USD 315 tours facilities, weighs Dennen Field funding ahead of new school year

Colby Public Schools officials gave Board of Education members a firsthand look at the district’s infrastructure needs Monday before turning their attention to the budget, the Dennen Field project and other preparations for the start of classes Wednesday.

The USD 315 board began its Aug. 17 meeting at 6 p.m., an hour earlier than usual, to allow board members, administrators and members of the public to tour district buildings.

Beginning at Colby Grade School and continuing through the intermediate and middle schools, administrators highlighted summer improvements, storm damage and projects that remain on the district’s wish list. The tour also exposed accessibility concerns and building features that may need to be reviewed for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

At the intermediate building, the group inspected an office area where high humidity has limited some operations. Administrators said plans are in place to address the conditions.

Board members also examined the renovated gym floor and asked questions about whether elements of the current design could create student-safety concerns.

At Colby Middle School, the group saw water damage associated with the design of exterior concrete near a glass-enclosed corridor. Officials also pointed to problems with the gymnasium roof or ceiling.

Elsewhere in the building, administrators showed classrooms that received new flooring and discussed pipe replacements and other summer work.

The tour also included the Colby High School auditorium, where the district continues to face lighting problems. Administrators said possible solutions have been identified, but none are currently considered affordable.

After the tour, the group reconvened in the administration building’s boardroom for its regular business meeting.

Much of the evening’s discussion centered on the proposed Dennen Field renovation and the district’s ability to finance the work in time for the spring track season.

Superintendent Dr. Kevin Warner told the board the district has $746,779.99 in cash available for the project, including donations received and a $21,120 refund from ProTrack. That figure does not include pledged donations or anticipated wind-energy revenue.

The district remains $763,831.99 short of the amount needed for the project.

Warner said the district cannot legally sign a construction contract without having the required money in hand. To move ahead now, the district would likely need a lease agreement of approximately $700,000.

Business Manager Kaylin Wiens said the district expects to have just under $1.69 million available in its capital outlay fund, including its carryover and anticipated tax collections. After custodial, grounds and maintenance salaries, existing lease payments and an energy-services contract are accounted for, the district estimates it would have about $510,000 remaining.

Administrators cautioned against committing that balance because the building tour illustrated other capital needs across the district.

USD 315 already has three lease agreements. Two through Farmers and Merchants Bank carry fixed interest rates of 6.6% and 6%, while a technology lease through Apple carries no interest. The budget document lists the district’s total lease-purchase principal at approximately $3.1 million as of July 1.

The district typically receives about $235,000 annually in wind-energy revenue, generally in January, but officials were reluctant to rely too heavily on revenue that has not yet been received.

Board members discussed seeking proposals from area banks, continuing the donation campaign and exploring sponsorship or naming-rights opportunities. Although no financing agreement was approved Monday, the board directed Warner and Wiens to research lease terms and interest rates while continuing efforts to raise money.

Officials said the window for signing a contract and completing the track by spring is narrowing, but the board has not abandoned that goal.

In related business, the board reviewed proposed facility-rental rules on first reading. The proposal would set the rental rate for Dennen Field at $300 per day and require outside groups to carry liability insurance. The policy is expected to return in September for a second reading and possible approval.

The board also reviewed district and building needs assessments alongside state assessment data. The review is a required part of the budget process and is intended to connect district spending decisions with student needs. The documents will return for final action with the budget.

The board voted 7-0 to publish the proposed 2026-27 budget. The proposal establishes authority for $20.47 million in total expenditures, or approximately $17.18 million after transfers between district funds.

Proposed 2026-27 Budget for USD 315 can be found here

The proposed tax levy is $4.81 million. Although that is about $101,000 more than the previous year, the estimated combined mill levy would decrease slightly, from 45.683 mills to 45.634 mills, because of higher assessed valuation in the county.

Publication does not constitute final adoption. The district will hold its revenue-neutral-rate hearing at 7:30 a.m. Sept. 18, followed by a budget hearing at 7:40 a.m. and a special board meeting at 7:50 a.m. for formal consideration of the budget.

The board also accepted $27,305 in donations and gifts. The contributions included $25,100 for the Dennen Field project, $1,605 for the grade-school playground and $600 for the district’s after-school program.

The board accepted the resignations of Emily Corbett, Elijah Mills, Ryan Mosier (pending transfer in the district), Lauren Rodgers and Jessica Stephens. It also accepted Brandi Niblock’s resignation as seventh-grade girls assistant basketball coach.

Employment recommendations approved by the board included Dakota Breuer, Cydney Brown, Briane Faulkender, Audra Fisher, Flor de Maria Perez Morales, Sheila Lavigne, Ryan Mosier and Jennie Torres.

Supplemental contracts were approved for Kirby Benisch, Levi Davenport, Austin Hernandez, Ian Rosales and Keegan Smith.

The board’s next regular meeting is scheduled for Sept. 21.