The USD 234 Board of Education met for its regular monthly meeting at 5:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 12, 2026, at 424 S. Main St. Vice President Nick Barrows opened the meeting in place of the board president.
The board approved the official agenda with one change — moving the preschool update to follow presentations and precede leadership reports — and approved the consent agenda, which included board minutes from Sept. 14 and Sept. 26, the cash flow report, check register, the Sept. 20 payroll of $1,836,161.73, activity funds accounts and USD 234 gifts.
Presentations
School Resource Officer Garrett, who covers the high school and Winfield Scott, and SRO Officer Carpenter, who covers the middle school and Eugene Ware, both spoke to the board about their roles, including ALICE safety training and acting as positive role models for students.
Stephen Dunning was introduced as the district’s new IT director. He comes from Nebraska with more than 25 years of IT experience.
Kevin Flanner and three students presented on the JAG-K program (Jobs for America’s Graduates – Kansas), which has 60 students enrolled this year, at capacity. Student speakers included senior and JAG president Julieana Dixon, senior and JAG secretary Skyla Edwards, and freshman Ella Cooney, who each described the program’s impact on their public speaking, confidence and career planning.
Leadership reports
Superintendent Zach Johnson reminded the community of the final Strategic Planning meeting set for Oct. 29 and encouraged participation in the district’s mission-defining survey.
Assistant Superintendent Terry Mayfield reported that the fiscal audit is underway, the KSDE audit is approaching, and the budget has been submitted to the state for review. The benefits committee will meet again to continue working through health insurance information.
Special Education Director Tonya Barnes gave an update on the “Cat Aide” project and said she is launching a “Time with Tonya” series of small-group sessions for new special education teachers to address questions and concerns.
Board action
The board approved the KASB Legal Assistance Fund, the purchase of a 2023 Chrysler Voyager vehicle, and a memorandum of understanding with Head Start/USD 234.
The board discussed Board Policy FC, governing memorials and naming of district facilities, to determine whether the current policy still reflects the board’s expectations. Superintendent Johnson will contact other districts and bring recommendations to a future meeting.
One person spoke during the public forum. The board went into executive session for legal matters and again for personnel matters before approving the personnel report. Vice President Nick Barrows then adjourned the meeting.
Personnel report (approved)
Resignations/terminations/retirements:
- Robin Button — Retirement, June 2027 — Food Service Director
- Kaylee Majors — Resignation — 5.5 Preschool Van Driver
- Bobba Smith — Resignation — Paraprofessional, KRI
- Jennifer Stafford — Supplemental Resignation — Concession Stand Coordinator
Leave of absence:
- Jacquelyn Mitchell
- Brian Pool
Employment — classified recommendations for the 2026-27 school year:
- Mikiah Anderson — Paraprofessional, Preschool
- Jesse Dinneen — Part-Time Paraprofessional, Middle School
- Tiffany Garrison — OT Paraprofessional
- Alexis Palmer — Paraprofessional, Winfield Scott
- Gabriella Rusk — Paraprofessional, Winfield Scott
- Tonya Smith — Preschool Van Driver
Supplemental recommendations:
- Sydney Cullison — Concessions Coordinator