Kansas August Primary Election Candidates: Kansas House of Representatives
Agenda for the U234 Board of Education for July 8
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
July 8, 2024 – 5:30 P.M.
AGENDA SUMMARY PUBLIC
1.0 Call Meeting to Order David Stewart, President
2.0 Flag Salute
3.0 Approval of the Official Agenda (Action Item)
4.0 Reorganization of New Board (Action)
5.0 Approval of the Consent Agenda (Action Item)
5.1 Board Minutes
- 06/03/24 Minutes
- 06/10/24 Board Minutes
5.2 Financials – Cash Flow Report
5.3 Check Register
5.4 Payroll – June 20, 2024 -$2,128,270.84
5.5 Activity Funds Accounts
5.6 USD 234 Gifts
5.7 Appoint Terry Mayfield as Deputy Board Clerk
5.8 HS Extended Trip Forms 24-25
5.9 HS Fundraising Applications 24-25
5.10 Resolution 24-01 – Destruction of Records
5.11 Resolution 24-02 – Waiver of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
5.12 Resolution 24-03 – Rescinding Policy Statements found in Board Minutes
5.13 Resolution 24-04 – Establish Home Rule by Board of Education
5.14 Designation of Banks for deposit of school funds
5.15 Set fees for copying records
5.16 Mileage reimbursement – current state mileage rate
5.17 2024-25 School Fees
5.18 Recreation Commission Board Member Term
5.19 Designation of newspaper for official school publications – Fort Scott Tribune
5.20 Offices for the 2024-25 School Year
5.21 June 2024 KASB Policy Updates
6.0 Leadership Reports (Information/Discussion Item)
6.1 Superintendent’s Report
6.2 Assistant Superintendent’s Report
6.3 Special Education Director’s Report
7.0 New Business
7.1 Workers Compensation Renewal 2024-25 (Action)
7.2 KiCS Property, Casualty, Insurance 2024-25 (Action)
7.3 2024-25 Emergency Operations Procedures (Action)
7.4 Set Dates for Budget Presentation, Revenue Neutral Hearing and Budget Hearing (Action)
7.5 Revenue Neutral Declaration to the Bourbon County Clerk (Action)
8.0 Public Forum
9.0 Other Business –
9.1 Enter Executive Session – Negotiations/ Salary (Action Item)
9.2 Exit Executive Session
9.3 Approval of Negotiated Agreement (Action Item)
9.4 Approval of Salary (Action Item)
9.5 Enter Executive Session – Personnel Matters (Action Item)
9.6 Exit Executive Session
9.7 Approval of Personnel Report (Action Item)
10.0 Adjourn Meeting David Stewart, President
Independence Day Celebration Moved to July 5 in Uniontown
With the forecasted weather for today and tonight Union State Bank (Uniontown, KS) has made the difficult decision to postpone their 19th Annual Independence Day celebration to FRIDAY, JULY 5th!
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Report July 3
Events for Independence Day 2024 Celebrations Are Gearing Up

It’s that time of year again, the mid-point of summer, the time when local gardens are producing abundant food and Fourth of July activities begin.
Firework sales in Fort Scott started on June 27 and end on July 4, according to Fort Scott Police Chief Jason Pickert.
“Fireworks can be discharged within the city limits from June 27th to July 2nd from 7 am to 10 pm. On July 3rd and 4th, they can be discharged from 7 am to midnight. Shooting fireworks outside of these dates could result in being ticketed and fined,” he said.
Pickert provided a list of where fireworks cannot be discharged.
- Within one thousand feet of a hospital.
- Within fifty feet of a location where fireworks are sold.
- Within one hundred feet from any gas pump, filling station or bulk fuel storage facility.
- Any community college campus or surrounding grounds.
- Bourbon County Fairgrounds.
- Any city-owned parks
- And on from 18th Street to 23rd Street during the city’s fireworks display.
“The city fireworks display will still be held at the college campus,” Pickert said. “As in years past, parking will be allowed on Horton. It can get congested so if you are driving through the area go slow and look for pedestrians.”
Uniontown’s Independence Day Bash-July 3

Union State Bank is sponsoring the 19th Annual Independence Day Bash on Wednesday, July 3rd in the Uniontown City Park.
“The bank employees plan the event and will hand out free hotdogs, chips and water beginning at 7 pm that evening,” said Amy Holt, Loan Administration Vice President.
“Live music will also begin at 7 pm with the band Neighborhood Radio from La Cygne, Kansas performing,” she said. “As in years past we will have Inflatable jump houses and The Selfie Bar for people to enjoy.”
Food trucks will be available to serve carnival food and ice cream for purchase.
“We are open for any organizations or clubs looking for a fundraiser opportunity to set up in the park as well,” she saidl Contact Amy Holt during business hours at 620-756-4305 or by email at [email protected] if interested.
Fireworks will begin at dusk after 9:30 pm. Personal fireworks are discouraged near the event as a safety precaution.
Neighborhood 4th Of July Parade on Burke Street

An annual neighborhood parade on Fort Scott’s “Tower Hill,” better known as Burke Street on the Fourth of July will begin at 10 a.m. at 10th and Burke Street. The whole town is invited to wear patriotic clothing and enjoy the parade.
Fort Scott Fireworks Event
Fireworks will be at FSCC once again but will be on July 6 this year, in conjunction with a rodeo at the Bourbon County Fairgrounds.
The community is invited to enjoy the rodeo then view the fireworks.
City Manager Brad Matkin and Bourbon County Fair Board Member Stewart Gulager had discussions in April to have the fireworks be in conjunction with the International Professional Rodeo Assn. The event is also co-approved by the American Cowboy Assn.
“The rodeo is July 5 and 6, Friday and Saturday night, starting at 8 p.m. each evening,” Gulager said. “I asked if he could do the fireworks at the end of the last performance.”
Tickets are $17 at the gate for adults, $10 for kids 6-10 years old and free for kids five and under. A beer garden is available.
At the rodeo, there will be mutton busting and a calf scramble for the youth and nine events for cowboys and cowgirls involving roping, riding, racing, and wrestling rodeo animals.

The fireworks will be shot off from the Fort Scott Community College softball field on the west side of the campus.
Premier Pyrotechnics, Richland, MO, will have a shooting crew, said Shaunn Pytlowany a licensed shooter and operator.
“There will be a 360-degree viewing angle,” he said, with the height over 150 feet in the air.

KS Tax Collections Above Estimate for June
Governor Kelly Announces June Total Tax Collections at 2.4% Above the Estimate
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced today that June’s total tax collections were $1.03 billion. That is $24.1 million, or 2.4%, more than the estimate. Total tax collections are up 3.9% from June 2023.
“While the tax revenue collected for June is encouraging, we must remain committed to fiscal responsibility,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “By continuing our work to put our state on solid fiscal ground, we can ensure Kansans have the services and quality of life they deserve.”
Individual income tax collections were $452.4 million. That is $82.4 million, or 22.3% more than the estimate, and up 19.4% from June 2023. Corporate income tax collections were $193.1 million. That is $53.9 million, or 21.8% less than the estimate, and down 14.6% from June 2023.
“Individual income tax receipts exceeded the June estimate because of higher-than-expected withholding tax and individual estimated payments and the fact that fewer refunds were paid than in June 2023,” said Secretary of Revenue Mark Burghart. “Withholding tax receipts are 17.0% greater than in June 2023, and that source continues to be the State’s most reliable revenue stream.”
Combined retail sales and compensating use tax receipts were $292.1 million. That is $2.2 million, or 0.7% more than the estimate, but down $11.4 million, or 3.8%, from June 2023.
Click here to view the June 2024 revenue numbers.
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Obituary of Arlan Kent Boyd
Arlan Kent Boyd, 75, of rural Redfield, Kansas, passed away unexpectedly at his home on June 30, 2024. Kent was born in Fort Scott, Kansas, to John Curtis Boyd and Norma Paulene (Huckaby) Boyd on October 25, 1948. Eighteen years their junior, he joined his older brothers, Curtis Eugene Boyd and Donald Lee Boyd.
Kent attended Redfield Country School, Fort Scott Public Schools, Fort Scott Community College, and Allen County Community College. In 1968, he was drafted into the United States Army and was stationed at Fort Knox, Kentucky, for two years. Kent continued his military service for an additional 25 years, proudly serving in the Kansas National Guard.
On September 25, 1970, Kent married the love of his life, Amy (Spencer) Boyd, at the First United Methodist Church in Fort Scott, KS. Their union was blessed with two daughters, Angela Dawn Boyd Zerinsky Simon and Kristin Marie Boyd Bishop. Kent loved being a girl dad, but was thrilled beyond measure to welcome David Zerinsky, Jason Simon and William Bishop as sons. Kent bought each of them a pair of Key overalls to “welcome” them to the family. Teaching his sons, and later his grandchildren, to Bass fish became a priority for Kent.
Kent spent most of his life working in all aspects of construction; from the smallest of jobs for a neighbor to running multimillion dollar projects for a large company. Kent was always the go-to person for any job because he could do most anything and was trusted to do it well. Kent was an avid outdoorsman. If he didn’t have a tool in his hand, it was a fishing pole or rifle. As a passionate bass fisherman, he humorously told his daughters they were not allowed to get married or have children during a bass tournament weekend. Kent held several titles and had many nicknames over the years. Among all his monikers, “Poppy” was his favorite, lovingly bestowed upon him by his cherished grandchildren: AnnaMarie (Annie) Zerinsky Simon, Kendrick Ames Michael Simon, Winston Thomas Bishop, and Linden James Bishop.
Kent was an active member of the Mirza Shrine Temple in Pittsburg, KS, and the Masonic Devon Lodge #92 Valley of Fort Scott Scottish Rite. Kent took pride in his time as a member of the Elks Lodge, delivering meal boxes every Christmas and helping with the kids fishing tournament. Children have always delighted him and always brought a smile to his regionally famous blue eyes. He was known affectionately as “Mr. Kent” to hundreds of local children as he made regular appearances at New Generation Child Care and Preschool over the course of 32 years to fix whatever might have needed fixin’.
He attended the First United Methodist Church and was known for his love of people. Kent enjoyed socializing with friends and family at every opportunity. You could find him at the donut shop every weekday morning, the Sale Barn cafe on Saturday, and “choir practice” in Hammond on Sunday.
Kent will be remembered for his kind heart, ornery grin, and quick wit. He always ended every conversation with, “Love you, be good.” His legacy of love, laughter, and generosity will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
Kent’s passing leaves a void in the hearts of “His Girls”- Amy, Angela,and Kristin that can never be filled, but his memory will forever be cherished by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Rev. Christopher Eshelman will conduct funeral services at 11:30 A.M. Friday, July 5th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery with Masonic Rites and Military Honors.
The family will receive friends on Friday from 10:30 A.M. until service time at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Memorials are suggested to the Kent Boyd Scholarship Fund for Construction Trades and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
FSCC New Foundation Director: Lindsay Hill

Lindsay Hill, 44, is the new Fort Scott Community College Foundation Director, effective June 11. Her office is in the Ellis Fine Arts Center on the college campus.
She has a bachelor’s and master’s degree from Pittsburg State University and was the FSCC Volleyball Coach for nine years.
She left FSCC in March 2020 to build an online business and “be a more present mom,” she said.
In January 2024, she and her husband John opened Freedom Fitness in downtown Fort Scott.
John is the FSCC Baseball Coach and they have two sons, J.J., 13 years of age and Hudson, 10.
They also own Sunbeam Christian Preschool.
“My family has been philanthropists my whole life,” she said.
Some of the foundation goals:
- “Help as many students as we can earn a scholarship to attend FSCC. We do this through our endowed scholarships. We will continue to grow our scholarships so we can help more students,” she said.
- “Create opportunities for Fort Scott CC and our community to work together. Relationships are important for us as an institution, so we want to develop those relationships in all areas of our community.”
- “Make connections with our alumni and friends – this is a valuable piece to our family.”
- “Fundraise to help the college become more sustainable.”
Political signs not allowed on highway right of way
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The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports July 2
Kansas Launches National Campaign to Attract and Retain Talent
TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland, alongside leaders from across the state, today unveiled Love, Kansas, a dynamic talent attraction campaign aimed at boosting Kansas’ population by inviting past residents to choose the Sunflower State as their future home. This national marketing initiative will highlight Kansas as an exceptional place to live, work and raise a family, with a special emphasis on “boomerangs” – individuals with previous ties to the state.
The campaign was launched at the Flint Hills Discovery Center in Manhattan, where Lieutenant Governor Toland shared his personal journey back to Kansas that was inspired by a heartfelt phone call from a family friend about a job opportunity in his hometown of Iola.
“It’s simple: We need more humans in Kansas to keep up with the phenomenal economic growth our state is experiencing,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “The best way to do that is to first approach Kansans who left the state for economic opportunities elsewhere and invite them to build a life in a place they know and have connections to, whether in their hometown or elsewhere in the state. And with the Love, Kansas campaign, we aren’t just extending an invitation to those who once called Kansas home to come back – we’re also inviting families from around the country to build their lives in the Sunflower State.”
Love, Kansas will focus on the state’s abundant job opportunities, high quality of life, excellent education system and affordable communities. The campaign will be driven at the local level but will strategically target key markets across the U.S., with a strong focus on digital and social media platforms. Influencer and journalist engagement, as well as targeted in-person events both within and outside of Kansas, will play a crucial role in reaching potential boomerangs.
During the launch event, it was announced that the first 50 communities to partner with Love, Kansas will be eligible for a $5,000 grant to assist in their efforts in attracting new residents to their community. Nineteen pilot communities and seven universities already have joined the initiative and are planning events that are aligned with the campaign’s theme. A primary goal is for communities across the state to do direct outreach to past residents they have a personal connection with, inviting them to return home.
“The collaboration already on display between so many partners underscores the enthusiasm for this campaign,” Tourism Director Bridgette Jobe said. “There are so many amazing things happening in Kansas right now; Love, Kansas gives us the chance to let people throughout the country know about them.”
The Love, Kansas campaign is being spearheaded by the Kansas Department of Commerce.
For more information about the campaign, view this video (here) or visit the Love, Kansas website here.
About Kansas Tourism:
The mission of Kansas Tourism is to inspire travel to and throughout Kansas to maximize the positive impacts that tourism has on our state and local communities. Kansas Tourism works hand in hand with other Commerce community programs to elevate and promote Kansas as a tourist destination. Kansas Tourism oversees all tourism marketing and PR for the state, produces travel publications and advertising, manages state Travel Information Centers, manages both the Kansas By-ways program and the Kansas Agritourism program, approves tourist signage applications, produces the KANSAS! Magazine, and provides financial and educational support to the tourism industry in Kansas through grants, education, and support.
About the Kansas Department of Commerce:
As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.
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