BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING
NEWS RELEASE
Monday, January 9, 2023
Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, January 9, 2023, for their regular monthly meeting at the board office.
President Danny Brown opened the meeting.
The board approved the official agenda, and the consent agenda as follows:
- Minutes from December 12, 2022, Board of Education meeting
- Financials – Cash Flow Report
- Check Register
- Payroll – December 16, 2022 – $1,571,721.90
- Activity Fund accounts
- Second Semester Enrollment Count Report
- Board Policy Additions/Changes
- Resolution 22-10 – To Establish Election of School Board Officers
- Resolution 22-11 – To Establish Regular Meeting Dates
Shelly Charter, Winfield Scott Elementary principal, introduced two students from Winfield Scott. The first student recognized was Sadie Keylon who demonstrates mindfulness by being polite and helpful to friends. The second student was Megan Hunsaker who demonstrates mindfulness by being humble and leadership through leading by example. Megan was selected by Peerless Products to have a paint chip named after her.
Licensed Tiger Team Member – Superintendent Destry Brown recognized Allison Gorman as the Licensed Tiger Team Member of the Month.
- Miss Gorman is a 7th grade math teacher at Fort Scott Middle School. She displays on a daily basis the excellence of teaching in our classrooms. She encourages students, teaches from the beginning of class to the end, and her students know they can be successful in her class. Miss Gorman has been with the district for 12 years.
Classified Tiger Team Members – Superintendent Destry Brown recognized Shawn O’Brien and Alisha Watkins as the Classified Tiger Team Members of the Month.
- O’Brien is the payroll clerk for the district along with other payroll duties, helps employees upon hire, and schedules orientations. He also is active in the community with volunteering, as well as supporting our kids at school events. Mr. O’Brien has been with the district 3 years.
- Watkins is a custodian at both the board office and the middle school, and also fills in around the district when help is needed. She is always willing to do what can to help, fixes things without having to be asked, and responds in a positive manner. Mrs. Watkins has been with the district for 3 years.
Superintendent Brown reported to the board that 98 students were enrolled in 166 courses with Fort Scott Community College for dual credit while attending high school. Mr. Brown presented a preliminary 2023-24 calendar for the board to review based upon the feedback he received from parents and staff.
Dalaina Smith, Assistant Superintendent, provided an update to the board on professional development, PLC conversations, and results of those conversations. For example, the anticipation is that by this summer, the district will have standards published by grade level that would show parents what their students(s) should learn each school year. Mrs. Smith also provided an update on resource adoptions, resources needed in reading, and assessments.
Gina Shelton, Finance Director, updated the board on the ESSER III application, the state audit, and salary schedule column advancement.
The board received an update from Superintendent Brown on the expansion of the Fort Scott Preschool Center to Woodland Hills Blvd. Mr. Brown presentation included information on why preschool should be expanded in the USD 234 school district and what that expansion would look like. There was discussion of funding, contracts, and alternative options. There was no action taken.
The board approved the following items:
- Communications Investment Proposal with Trajectory Strategies, in the amount of $15,660
- FSHS Course Additions for the 2023-24 school year
- Revised Classified Pay Schedule to amend the Activity Driver Pay
- Personnel Report – following
The board tabled a proposal for architectural and engineering design services for the preschool from h|d Architecture, LLC until more information was received. There was also discussion on a school district attorney.
The board went into an executive session for personnel matters.
President Danny Brown adjourned the meeting.
PERSONNEL REPORT – APPROVED EMPLOYMENT
RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:
- Michelle Martin – Retirement – FSHS Special Education teacher, effective at the end of the 2022-23 school year
- Carol Bingesser – Retirement – FSMS Science teacher, effective at the end of the 2022-23 school year
- Kelly Cox – Retirement – Winfield Scott Kindergarten teacher, effective at the end of the 2022-23 school year
- Cristin Stark – Resignation – Winfield Scott Kindergarten teacher, effective at the end of the 2022-23 school year
- Trent Johnson – Resignation – FSHS Agriculture teacher and FFA sponsor, effective December 19, 2022
- Mark Gorman – Leave of Absence – Bus Driver
- Connie Billionis – Leave of Absence – Deputy Clerk
- Sarah Hendricks – Leave of Absence – Eugene Ware fourth grade teacher
EMPLOYMENT/REASSIGNMENTS – FOR THE 2022-23 SCHOOL YEAR
- Tonya Barnes – Special Education Director for the 2023-24, 2024-25, and 2025-26 school years
- Kyle Parks – Daily rate for the remainder of the semester as a FSHS Agriculture teacher and FFA sponsor
- Judy Welch – Regular Route Bus Driver (4-hours)
- Chelsea Killion – Winfield Scott 7.5-hour paraprofessional
- Jana Walker – Winfield Scott 7.5-hour paraprofessional
- Julius Hodges – Winfield Scott 7.5-hour paraprofessional
- Destry Brown – Superintendent – Contract extension