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, March 10, 2025
Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, March 10, 2025, for their regular monthly meeting at 409 S Judson.
President David Stewart opened the meeting.
The board approved the official agenda, and the consent agenda as follows:
Board Minutes
Board Minutes
02-10-25
Financials – Cash Flow Report
Check Register
Payroll – February 20, 2025 – $1,699,042.60
Activity Funds Accounts
USD 234 Gifts
March is Theatre in Our Schools Month. Cooper George, President, and Emi King, Secretary, presented to the Board. Cooper has been involved for six years and he explained the benefits such as working as a team and learning how to become adults. Emi was excited to share about the creativity and development of many skills that she has been able to acquire in the last two years she has been involved. They both had a presentation that included many activities, plays, and events that the department is involved in. Everyone is invited to attend the upcoming Talent Show on March 28, 2025.
Meredith Tucker, No Limits Rehab, was recognized by Special Education Director Tonya Barnes. Meredith is one of the district’s Physical Therapist. She said she loves being a part of the community and school district. Mrs. Barnes thanked her for her willingness and excitement to help our district’s students.
Superintendent Destry Brown reported that the district has been chosen for the Stepping Up Initiative Grant. This first year will be mostly planning, and he said that the group will be great to work with and is excited for this grant.
Assistant Superintendent Terry Mayfield provided the Board with a shared update. The building on Horton Street will be starting demo soon. He also updated about the Cell Phone Tower purchase and how he is working for a bid soon.
Special Education Director Tonya Barnes updated the Board on Categorical Aid with a payment on March 15.
Nick Johnson, Preschool Principal, staff, and several students were present to inform the Board about the Preschool program. There are 122 students with five teachers. Principal Johnson recognized the excellent staff that works with these students. A few of the students help everyone in attendance with their morning pretzel song. Staff also recognized Principal Johnson for helping in every area throughout the Preschool including driving a van and more.
Michelle Stevenson, Early Childhood Coordinator, works with prenatal to six-year-olds. She works on building relationships with parent/child/community. It is a literacy and strength-based program that with each visit the children receive a new book. This program provides different events for families each year.
The Board Approved the following items:
- 2025-26 School Calendar (Pending Negotiations)
- Designate Make up Day due to missed weather
- JAG Kansas School to Work Program Renewal
There was discussion about possible sale of district owned property. This was discussion only.
There were none present for public forum.
The Board went into an executive session for personnel matters.
President David Stewart adjourned the meeting.
PERSONNEL REPORT – APPROVED
March 10, 2025
RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:
Hall, Kathi – Supplemental Resignation – Assistant Wrestling Coach
Holm, Susan – Resignation – Paraprofessional – High School
Mills, Lacy – Resignation – Paraprofessional – Eugene Ware
Trimble, Aidan – Resignation – Paraprofessional – Eugene Ware
TRANSFER:
Rainey, Taylor – KRI SPED Teacher to Eugene Ware SPED Teacher
Pitts, Jaxon – Maintenance II Groundskeeper to Maintenance I Groundskeeper/Athletic Fields Manager
Torres, Cynthia – ELA Teacher to Spanish Teacher – High School 2025-26
EMPLOYMENT:
Certified Recommendations
Carney, Drew – PE & Weights – High School
Erie, Aleana – English Teacher – High School
Classified Recommendations for the 2024-25 school year:
Bowman, Kinsley – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott
Chaplin, Mercedes – Paraprofessional – Eugene Ware
Miller, Martha – Paraprofessional – Eugene Ware
Weber, Shelia – Paraprofessional – Eugene Ware
Supplemental Recommendations for the 2024-25 school year:
Abati, Delynn – Head Dance Team Coach – High School
Glades, Matt – Assistant Football Coach – High School
Horton, Curtis – Assistant Football – High School
Martin, Dave – Assistant Girls’ Swim Coach
Woods, Nick – Assistant Track Coach – High School
Administration Contracts – Extended 26-27
Terry Mayfield
Tonya Barnes
Nick Johnson
Chris Garzone
Nicole Gilmore
Yasmina Query
Brandon Boyd
Zach Johnson
Matt Harris
Scott Kimble
Jeff Johnson