTE Initiative, for high school juniors and seniors  for free college tuition on approved technical courses offered at Kansas technical schools and community colleges.
“The state looks at where there is a lacking workforce,” he said.
The main purpose of the bill is to stimulate growth in Career and Technical Education at both the secondary and post-secondary level in Kansas, according to https://www.ksde.org/Agency/Division-of-Learning-Services/Career-Standards-and-Assessment-Services/CSAS-Home/Career-Technical-Education-CTE/Excel-in-CTE
“There are some small fees that fall back on the student, but not significant,” Mengarelli said.
Following the classes for dual high school and college credit, students will have a nationally recognized certificate,” he said. “Students who want to go into construction, this makes them employable  just out of high school.”
CTEC is located in Crawford County.
Destry Brown, Fort Scott’s Superintendent of USD 234 was a “key player in getting CTEC started in Crawford County,” Mengarelli said.
Brown was formerly a superintendent of schools in Pittsburg, in Crawford County and is currently superintendent of schools for Fort Scott.

National Interscholastic Bike Race This Weekend at Gunn Park

Submitted photo.

The Kansas League of National Interscholastic Bike Race (NICA) is returning to Gunn Park on April 22 and 23.

“We will need volunteers for 2 – 4-hour shifts during the weekend, mostly on Sunday the 23rd,” Frank Halsey, event host said..

“If you missed this event last year, it is worth the effort to check it out,” he said. “These people do an amazing production for these kids and we at Gunn Park Trails are proud to be hosting their return.”

Halsey is founder of Gunn Park Trails, a volunteer organization that maintains the bike trails in the park.

Gunn Park will be closed for use during the event, but spectators are welcome.

“We still need volunteers for the upcoming NICA Race next weekend, April 22nd & 23rd,” Halsey said. “Please check out the following link for times and duties.”

https://signup.com/client/invitation2/secure/14705758298350030/false?fbclid=IwAR2yIrgmbAzeDryWMhK0hXKPNDQbrJ5kjAY811wbfvV4DRWs_mMVXGCdQ_Q#/invitation

About NICA

“We get kids on bikes, “according to NICA’s website https://nationalmtb.org/about-us/. “We are outside going places. We are stoking a life-long passion for riding. Founded in 2009, the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) develops interscholastic mountain biking programs for student-athletes across the United States.

The Kansas NICA was formed in 2019

NICA is  having adventures with teammates while tackling both small and grand challenges, according to the website.

Its mission is to build strong minds, bodies, character, and communities through cycling. Its values are fun, ,inclusivity equity, respect, and community.

About Gunn Park

Gunn Park entrance.

Gunn Park is located on the west side of Fort Scott, KS and is a 155-acre park with beautiful landscape and stone features, with the Marmaton River flowing through.

There is camping, playgrounds, eight miles of trails for biking/hiking,18-hole frisbee/disc-golf course, two lakes for fishing, seven shelter houses, 14 camping slots with electric hookups and restrooms.

 

The CHC Move To The New Clinic Is Underway

Jennifer Dugan and Barb Dunlap, diagnostic imaging staff bring items into the new building this morning.

Today is move day for Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas in Fort Scott, and the facility was buzzing with employees who are helping in the relocating of their new clinic.

The move will allow more space and services in one location, at 2322 S. Main.

More than 120 employees  are helping this weekend, but staging for the move began earlier this week, according to a press release from CHC.

“It has been a massive effort and I would like for staff to get recognized for their hard work,” Krista Postai, CEO and president said.

On Friday, April 14, today, the Woodland Hills clinic will close at 1 p.m.

Apothecare Pharmacy at Woodland Hills will follow and be closed all day Saturday, April 15, as staff prepare to relocate.

Lisa Wells, CHC Vice President of Pharmacy at Fort Scott was helping with the move -in this morning.

On Sunday, April 16, CHC/SEK Walk-In Care on National Street will close at 1 p.m. as they relocate to the new facility.

The walk-in clinic and the pharmacy will both have separate entrances when the new facility opens on April 17. Traci Reed is the practice manager of the walk-in clinic.

The new clinic will be open to see patients on Monday, April 17, with all CHC/SEK services including Primary care, Walk-In Care, Behavioral Health Care, Pharmacy, and specialty services at the new location.

Baily Davis, CHC Practice Manager at Fort Scott is on-hand today with the transitioning.

“It’s finally happening!” said Baily Davis, CHC/SEK Fort Scott Practice Manager in the press release. “The new 43,000-square facility is beautiful and efficient and will provide more room to offer more services,” “And, for the first time, Walk-In Care, Primary Care, and our Pharmacy will all be in one easy-to-find location with more convenient parking. I think our new facility will benefit the community in ways we couldn’t imagine before,” she said.

 

The relocation realizes CHC/SEK’s plan to create a comprehensive health center with all of its services in one location, according to the press release. The building was purchased in 2021, and with remodeling and new equipment purchases, the health center expects its investment to be $9 million.

The new location offers 36 exam rooms and a larger Walk-In Care Clinic, expanding to eight exam rooms (there were only three at National St.) with services available 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week.

 

Patients will have access to the clinic’s advanced diagnostic imaging equipment now all under one roof, including digital X-ray, ultrasound, mammography, bone density, and a newly purchased 64-slice Computerized Tomography (CT) scanner.  In an urgent situation, having CT locally allows patients to be scanned quickly to rapidly assess their condition, and having CT in-house makes these scans accessible and affordable.

Kimberley Wass, CHC Radiology Technology Lead, left,  and Kaylynn Simpson, x-ray CT technician show the new scanner. The clinic will be able to do many more procedures with this addition.

 

Outpatients requiring laboratory services will find the new space more convenient with expanded 7a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Saturday. “We want patients to be able to stop in for a quick lab draw and be on their way,” Davis says.

 

Apothecare Pharmacy, a subsidiary of CHC/SEK, is now open to everyone (non-CHC/SEK patients) providing a full range of prescriptions and open 7 a.m.-7 p.m. every day. It offers a drive-through pick-up window and “to-your-door” home delivery within 15 miles. The pharmacy accepts most insurance plans including Medicare, Medicaid and commercial plans.

The medical staff include Dr. Sarah Bradshaw, Dr. Holly Gault, Dr. Pankaj Gugnani, MD, and Dr. Maxwell Self. Advanced Nurse Practitioners include Amanda Stice, Kayla Tinsley and Whitney Dickerson.

The Apothecare staff include Kelsey Burford, PharmD, Cetra Horton, PharmD, Adam Malone, PharmD Blake Martin, PharmD, Julie Pellett, PharmD, and Darin Treiber, PharmD.

__________________________________

Specialty Care offered within the clinic:

Diabetic Care: APRN Becky French is providing diabetic care and education.

Respiratory issues:  Paden Shaffer APRN, sees patients for pulmonology & sleep disorders/CPAP management

Pain Management and Infectious Disease: Dr. Julie Stewart 

Wound Care:  Dr. Michael Nagle, Todd Carl, APRN

Freeman Orthopedic clinic:  Greg King, FNP

Wellness Center: The new facility will allow CHC/SEK to continue to cultivate a culture of health and wellness for both patients and staff. The Wellness Center features cardio and strength equipment and is staffed by Physical Therapist & Pelvic Health Physical Therapist, Jessie McGown, DPT, Registered Dietitian, Patrick James, RD, and Chiropractor, Dr. Dave Miller, DC. The staff offer individualized treatment plans for each patient to best meet their health and wellness goals. Together, they teach and support healthy eating habits, improve overall strength and mobility, and better manage pain.

 

Tonya Barnes Begins as U234 Special Education Director on July 1

Tonya Barnes will begin duties as the USD 234 Special Education Director on July 1.

Barnes was in District Level Leadership; Emporia State University in 2015; Building Level Leadership; Emporia State University, 2010; Master of Science; Major: Special Education, Behavior Disorders K-12; Emporia State University, 1997; and earned a Bachelor of Science; Major: Elementary Education; Pittsburg State University, 1988.

She is the current director of special education at USD 282, 283, 286 in Chautauqua and Elk Counties Special Services Cooperative, since 2018.

She was director of special education from 2015-18 for Coffey County Special Education Cooperative.

From 2012-15 she was special education coordinator at the Flints Hills Special Education Cooperative.

Barnes was a special education teacher from 1995-2012 at the ANW Special Education Cooperative.

Fort Scott: The Next Step, Coming to Her Home District

Barnes is a graduate of Fort Scott High School, class of 1984.

She is married to Kevin Barnes who is teacher and coach for Woodson USD 366 in Yates Center for 32 years. They have a son, Jon Barnes who is in his first year of teaching and coaching at Fort Scott High School.

Her parents are Karen and the late Ron Billiard, Fort Scott, and her sister is Robin Hartman, Fort Scott.

Her community involvement through the years has been family focus – church activities, youth events, 4-H parent, supporting school district activities and sporting events, Kansas University basketball enthusiasts, spending time with family, and “spoiling our beloved pets,” she said.

For Barnes, the best part of being the special education director is working with the students and staff, and learning their stories, she said.

“The relationships we will build together takes time and intentional work,”  Barnes said. “Our special education team has a wealth of experience and knowledge, and I look forward to learning from them.”

“The special education team (at U234) consists of approximately 30 licensed teachers and related service providers, and 80 paraeducators,” she said.

“USD 234 has approximately 22% of the district’s enrollment receiving special education services,” she said.

Her office will be located at the district office, 424 S. Main, and her time at the district office will be combined with time in the different age-grouped buildings, Barnes said.

USD 234 Board of Education Building, 424 S. Main

“The biggest challenge of the position is time to be sure the most important work is accomplished, which is matching student needs with the most effective intervention or strategy, supporting teachers, providers, and paras with the knowledge, resources, time, and energy to deliver what is needed, and valuing their contributions,” she said.

 

The following will be her duties:

*Build relationships with staff, students, parents, patrons, and the entire learning community;

*Partner with the district’s special education team to learn the processes, successes, and strengths of the special education staff and programming in each building;

*As a team, access areas of desired and needed professional development…for best practice in providing programming to students and families, in addition to supporting their professional growth;

*Being accessible … connecting with staff… learning the culture, observing instruction first-hand to support our providers in their work of providing solid learning opportunities for students;

*Work with the…business office to learn the special education budget in USD 234 and become familiar with how revenue streams, expenditures, and funding are managed,

*Assist and support the procurement of needed materials and resources to meet student’s needs;

*Work with the USD 234 Administrative Team to assist and support special education matters in their buildings;

*Represent USD 234 in contacts with local, state, and federal agencies in matters pertaining to special education;

*Assist and provide support in securing the needed staffing for special education programs and provide induction for new staff;

*Collaborate with building teams to ensure a comprehensive curriculum is being provided;

*Work with all providers…to ensure students are receiving equitable evaluations, consistent services, and access to research-based curriculum and instruction, while maintaining best practices;

*Attend required and selected professional development opportunities to support…to provide guidance and leadership with special education mandates and new initiatives;

*Collaborate with building teams to provide the opportunities necessary for successful post-secondary transition success;

*Assist management of grants available for special education funding and the submission of staff information to maximize state special education categorical aid;

*Prepare and submit all reports within guidelines and timelines;

*Comply with legal and regulatory requirements of various governmental agencies;

*Ensure all special education programs perform within state and federal statutes, and adhere to the policies and procedures of the USD 234 Board of Education.