USD 315 Board Advances Track Discussion, Approves Safety Grant and Banking Changes
February 23, 2026
The USD 315 Board of Education met February 23, 2026, at the district administration building, opening the evening with the Pledge of Allegiance before moving through a full agenda highlighted by student programming, facility upgrades, long-term capital discussions and school safety enhancements.
Following approval of the agenda and consent agenda, the board adjusted committee appointments from selections made at the previous meeting. The changes were approved without opposition.
A major highlight of the evening came during a curriculum presentation from the Colby Middle School IPS Team. Renae Gardener introduced the group, noting that she and Brandi Jones are the only returning members from last year’s committee. The team restructured the Individual Plan of Study program this year, moving implementation into seminar hour to reduce instructional strain during core academic classes.
Jones detailed a creative incentive system called Eagle-Opoly, modeled after Monopoly but infused with school spirit and student success themes. Students earn Eagle-Opoly dollars through positive behavior and engagement, then exchange them for tangible rewards. Faculty members invested significant effort designing game boards, graphics and materials that closely resemble the original board game. Administrators credited the program with boosting morale and strengthening student accountability at the middle school level.
The board also received a Play 315 update. Organizers reported they are halfway to their fundraising goal and outlined plans for Phase 1 of the playground project. The first phase will focus on the younger children’s play area, relocating some existing equipment to improve accessibility and installing a 10,509-square-foot poured-in-place surface with an exterior cement walkway. Grant opportunities are being pursued to offset costs associated with the specialized surface. The committee formally requested approval to begin Phase 1, and the board signaled support to move forward.
Building reports reflected steady district activity. Grade school enrollment increased by three students, with another expected to begin the following day. The cafeteria dishwasher is now fully operational after prior delays. Students recently participated in a hands-on CPR assembly, celebrated Valentine’s Day classroom parties and performed in the first-grade musical.
At Colby Middle School, enrollment remains steady at 299 students. Representatives for the upcoming Thomas County Spelling Bee include Trae Williams, Austin Reinhart, Journey Carney and Levi Brewer. The school also hosted “Heart Week,” emphasizing cardiovascular awareness, and held student-led parent-teacher conferences. The JAG-K program visited Citizens Health for a field experience.
Colby High School administrators reported that ACT testing for juniors will take place February 24 at the Colby Event Center. The CHS yearbook earned a prestigious Jostens recognition for last year’s publication. Staff members also met with Holcomb schools to explore implementation of standards-based grading in math.
Activities Director Travis Betz provided updates on basketball, wrestling, Scholars Bowl, forensics, speech and powerlifting competitions across the district.
The business director reviewed updated audit information and current cash balances. Questions from newer board members regarding budget reports were addressed during the discussion.
Facilities updates included ADA improvements at the primary building and installation planning for a transformer at the AG building to expand welding capacity. The district is also supplementing custodial labor through ATS. Colby will participate in the West Regional School Improvement Day on March 11 in Oakley.
Under unfinished business, the board approved second readings of KASB December policy updates and non-resident student enrollment capacity levels.
A lengthy discussion followed regarding track repairs at Deneen Field. Initially brought before the board last July, the issue has escalated to a full replacement recommendation. Administration estimates a complete renovation will cost between $1 million and $1.2 million. A short-term repair of more than $300,000 would only extend the track’s life a few years.
Currently, the district has allocated $385,000, with community donations totaling approximately $48,000 this school year. An additional $50,000 deposit exists with a vendor but carries installation restrictions. Total available funding sits between $509,000 and $560,000. Board members reviewed account balances, including capital outlay funds, while discussing next steps and the formation of a community committee. The administration will continue conversations with Colby Community College regarding potential partnership support.
In safety updates, Lucas Schneider presented the ZeroEyes firearm detection system. Through secured funding, the district will receive $134,000 to integrate AI-powered firearm detection into existing camera systems. The board approved moving forward with the initiative.
The board also accepted donations, approved Farmers & Merchants Bank as the district’s primary depository institution based on the most favorable bid rate, and approved moving certificate of deposit funds to Western State Bank. Two board members recused themselves from the banking discussion due to employment affiliations with competing institutions.
Following executive session, the board accepted resignations from Ulrich Austin (K-8 crossing guard), Heavan Lankas (Little Eagles Preschool), Isaac Rosales (1st Grade), Breanna Slipke (2nd Grade), Faith Brackett (3rd Grade) and Heather Stapp (Teaching and Learning Director). The board also approved recommended 2026 fall supplemental contracts.
The meeting adjourned after addressing all additional items, with district leadership continuing to navigate major capital decisions and safety improvements while celebrating student engagement and program growth across USD 315.