Colby USD 315 Board of Education Convened October 20
October 20, 2025
The Colby Public Schools Board of Education met Monday evening, October 20, at the district administration building to review the results of a community-wide survey on the future of Dennen Field and to recognize local students and teachers for achievements in civic engagement and character. The meeting also included updates on school operations, district reports, and scheduling for the ongoing superintendent search.
Assistant Executive Director of Communications for the Kansas Association of School Boards, Kristin Magette, presented an extensive analysis of the district’s community engagement survey regarding renovation or reconstruction of Dennen Field. Conducted over a 10-day period, the survey drew 568 participants who submitted 405 unique thoughts and nearly 12,000 star ratings, a level of interaction Magette called “a gold standard of engagement.”
According to the findings, 93 percent of respondents live within the district, and 80 percent are not district employees, offering what Magette described as “a strong, representative community response.” About 71 percent of participants said they would support renovating Dennen Field, while 54 percent favored building a new stadium. Nineteen percent said they preferred to see no additional work. When asked to choose just one option, 45 percent supported renovating the existing field, and 43 percent favored building new.
Six recurring themes emerged from the community feedback: restrooms, track improvements, safety, parking, financial responsibility, and community involvement. Magette noted that the most discussed issue by far was restroom access, followed by improvements to the track and overall safety. “Both renovation and new construction would address nearly all of the community’s top priorities,” she said. “What’s clear is that the community wants the next phase to be safe, ADA-accessible, and financially responsible.”
The board will revisit the Dennen Field discussion at its November 17 meeting after reviewing the full report and public comments, which will be available online through a QR link on the district website and social media pages.
The board then turned to two recognitions celebrating local achievement. Teachers John Cox, Jessica Kistler, and Ryan Mosier were commended for their leadership in earning the district a Gold Star from the Kansas State Department of Education for Civic Engagement—one of only four districts statewide to reach that distinction. Superintendent Katina Brenn praised their “resilience and dedication to providing students with meaningful civic opportunities.”
The board also recognized Colby High School senior Cody Wright for his display of sportsmanship during the October 11 rivalry football game against Goodland. A video of Wright kneeling in prayer beside an injured Goodland player, Chayton Goodwin, drew attention statewide. Goodwin’s father shared the clip online, commending Wright’s compassion. “When you see a young man immediately stop to pray for his opponent, that’s the kind of leadership and character we’re proud to recognize,” Brenn said.
In other new business, the board approved several donations and grants, including multiple community and educational awards reported by the Teaching and Learning Department. Members also scheduled two special meetings related to the superintendent search process—October 27 at 7:30 p.m. to review survey feedback and community focus groups, and December 1 at 7 p.m. to review applicant materials. Discussion continued regarding district volunteer and visitor policies, including background check procedures and a new digital check-in system being piloted across campuses.
District administrators presented monthly reports on enrollment, curriculum, and activities. Business Director Kaylin Wiens detailed enrollment figures showing a 4.1 percent decrease from last year but noted that Colby remains classified as a “high-density at-risk” district, qualifying for additional funding. Principals from each building provided updates on academic progress, upcoming conferences, and fall athletic highlights. Athletic Director Travis Betz reported successful seasons across several sports, including regional competition for cross-country and girls golf.
The meeting concluded with board and superintendent reports. Brenn outlined upcoming training for the transition from BoardDocs to a new online meeting management platform, recognized Colby’s six KSDE Star Awards, and encouraged public participation in the upcoming “Champions for Schools” community forum in Oakley on October 28.
The next regular meeting of the Colby USD 315 Board of Education is scheduled for Monday, November 17, at 7 p.m. in the district boardroom.