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 04, 2024

 

Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, March 04, 2024, for their regular monthly meeting at the board office.

 

President David Stewart opened the meeting.

 

The board appointed Joe Wimmer as board member for the next two years.

 

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

Board Minutes

02/12/24 Board Minutes

Payroll – February 20, 2024 – $1,658,014.61

USD 234 Gifts

Middle School Principal Zach Johnson and Counselor Kerri Hanson recognized the first year of FSMS STUCO students. These students were nominated by their teachers for this leadership role. They have been to Greenbush to attend Leadership Workshops that enabled the students to collaborate with other schools in various situations. On Wednesday they will be heading to Eugene Ware to do a reading project and eat lunch with them. Also, STUCO participated in organizing the Veteran’s Day Assembly. Mr. Johnson and Mrs. Hanson commended this group for working with Administration to have a voice in improving the school.

Angie Bin, Fort Scott High School Drama Teacher, presented about March being Theatre in our Schools and Music in our Schools Month. Lexi Hill, senior at FSHS, is the Thespian President and Cooper George, junior at FSHS, is Thespian Vice President. Lexi is a huge advocate for theatre because of her experience starting in sixth grade and continuing into a future career. She explained about the skills she has learned throughout the years in Theatre. She is also receiving a scholarship that only ten seniors in Kansas receive. Cooper shared the opportunities he has been given through the Theatre department such as being a Stage Manager and Director. He explained all the various shows, fundraising, and many other events this department has done through this last year. An upcoming event will be on March 26 which is the Theatre Talent Show at 7PM.

Scott Kimble, Fort Scott High School Principal, recognized Kenna Miles, sophomore at FSHS. She was the first female State Wrestling Champion from FSHS. Kenna said she was nervous but by the time Finals started she was ready to do her best. She ended the season 40-3.

 

          Tonya Barnes and Mina Query recognized three Paraprofessionals from Eugene Ware. Tabitha Hardesty was thanked for taking on a significant role in the school’s focus room. She was commended for her patience and making great connections with the students.

Sara Rood is in her second year, but she has taken on small group instruction and has excelled. She is entering the Para to Teach program through Pitt State.

Erin Thurston has only been with the district starting this year but was thanked for being kind, and consistently showing up for the students in whatever area is needed.

Mina Query, Principal at Eugene Ware, recognized Sherry Lindsay, Title Teacher, for her longevity and being a role model for all teachers in the building. Sherry is willing to take on whatever new project there is and never complains. Eugene Ware is very thankful to have Sherry.

Dan Koppa, Director of Facilities, thanked Brad Wright for all he has done for the district. There is an extensive list of qualities that Brad has brought to the team. He has a great standing in the community and an impressive work ethic that has not gone unnoticed. Brad is willing to jump in and help, brainstorm, take on projects, and much more.

 

Superintendent Destry Brown reported on the current enrollment from September to March.

Scott Kimble, High School Principal, and Josh Messer, High School Counselor, came and presented about Kansas’ new High School Graduation requirements that will take effect starting with the graduating class of 2028. These are still being finalized at the State Level. Mr. Kimble and Mr. Messer will continue to keep the Board updated on changes.

Mr. Brown reviewed a couple of legislation that could possibly affect the district in the future.

The Preschool building is in the beginning stages of designs and is moving forward.

Kansas Renewal Institute will be implementing a facility in Fort Scott and the District will be working with this group. Superintendent Brown reported about investments and the April staff premium pay.

 

Assistant Superintendent Dalaina Smith gave a printout to the Board about the IREADY Fall/Winter scores. She was extremely optimistic about these improvements. She wanted to recognize that teachers and all the demanding work with interventions and extra time they are putting in to help the improve scores.

 

Tonya Barnes, Special Education Director, presented the Board with an update on Categorical State Aid and Medicaid Reports. She is working with each building to ensure smooth transitions for students moving buildings for the next school year.

As a discussion item, Superintendent Brown updated about the cell phone policy. The specifics are still being worked through with staff.

The board approved the following items:

• 2024-25 School Calendar (Pending Negotiations)
• Purchase of School Bus
• Resolution 23-16

 

The board went into an executive session for personnel matters.

 

President Stewart adjourned the meeting.

 

 

PERSONNEL REPORT – APPROVED EMPLOYMENT

March 04, 2024

 

RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:

Buntain, Theresa – Retirement – Band Teacher Aide – Middle School

Davis, Gaven – Termination – Paraprofessional – Eugene Ware

Duffy, Kristin – Resignation – Head Cheerleading Coach – High School

Hampton, Breanna – Termination – 6th Grade ELA

Skaggs, Gwen – Resignation – Paraprofessional – Middle School

 

TRANSFERS/REASSIGNMENTS/LEAVE OF ABSENCE:

Certified:

Cross, Jennifer – Transfer from 2nd Grade to Title 1 Teacher -Winfield Scott – 2024-25

Garzone, Chris – Transfer from Assistant Principal to Principal – Winfield Scott – 2024-25

 

EMPLOYMENT:

Certified Recommendations for the 2023-24 school year:

Reichard, Betsy – Part Time Process Coordinator – 2024-25

Hoener, Rhonda – Part time School Psychologist Paraprofessional – 2024-25

 

Classified Recommendations for the 2023-24 school year:

Hernandez, Samara – Part Time Paraprofessional – Eugene Ware

Johnson, Corinna – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott