Fort Scott school enrollment shows a slight decline

The USD 234 Board of Education heard a report on enrollment in the district as of the 20th day of classes and conducted other business during their regular meeting Monday.

USD 234 Superintendent Richard Werling presented an enrollment report to the board that showed a total head count enrollment of 1,946 students in four schools, a decrease of seven students from the same time last year.

Figures show 571 students enrolled at Fort Scott High School, 431 students at Fort Scott Middle School, 484 students at Eugene Ware Elementary School, 438 students at Winfield Scott Elementary School and 22 students at the Fort Scott Preschool Center. All figures are about the same as last year's numbers.

School districts across the state must submit enrollment figures to the state on the 20th day of classes each year in order to determine funding.

In other business, the board:

* Heard a report from teachers at Fort Scott Middle School about Project Art, a program that exposes all students at the school to literature and a theatrical performance directly related to the theme they have been studying.

* Approved a Local Education Assurances Agreement.

* Approved applications for fundraisers from the FSHS band and cheerleaders. Students will try to raise money this fall to take a future trip to Orlando, Fla.

* Approved the lease of a 48-passenger special education bus.

* Approved a policy that requires district administrators to reside within the district's boundaries. Any new employee who does not live within the district and is hired to fill an administrative position will have one year from the date of employment to establish residency within the boundaries of the district.

* Hired Randy Bohlken to fill a central office maintenance position and Michael Johnson as an assistant debate coach at FSHS.

The board also conducted an executive session to discuss personnel matters for non-elected personnel.