C-E Schools preparing for continued growth and development

With open enrollment underway for the 2025-26 school year, Colman-Egan Superintendent Scott Hemmer said hes been receiving quite a few inquiries about the possibility of student transfers into the district.
The Hawks have seen steady growth in recent years, adding about 10 new students annually. However, this year the district grew by nearly 30 new students. Hemmer speculates the district could see significant numbers again next fall, due to potential transfers from neighboring Oldham-Ramona/Rutland (ORR).
ORR had been planning to build a new school in a more centrally located area. The current school is located in Ramona, but a fourth attempt at a bond to fund the project failed this past fall. As a result, some families living closer to Colman than Ramona are reportedly considering switching schools.
This growth is something the district has been preparing for hence the new addition to the school, which will open later this year, featuring six new classrooms and an additional flex-learning space.
Currently however, grades 1-3 are closed to open enrollment. This years kindergarten class is the largest the school has ever had, with 35 children currently attending.
While well be receiving open enrollment forms this spring, we wont make any decisions until we can assess the impact of the applications on enrollment for those classes, Superintendent Hemmer told school board members during last weeks meeting.
Im confident well be able to accommodate a 3% increase in enrollment for the next 10 to 15 years. Well have two sections in every grade K-5, and well be able to create space for additional junior high and high school teachers if needed, he added.
The Colman-Egan School Board also received an update on a potential new athletic complex for the district. Two sites are currently being explored: one to the east of the school and another further north near the current baseball fields.
With its proximity to the water, theres concern that wed need some sort of retaining wall due to the possibility of erosion, Hemmer said of the first site, located near the slough just off Highway 34.
A new track and football field from scratch is estimated to cost around $1.5 million, not including fencing, irrigation, locker rooms, bathrooms, concessions, or other amenities the district may want. Adding buildings to house these facilities could push the cost close to another $1 million. The land purchase would also need to be factored in, bringing the total cost of a new athletic complex to nearly $3 million, according to Hemmers estimates based on current recommendations.
Projections for the project are expected to be presented at the next regular meeting of the Colman-Egan School Board. Hemmer plans to discuss how Capital Outlay certificates could be used to finance the project and explore other potential funding sources.
Also discussed at the most recent school board meeting:
A request for the school board to explore options for broadcasting its meetings. Lora Zwart expressed that transparency should be accessible to everyone, not just those who can attend in person.
A proposal to revive a student mentoring program within the school.
An inquiry about the possibility of a junior kindergarten program in the district.
An update on the students Souper Bowl competition, which raised nearly $1,200 for local food pantries.