A Busy November at Colby Public Schools: Track Progress, Student Activities and School Funding

November is here, and while Colby Public Schools is between high school sports seasons, there's still plenty happening around USD 315!

Superintendent Dr. Kevin Warner stopped by the NWKS Radio studios for his weekly visit with Joel Navarro, sharing updates on student activities, the new track at Dennen Field, upcoming schedule changes and some insight into where the district's money goes.

Keeping Busy in the Classroom and Beyond

Fall sports may be winding down at the high school, but the middle school is keeping plenty busy with girls basketball, boys wrestling and Scholars Bowl competitions.

At the high school, students have been taking the ACT WorkKeys assessment, which focuses on career-related skills and can help students as they begin thinking about their futures.

Warner, a former biology teacher, joked that it took him a few changes in direction before he found his way into education.

Holiday Season Means Schedule Changes

With the holidays approaching, families can expect a few changes to their normal school routines.

There will be no school Wednesday, November 11, in observance of Veterans Day. Teachers and staff, however, will spend the day participating in professional development.

Warner, who grew up in a military family, took a moment to recognize those who have served.

He also talked about how the upcoming holiday breaks can throw everyone's routines off a little, including students, parents and teachers.

"We are humans and we are part of the animal kingdom. So we do like our routines just like everybody else," Warner joked.

He encouraged families to maintain consistency as much as possible as the holiday season gets underway.

Dennen Field Track Project Moving Along

If you've been by Dennen Field lately, you've probably noticed some big changes!

Warner said the concrete rings for the new track have been poured, and crews are now working on fine grading to prepare the base for asphalt.

If Mother Nature cooperates, asphalt work could begin next week.

The goal is to have the new track ready for use sometime in the spring of 2027.

It's an exciting improvement for Colby athletes and the community, but it also led to a question Warner said he's been hearing quite a bit.

Why Does the School Have to Fundraise for Projects?

Why does USD 315 need community donations to help pay for projects like the new track or the agricultural education center?

Warner explained that the answer isn't quite as simple as looking at the district's overall budget.

He pointed to several funding challenges over the years, including a period when USD 315 wasn't collecting capital outlay taxes, followed by state funding changes and increasing operating expenses.

Capital outlay funds are generally used for major purchases and improvements such as building maintenance, HVAC systems, windows, security upgrades and technology.

But Warner said one of the biggest challenges continues to be special education funding.

Kansas law calls for the state to cover 92% of excess special education costs. According to Warner, the state hasn't fully funded that amount since the 2010-2011 school year.

Because districts are still required to provide those services, USD 315 has had to use money from its general fund to help make up the difference.

Over the past three years, Warner said the district has transferred approximately $1.3 million from its general fund to special education.

That's money that otherwise could have helped support other district needs and improvements.

And just like families and businesses, schools are also facing higher costs for utilities, transportation, salaries and everyday operations.

Warner used a trip to Scott City as an example, estimating that fuel alone costs the district around $280 to transport students there for activities.

Multiply those expenses across an entire school year, and it adds up quickly.

Looking Ahead at School Funding

Warner also encouraged residents to pay attention to upcoming discussions in Topeka about Kansas' school funding formula.

The current formula is scheduled to expire July 1, 2027, and state lawmakers are beginning the process of reviewing what comes next.

Those decisions could have a significant impact on school districts like USD 315.

In the meantime, community support continues to play an important role in making major improvements possible.

Anyone interested in donating toward the new track or other district projects can contact the Colby Public Schools administration office.

From student activities to facility improvements and planning for the future, there's a lot happening at Colby Public Schools.

Keep listening to NWKS Radio for weekly visits with Dr. Kevin Warner and the latest news from USD 315.