U-234 recognized for its wellness programs

Thursday, April 12, 2007

The USD 234 Food Service Department will be recognized in a state publication to be published later this month.

During Monday's regular Board of Education meeting, it was announced that Karen Works, area consultant for the Kansas Department of Education Nutrition Services, wrote an article to be published in the Sunflower Health Power newsletter about the district's wellness programs. A rough draft of the article, which highlights the district's health and wellness policies, was made available at the board meeting. The rough draft of the article begins with a strong statement about USD 234's commitment to health and wellness.

"Fort Scott School District has taken the new local wellness policy seriously," Works said in the first sentence of the article.

Topics throughout the article include the district's involvement with wellness activities, wellness goals the district has achieved and also acknowledges the Eat, Exercise and Excel program at Eugene Ware Elementary School. The EEE program was implemented in the fall of 2006 and includes students eating lunch and taking part in physical activity in their classrooms, taking multi-vitamins and having water bottles in the classroom.

The article also mentions the Food Service in-service that will take place on April 20. Food Service Director Robin Button said the in-service will feature Dr. Pat Cooper, superintendent of schools in McComb, Miss., and a nationally-known wellness advocate. That same day, a health fair will be conducted for faculty and staff, along with educational sessions that include various aspects of good health, Button said.

Button said she is honored by the recognition in the Sunflower Health Power newsletter, adding that it shows USD 234 is accomplishing their wellness goals.

"Anything we can do to improve the health of our students is important," Button said. "Being recognized in this publication shows that we must be going in the right direction."

Also at Monday's meeting, district Business Manager Alan Drake informed the board that the district's general fund budget for the 2006-2007 school year increased by $13,380. Drake said the increase, which takes the general fund budget to $11,124,922, is due to an increased enrollment. Also on Monday, the board: * Heard a curriculum presentation from Eugene Ware teachers Linda Jackson and Cathy Werling.

* Approved a request from Drake to let bids for the district's workers' compensation, a bus, suburban van or small car, FSHS roof replacement project, a new sound system at Frary Field and new band uniforms.

* Approved a new listing agreement with realty company Mid West eServices, Inc.

* Approved a request from Buck Run Community Center to share in the cost of installing a rubber floor in the aerobics rooms of the BRCC gymnasium. The district's share will be onefourth of the total cost, which comes to $2,141.75.

* Approved a resolution for the district's participation in a Safe Routes to School grant.

* Approved a bid for the Winfield Scott Elementary School HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioner) summer project.

* In employment matters, the board approved the resignation of Kayla Pruitt, FSHS English teacher; Jessica Crager, FSHS and WSES psychologist; Cherie Tinker, FSMS special education teacher; and Sue Morrell, FSHS teacher aide. The board approved the employment of Brent Myers, FSHS track coach; Jim Barrows, FSHS softball coach; B.J. Pruitt, FSHS baseball coach; Darlinda Harris, FSHS paraeducator; Dee Dee Cheney, FSHS paraeducator; Cecil Feagins, four-hour custodial position; Chris Ratzlaff, FSHS and WSES psychologist for 2007- 2008; and Clyde Stepps, FSMS tennis coach.

The board then went into executive session to discuss other personnel matters.