USD 234 Board of Education Regular Meeting – November 9, 2026

Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, November 9, 2026, for their regular monthly meeting at 409 S Judson. President David Stewart opened the meeting.

The board toured the Preschool building, approved the official agenda, and approved the consent agenda, which included:

• Board Minutes – 10-12-26
• Financials – Cash Flow Report
• Check Register
• Payroll – October 20, 2026 – $1,858,409.56
• Activity Funds Accounts
• USD 234 Gifts

Reports

Sabrina Keating, the district’s Gifted Facilitator for K-12, works in each building on math, reading, critical thinking and other projects, with help from Tyler Slinkard at the high school. She said she is excited to work with students across their entire school careers.

Pat Wood updated the board on the Preschool building project.

Superintendent Zach Johnson thanked staff, students and the community for their effort on Strategic Planning, with more information to come, and commended staff who presented during the November PLC/PD Day.

Assistant Superintendent Terry Mayfield updated the board on projects throughout the district and explained a budget increase tied to operating costs, noting all departments are working to have facilities ready for winter.

Special Education Director Tonya Barnes shared an update on the first Cat Aide payment, said she is working toward a December 1st update, and noted she will attend the Tri-State Law Conference soon.

Board Action

The board did not approve, on a 3-3 vote, the termination of the IT Services Agreement with FSCC.

The board approved:

• Payment & Performance Bond Requirements for District Construction Projects
• Mentorship Agreement

Discussion Items

• Facilities Naming Policy – Discussion continued and will resume at a future meeting.
• Health Insurance Renewal – Discussion and approval expected later this month once all information is available.
• Softball Facility Improvements – Discussion was held on improvements at Fisher Park; more information will come back to the board after talks with other entities.
• Board Meeting Streaming – KASB has suggested board meetings no longer be streamed; the board discussed the topic and will revisit it later.
• Board Member Expectations – Mr. Stewart reminded the board of expectations covered in their training.

Three staff members were present for Public Forum. The board went into executive session for legal matters, then for personnel matters, after which it approved the Personnel Report. The board also went into executive session for the Superintendent Evaluation. President David Stewart then adjourned the meeting.

Personnel Report – Approved November 9, 2026

Resignations/Terminations/Retirements:

• Paula Coyan – Resignation – Paraprofessional – High School
• Heather Davis-Hartman – Supplemental Resignation – Assistant Softball Coach – High School
• Marilyn Hay – Supplemental Resignation – Volleyball Coach – High School
• Doug Miller – Retirement – Bus Driver
• Aubrey Prine – Resignation – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott
• Tonya Smith – Rescind – Preschool Van Driver
• Stacey Wright – Resignation – Paraprofessional – High School

Leave of Absence:

• Whitley Chesney – Leave of Absence

Employment – Classified Recommendations for 2026-27 School Year:

• Mikiah Anderson – Preschool Van Driver
• Aubrey Ard – Paraprofessional – High School
• Jessica Ballou – Paraprofessional – High School
• Justin Eichenberger – Part time to Full time Paraprofessional – High School
• Clint Hazen – Bus Driver
• Erica McClendon – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott

Supplemental Recommendations:

• Chris Chaplin – Van Driver – Swimming – High School
• Kathryn Karhoff – Assistant Boys’ and Girls’ Swim Coach – High School
• Jamie Rogers – Assistant Girls’ Basketball Coach – High School

Full details are available in the attached board news release and personnel report (PDF).