APID CITY, SD – The Rapid City Area Schools Board of Education is scheduled to vote on a proposed bond referendum during its April 7 meeting. The vote follows the development of a comprehensive facilities plan designed to address infrastructure and safety needs throughout the district.
The proposed $107 million bond aims to enhance school safety, replace aging building systems, and manage community growth. District officials stated the plan is intended to create long-term cost savings by addressing maintenance needs proactively.
The proposal includes several major projects across Rapid City:
- $40 million for the construction of a new elementary school in South Rapid City to manage enrollment shifts and reduce overcrowding.
- $32 million for HVAC and building system upgrades to replace aging heating and cooling units and reduce energy costs.
- $20 million for safety and functional improvements at Stevens High School to create a more secure campus.
- $12 million for an addition and renovation at South Park Elementary to eliminate portable classrooms and improve accessibility.
- $3 million for district-wide safety and security improvements, including secure entrances and expanded camera coverage.
“We’re excited to bring this forward after a thoughtful and thorough community process,” said RCAS Superintendent Dr. Jami Jo Thompson. “This proposal reflects the priorities we heard and our shared commitment to supporting students and staff.”
District leaders noted that the bond amount was adjusted based on public input to ensure fiscal responsibility while still meeting urgent facility requirements.
“We took community feedback seriously and made important adjustments-lowering the overall investment while expanding the reach of this plan to more schools,” said Coy Sasse, RCAS CFOO. “It’s a responsible approach that maximizes impact for our students and taxpayers.”
According to the district, the timing of the referendum is driven by infrastructure reaching the end of its lifespan and evolving safety expectations.
The April 7 meeting is open to the public and will be available via livestream on the district’s YouTube channel.
