Following a community survey with nearly 5,500 responses, the Rapid City Area Schools Board of Education has issued a statement addressing feedback on a proposed $125 million bond to improve school facilities. The survey showed 58% support for the bond and an average district rating of 5.45 out of 10.
At Tuesday’s board meeting, member Katy Urban emphasized the district’s aging infrastructure—many schools date back to the 1950s and 60s—and the need for modern upgrades. She noted that the board hired Co-Op Architecture last year to develop a comprehensive master plan, which has since been refined based on public input.
The revised bond proposal, now 15% lower than the original, would fund safety and security upgrades, HVAC improvements, renovations at key schools, and the construction of a new elementary school to replace Robbinsdale.
The board plans to vote next month on placing the measure on the June ballot and will host school tours and informational sessions in the coming weeks. Urban concluded, “Our students and staff deserve facilities that meet their needs and reflect the pride this community has in its schools.”
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