Dr. Dan Kuhlman Shares his Vision Ahead of Board of Education Election
October 31, 2025
As voters prepare to head to the polls on November 4 to elect three new members to the Colby USD 315 Board of Education, six candidates have stepped forward to share their thoughts, priorities, and vision for the future of local education. Each candidate was asked to respond to four general questions that help the community understand who they are, what issues they see facing the district, and how they plan to serve if elected.
1. Please take a moment to describe yourself to the community, and what makes you passionate about joining the Board of Education?
I call Colby home since moving here in 2014. My wife and I are both family doctors who have worked at Citizen’s Health since moving here. We have 3 wonderful children who are in 7th grade, 5th grade, and 2nd grade within the local public school system. I ran for a position on the USD 315 School Board at the suggestion of a close friend who believed I would serve the community well in the role. I recognize that a healthy public school system is the backbone of any functional community, and consider it important to find the best in the area to help maintain that status.
2. What do you think are the top three concerns facing the school district, and how would you work to address those concerns?
1. Some of the buildings in the district are significantly showing their age, and I’ve talked to multiple people who don’t seem to have a plan in place for how to deal with it. I think those conversations should start now.
2. I believe Colby has room for improvement with regards to overall school ranking and performance. This accountability starts with the new superintendent and placing importance on these results. The School Board needs to hold administration accountable for the desired growth.
3. Now more than ever the public school system faces threats and challenges to its classrooms and curriculum. A good board member’s job is to filter out what doesn’t belong, and I intend to be one of the better ones at serving this role.
3. While you likely won’t be involved in the hiring process of the next district superintendent, what qualities do you consider most important in a candidate for this position?
The new superintendent should have at least the following qualities. They should be friendly but not seek to be everyone’s friend – Their responsibility is to the School Board and district, and they need to be able to do the right thing even if it means hurtful conversations. They should have well developed skills in communication and understanding people – Good leaders have these abilities, and this role should be no different. They should lead by example – A leader cannot be trusted if they cannot be seen “walking the walk” and living by the standards they expect of others.
4. Lastly, why should the community look to you for leadership on this board, and what would you like to say to the community?
I value my ability to listen well and be fair in my judgements, and I think it suits this job well. I believe I can bring a passion for seeing things done correctly to compliment the other members on the board. I am very thankful that we have several wonderful candidates to choose from this November, but I wouldn’t run unless I knew in my heart “I am the right person for this role.” Please allow me this opportunity to serve our community, and thank you for voting!
