USD 234 Board of Education Meeting News Release – May 11, 2026

FORT SCOTT, KS — The Unified School District 234 Board of Education met for its regular monthly meeting on Monday, May 11, 2026, at 5:30 p.m.. The meeting was presided over by President David Stewart.

Meeting Overview

The board approved both the official and consent agendas, which included financial reports, check registers, and activity fund accounts. Key approvals included extended trip applications for the FSHS Band, Art Club, Cheer Camp, and Dance Camp.

District Leadership Reports

Superintendent’s Update: Destry Brown reported on upcoming graduation ceremonies and noted that staff and students are actively preparing for the conclusion of the school year.

• Operations & Construction: Assistant Superintendent Terry Mayfield provided updates on current and summer projects, including a revised schedule and drawings for the new Preschool building.

• Academic Performance: Assistant Superintendent Zach Johnson shared iReady Math and Reading scores. State assessment results have been received and will be sent home with students this week.

• Special Education: Director Tonya Barnes provided updates on Cat Aid and commended the staff for their diligence regarding Medicaid billing.

Board Actions and Approvals

The Board approved several contracts and initiatives for the 2026-27 school year, including:

• Occupational Therapy Services with Outreach Occupations Therapy, LLC.

• Greenbush Contracts for Low-Incidence and Audiology services.

• Capacity settings for nonresident student enrollment.

• Implementation of the Fort Scott Tigers Virtual School for the 2026-27 year.

• Service bids for parking lot maintenance (crack filling, seal coating, and striping).

Note: Bids for demolition and parking lot construction were tabled for future consideration.

Personnel Report

The following personnel recommendations and changes were approved during the session:

Resignations and Retirements

• Ginny Cotter – Retirement, Ticket Clerk (Eugene Ware)

• Stacy Laver – Retirement, Teacher Aide (Eugene Ware)

• Chloe Whitt – Resignation, Personal Finance Teacher and Head Volleyball Coach (High School)

• Derrick Whitt – Resignation, Teacher (Tiger Academy) and Assistant Girls’ Basketball Coach (High School)

• Drew Carney – Supplemental Resignation, Assistant Summer Weights Coach (Middle School)

• Sabrina Keating – Gifted Teacher (K-12)

• Joshua Karleskint – Cook (Eugene Ware)

• Jayce Stewart – Groundskeeper (Central Office)

• Denise Needham – Paraprofessional (KRI)
• Margorie Campbell – Paraprofessional (Middle School)

Supplemental Recommendations

• Paul Martin – Head Girls Basketball Coach (Middle School)

• Aaron Nickelson – Head Girls Tennis Coach (High School)

• Laryn Schnichels – Head Cheer Coach (High School)

• Jennifer Tourtillott – Head Spirit Squad Sponsor (Middle School)

• Sabrina Keating – Gifted Facilitator (K-12)

• Jon Barnes – Guiding Coalition/Department Chair Social Studies (High School)