As construction progresses on the new addition to the Colman-Egan School, board members continue to discuss how to allocate more than $2 million in leftover voter-approved bond funds.
A new sports complex, at least using those funds, appears to be off the table.
During the latest Colman-Egan School Board meeting, Superintendent Scott Hemmer outlined remaining purchases for the expansion, primarily desks, chairs, and new weight room equipment. Bond funds will be used for those purchases, as well as for potential playground upgrades adjacent to the addition.
However, Hemmer noted that a substantial amount will likely remain unused.
“I would strongly urge you to put that money back toward the bond and eliminate four years of payments,” he said.
The bond surplus is due to project bids coming in significantly lower than the $6.3 million voters approved. Whether to use the remaining funds or return them has been a heated topic at recent meetings.
A new sports complex remains a key debate, but the discussion has now turned to using capital outlay funds if the district decides to move the project forward — or if the project should move forward at all.
“Right now is a time of uncertainty for many things,” said resident Lora Zwart.

“It is irresponsible to spend approximately $4 million on a complex to host four football games and one to two track meets per year. Four million divided by 20 years, that’s $200,000 a year. Divide it by the six events that we’re talking about hosting, that’s $33,000 per event. Per event. For 20 years. I respectfully ask you to please loudly vote no on this.”
Jim McGuire, a former banker and area resident, shared a similar sentiment.
“There is not a person in Colman that wouldn’t love to have a complex like that, but at the same token, it’s pretty clear right now … wants and needs, do we need this or do we want it?” said McGuire.
“I love sports as much as anyone. My thought is maybe even wait a year and see what is going on (in Washington).”
Hemmer plans to develop a five-year capital outlay plan, including projected expenses for a new school bus, roofing repairs, and other necessities for the district. He recommended gathering as much information as possible before making a decision about a sports complex.
The discussions come amid a surge in student enrollment. The small rural district has grown steadily in recent years, adding about 10 new students annually as more families move to the area and neighboring districts, particularly Oldham-Ramona-Rutland, consider dissolving. This year, Colman-Egan saw an influx of nearly 30 new students, and Hemmer expects significant growth again next fall.
Hemmer presented the board with four funding scenarios for capital outlay funds, ranging from $2.5 million to $3.5 million. He and board president Kirsten Taggart estimated a new sports complex could be built within the $2.5 million range, with contractors and community members willing to assist in keeping costs down.
Still, board members agreed that more information is needed before making any commitments.
“I just think it’s irresponsible to look at committing that kind of money right now when we have no idea at the federal level what’s going to come down,” said school board member Jennifer Keyes. Keyes was the only board member to add any thoughts at the end of the conversation.
“If we were voting today, I would vote no. We’ve got a lot going on right now. To obligate more money that we don’t have—to me, it’s not something I would do in my personal life, so I would not want to do that with someone else’s money either.”
Also discussed at the meeting:
● Kindergarten screening and registration will be held March 19 at the school.
● Elementary students will participate in the Heart Challenge, with a kickoff event on March 19.
● Driver’s Ed sign-up forms were sent to eligible families.
● There will be no election for the Colman-Egan School District, as incumbent Melissa Wright is running unopposed for a new three-year term beginning in July.
● Livestreaming school board meetings was discussed, with an update expected ahead of the April meeting.