USD 315 Board Reviews District Projects, Approves Budget Updates and Summer Plans
May 18, 2026
The board of education convened on May 18 at the district administration building for its latest meeting. Starting off with a tone of gratitude, board president Shelby Barnett recognized longtime teacher and cross-country coach Chris Giersch.
Giersch concluded a 21-year career with the district, where he was often found teaching science or guiding the community's cross-country athletes. The board thanked Giersch for his years of service and dedication while wishing him the best in retirement. The coach joked with the board that his immediate plans depend on what the money looked like in September but noted that he didn’t intend to fill in as a substitute teacher.
The board then approved the agenda and consent agenda before hearing district administrator reports. No public comment was presented.
Reports began with Grade School Principal Julie Ziegelmeier. She highlighted a busy conclusion to the school year, including field trips, a kindergarten musical, kindergarten visitation, graduation ceremonies, and a mobile museum experience that provided hands-on science exhibits for students. She also noted that moving third- and fourth-grade lunches into the primary building reduced crowding and improved the lunch experience for students. This change has reduced crowding and improved the lunch experience for all students.
Middle School Principal Aaron Dardis was second to report. His update included details on transition programs for the eighth-grade class preparing for high school. He also highlighted end of the year field trips, Reality U financial literacy activities, an art show, professional development opportunities, and a visit from Colby Mayor Lee Leiker, who answered numerous student questions about local government and careers.
Matt Sims then presented updates from the high school, noting the National Honor Society community service projects, Senior Showcase and Awards Night, graduation activities, student council elections, and efforts to improve state assessment scores. Sims said district leaders are developing a focused plan to improve academic performance while building on gains already shown by current sophomore students.
Sims also shared athletic updates, noting the baseball and softball teams were preparing to host postseason competition. He added that the golf team qualified for the state tournament, while tennis qualifiers Tony Jaeger in singles while Levi Haines and Stryker Shaw qualified in doubles.
Director of teaching and learning Heather Stapp provided updates on grant applications, curriculum purchases, professional development planning, and state assessment results. She noted the district continues aligning professional development efforts with school improvement goals while preparing state and federal reports.
Superintendent Katina Brenn discussed preparations for the upcoming administrative transition involving incoming superintendent Dr. Kevin Warner. She also announced that Colby Community College has renewed its commitment scholarship program, allowing local students to continue earning college credits in high school.
She also highlighted facility and infrastructure projects and informed the board that an activity bus for the district suffered major engine failure. Estimates were provided to the board in the range of $25,000 - $47,000 for a rebuild, but administrators are continuing to review warranty information and repair options before proceeding.
The board also received updates on the Dennen Field project. District officials continue to work with donors, grant opportunities, and local financial institutions to determine funding options and close remaining funding gaps.
In other projects, the board announced that phase 1 of the Play 315 playground project officially began with groundbreaking activities earlier that day.
Under new business, board members approved republication for the district budget to increase spending authority within the Career and Technical Education Fund and the Bilingual Education Fund. District officials noted the adjustments were necessary to fully cover salaries and benefits through the remainder of the fiscal year.
A lengthy discussion accompanied renewal of the district’s food program with OPAA!. Several members commented on the frequency of chicken appearing on the school menus, administrators reported that meal quality, presentation, and operational stability have improved under the program. Board members acknowledged that returning to an in-house food service operation would be difficult given current staffing and operational realities.
The board then established textbook and student materials fees without an increase and kept activity fees unchanged at $50 per sport with a $150 cap. Discussion revolved around parent concerns regarding replacement costs for lost student device chargers.
The board approved the second reading of updated policies governing student personal electronic devices and employee social media use. Administrators indicated handbook revisions and communication plans will be presented before the start of the next school year.
Board members concluded the meeting by accepting various staff resignations, employment recommendations, and supplemental contract changes for the upcoming school year.
The next board of education meeting will be on June 29.