USD 315 Board Reviews Curriculum, Budgets, and Upcoming Changes
March 30, 2026
The USD 315 Board of Education met March 30 at the district administration building, working through a full agenda that included curriculum approvals, financial updates, and early discussions on policy changes that could impact students in the coming school year.
The board approved both the agenda and consent agenda without opposition, before moving into a series of presentations and reports highlighting district operations and future planning.
A major focus of the evening centered on curriculum updates at both the elementary and middle school levels. Faculty members presented their recommendation for a new grade school math curriculum, selecting the I-Ready program after reviewing multiple options. Teachers emphasized the program’s user-friendly design, strong data tracking capabilities, and alignment with Kansas standards. The board later approved the curriculum at a cost of $104,949.58, which will be implemented over a six-year cycle.
At the middle school level, science instructor Troy Rall presented the recommendation to continue using McGraw Hill curriculum, citing its flexibility and alignment with Next Generation Science Standards. Teachers appreciated the ability to tailor lessons to their classrooms while maintaining consistency across grade levels. The board approved the program for $76,999.89.
Administrative reports provided a wide-ranging look at activity across the district. At Colby Grade School, March included a variety of events such as a school improvement day in Oakley, a staff pickleball tournament, and the PTO Carnival. Kindergarten enrollment is trending strong, with more than 50 students already pre-enrolled for next year.
Middle school and high school administrators highlighted student achievements and participation. Middle school students brought home 19 awards from the GWAC math competition, while Trey Williams earned a county spelling bee championship and a strong finish at the state level. At the high school, administrators noted the transition into the busy spring season, with state assessments, prom, and graduation approaching.
Activities Director Travis noted a successful winter sports season, including a state runner-up finish for the girls wrestling team and another individual title for Morgan Hills. The boys team also performed well, placing eighth overall with Ryder Dempewolf earning his third state championship.
On the financial side, Business Director Kaylin Williams reassured the board that current reports showing lower balances are due to timing. The district has processed two cycles of expenses while only receiving one cycle of revenue, a temporary imbalance that will correct with upcoming state aid payments.
Williams also reported that the district’s annual audit has been delayed, with state auditors yet to begin their review. Additionally, USD 315 has been selected for a bilingual program audit, part of a statewide review involving multiple districts.
Board members also discussed upcoming handbook revisions, including a potential statewide policy restricting student cell phone use during the school day. District leaders indicated they are waiting on further guidance from state agencies before finalizing any changes, noting concerns about implementation, cost, and logistics.
Other business included approval of Kansas Association of School Boards membership dues totaling approximately $12,734, as well as the designation of High Plains News as the district’s official newspaper for required public notices.
The board reviewed an update on the district’s KESA accreditation process, outlining goals focused on strengthening curriculum alignment and improving student outcomes through targeted instructional strategies.
Personnel actions were handled in executive session, with the board approving one resignation, several new hires, internal transfers, and multiple supplemental coaching changes for the upcoming school year.
The board accepted the resignation of Jacob Fisher, who served as Maintenance Building Lead.
To fill staffing needs, the board approved several recommendations, including Isaac Unruh to replace Fisher, Jeremy Hawks to replace Heather Stapp, Jori Thompson in an internal transfer replacing Isaac Rosales, and Ashley Norton to fill Thompson’s previous role. Additional internal transfers included Tucker Branum, Yancey Walker, and Jon Frahm.
The board also approved a series of supplemental resignations. Nicholas Allsman stepped down as Colby High School head football coach, while Isaiah Rosales resigned from his roles as CMS assistant basketball coach and assistant track coach at the conclusion of the current season. Additional resignations included Ray Nolan as CHS assistant girls basketball coach, Shelly Myers as senior class sponsor, Denita Rogers as head CHS spirit squad coach, and Zane Betz as head eighth grade boys basketball coach.
To address those vacancies, the board approved several supplemental coaching recommendations. Amanda Wolf will serve as CHS assistant track coach, replacing Derick Bacon. Tera Arnberger was approved as CMS eighth grade girls head coach, replacing Travis Vaughn. Dakota Breuer was approved as the new CHS head football coach, replacing Allsman.
The meeting concluded with discussion of future agenda items, including second readings of handbook updates and scheduling for upcoming board meetings.