Dr. Kevin Werner Talks Track Progress, Play 315 and School Funding

The first quarter of the school year is already coming to a close, and there is plenty happening around Colby Public Schools.

USD 315 Superintendent Dr. Kevin Werner joined NWKS Radio for his weekly visit to talk about everything from progress on the new track and Play 315 playground project to special education funding and what it means for the district’s budget.

Rain Delays Track Work, But Project Moving Forward

Anyone attending a football game at Dennen Field may notice things are starting to look a little different.

The district held its pre-construction meeting for the track project, and some fencing has already been removed. However, recent rain put a temporary hold on demolition of the old track.

Werner said crews are now hoping to begin demolition early next week.

“You’ll notice that some of the west fence is down and the east fence is down,” Werner said. “That’s where we’re going to be doing some expanding of the track a little bit to have a correct type of curve on it.”

The district is continuing to accept donations for the track project. Anyone interested in contributing can contact the USD 315 administration office and speak with Werner or Mrs. Wiens.

Play 315 Continues to Grow

Another project continuing to take shape is Play 315.

Phase one of the playground project is complete, and Werner said students are already enjoying the new equipment and surface.

“The kids are loving the new playground,” Werner said. “If you haven’t been out to the surface, that is one amazing surface out there.”

Work is now focused on phase two of the project, which will bring even more equipment to the playground.

Werner also reminded the community about the upcoming Play 315 Fall Festival on October 24 from 3 to 6 p.m. The event will serve as a fundraiser for the project and feature a carnival-style atmosphere with games, food trucks and other activities.

A major goal behind Play 315 is making sure the playground is inclusive and gives children of different abilities an opportunity to play.

Werner Explains Special Education Funding Challenges

Werner also used part of this week’s conversation to explain some of the financial challenges facing USD 315 and why community fundraising has become important for projects such as the track and playground.

According to Werner, Kansas law calls for the state to fund 92% of excess special education costs. He said the last time funding reached that level was during the 2010-2011 school year.

Werner said the state funded 71.9% of those excess costs last year.

Regardless of the funding level, school districts are still required to provide special education services. That means USD 315 has to make up the difference elsewhere in its budget.

Werner said Colby Public Schools transferred approximately $325,000 from its general fund to special education last year to cover that gap.

Over the past 15 years, he estimated the district has transferred nearly $2 million from its general fund to help cover special education costs.

“What could we do with $325,000?” Werner asked. “Well, one, we’re maybe not fundraising as much for our playgrounds or our track.”

Werner stressed that providing those services to students remains a responsibility of the district. His goal in discussing the numbers was to help families and community members better understand where school funding goes and why money available for other projects can become limited.

He also pointed to other costs the district must manage, including technology, building improvements, HVAC systems and maintenance. Werner said custodial, grounds and maintenance salaries are expected to cost roughly $715,000 this year, with those expenses currently coming from capital outlay funds.

“Money has to come from somewhere,” Werner said.

First Quarter Almost Over

With all the projects and activities underway, another milestone has arrived quickly: the end of the first quarter.

Werner encouraged parents and guardians to check PowerSchool and How’s School Going to see where their students stand academically.

“If you haven’t got on PowerSchool or How’s School Going to check to see what your kids’ grades are, it might be a great time to have that conversation,” Werner said.

And that conversation doesn’t necessarily have to be about improving a grade. Werner noted it might also be time for an “atta boy” or “atta girl” for students who are doing well.

Between academics, athletics, construction projects and activities, the school year is moving quickly at USD 315.

Keep listening to NWKS Radio for our weekly conversations with Colby Public Schools and more updates from around the district.