Unified School District 234
424 South Main
Fort Scott, KS 66701-2697
620-223-0800 Fax 620-223-2760
DESTRY BROWN
Superintendent
BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING
NEWS RELEASE
Monday, December 09, 2024
Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, December 09, 2024, for their regular monthly meeting at the board office.
President David Stewart opened the meeting.
The board approved the official agenda, and the consent agenda as follows:
Board Minutes
11-11-24
Financials – Cash Flow Report
Check Register
Payroll – October 18, 2024 – $1,693,896.64
Activity Funds Accounts
USD 234 Gifts
MS Band Fundraising
December 2024 KASB Policy Updates
Special Education Director, Tonya Barnes, recognized Jannah Farrington for being named the 2024 Coach of the Year for the Southeast Region’s Special Olympics. Jannah is in her 12th year at the district. Jannah along with Rhonda & Damien Perkinson, Stacy & David Brown, Laryn Schnichels, Kristal Castillo, and others worked to build and decorate the Special Olympics Express that won first place in the Fort Scott Christmas Parade. She has been instrumental in expanding the Special Olympics department which includes track & field, bowling, and soon to come basketball.
Superintendent Destry Brown reported on enrollment from the start of school until December. He also gave a brief update on the Preschool building and where the district is with the remodeling of the building.
Assistant Superintendent Terry Mayfield provided the Board with an update on the football field turf replacement with the hopes it will be finished ahead of schedule. He explained about a few projects in the buildings that are being done and that we will hear about the financial audit as soon as they have completed it.
Tonya Barnes, Special Education Director, updated the Board on the next CAT AID payment that will be coming later this month. She and others will be starting a new hire orientation in January and following monthly for all new employees to make sure they equipped and ready to work within the district.
Mina Query, Principal at Eugene Ware, presented a slideshow for the Board. She presented pictures from the Family Engagement Camping Night that focused on reading. The teachers have been working on interventions that have had a significant impact. She also went over a few reports to show how the students have improved. Students were present from Mrs. Keating’s Enrichment groups. They help with the student store, parent monthly parent letters, and they really enjoy being a part of her group. A couple of members from the Leadership Club were present to explain about their trip to Greenbush to learn about how to become a leader. They also worked with Wreaths Across America to help raise money for fifteen wreaths to be placed at the National Cemetery. Mrs. Query complimented the teachers and staff for working together as a team for the better of the students.
KESA Accreditation Plan for information only. Each district is to choose a District Goal and our choice was Structured Literacy. Superintendent Brown explained how the district is working toward that goal.
There have been three applicants for the open board seat. The Board decided to have a special meeting in January to interview and choose an applicant.
The Board Approved the following items:
- Pre-Employment Drug Screening
- Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Kansas Foundation, INC Grant
- Kingbird Solar Energy Contribution Agreement
- School Bus Purchases (71 Passenger & Bus with Lift)
- Maintenance Truck Purchase
The Board tabled the following items:
- 10 Passenger Van Purchase
- Towerpoint Acquisitions Letter of Intent to Purchase Interest in Wireless Site
There were no comments during public forum.
The Board went into an executive session for personnel matters.
President David Stewart adjourned the meeting.
PERSONNEL REPORT – APPROVED
December 09, 2024
RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:
Button, Tim – Resignation – Bus Driver
Flanner, Kevin – Resignation – Supplemental – Girls’ Volleyball Head Coach – High School
Krull, Michael – Retirement
EMPLOYMENT:
Certified Recommendations for the 2024-25 school year:
Doherty, Andrew – KRI Teacher
Fountain, Justin – 6th Grade Math Teacher – Middle School
Classified Recommendations for the 2024-25 school year:
Durkin, Jennifer – Paraprofessional – KRI
Herring, Sean T – Custodian – Middle School
Thorne, Deborah – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott
Supplemental Recommendations for the 2024-25 school year:
Armstrong, Jeff – Assistant Boys Basketball Coach – High School
Feedback, Brennen – Head Boys Basketball Coach – High School
Larsen, Danny – Assistant Boys Basketball Coach – High School
Martin, Dave – Assistant Swimming Coach – High School
Stepps, Trent – Assistant Boys Basketball Coach – High School