Mike Hamilton 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 grew up in an education family where both my parents taught. My dad had a long and successful career working through all levels of leadership in public school and then teaching up-and-coming education leaders at Texas A&M. I taught math and coached basketball and volleyball and loved to see my students and athletes learn and build confidence in their math skills and athletic and team ability. It’s an amazingly rewarding feeling to help someone grow. It can feel cliché to say that kids are our future but it is so true. With that, I’ve always wanted to give my own children and other children the tools to succeed in whatever they do post high school (work, tech school, or college). It’s all about helping students learn, be mentally healthy, and confident when they leave the doors of Colby High School.
2. What do you think are the top three concerns facing the school district, and how would you work to address those concerns?
1. There is opportunity to build the morale of our staff. Teachers are the frontline; they must feel appreciated and supported when they give their all and genuinely care about their kids.
2. I would like to see goals for student achievement that put Colby in the top one-third of the state. We are too low for a district that pays well and has a lot to offer in a growing community.
3. I would like to see better collaboration between the Board and the Superintendent with more focus and passion in meetings on student achievement and all of the systems that must be there to support it.
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?
I may have a unique perspective from other candidates in that I grew up in an education family where my dad was a science teacher and coach, then Principal, then Superintendent, then a fully tenured Professor who taught students working on their Masters in Administration and Education Doctorates. He was a tremendous leader and as a math teacher and coach myself for a period, I learned a lot from him. A superintendent must not only manage; they must also lead by helping shape the vision for the district with the Board and then collaborating with staff to determine the best strategies to make the vision a reality. This leadership requires knowledge, experience and proven track record in leadership, and an open door to students, staff, the Board, and the public.
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’ve always gravitated to leadership roles. To me, leadership is not only bringing my own passion, experience, and drive to continually learn, but to also encourage the same characteristics in those I work with. As a School Board member, my teammates are other Board members, the Superintendent, teachers, and support staff. While I have ideas, I don’t have the same experience nor expertise of my teammates. So, I try to be very humble and open to the perspective of others. A leader should understand it’s not about them, it’s about the team they are part of and how they help to bring out the best of this team.
