Rapid City Schools Propose $107M Bond Referendum

Board to vote on funding repairs, upgrades, and new school construction

Apr. 2, 2026 at 6:36pm

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A vibrant, high-contrast silkscreen print of a school backpack repeated in a grid pattern, using a bold neon color palette and heavy black outlines to transform the everyday object into a pop art-inspired illustration.The proposed $107 million bond referendum aims to modernize Rapid City's aging school infrastructure and support the district's growth.Rapid City Today

The Rapid City Area Schools Board of Education will decide at its next meeting on April 7 whether to put forward a $107 million bond referendum that would fund repairs and upgrades at existing schools, build an addition at an existing elementary school, and construct a new elementary school to address the city's population shift toward the south.

Why it matters

The proposed bond aims to improve school safety, address aging building systems, support responsible growth, and create long-term cost savings across the district. If approved, it would be the largest investment in Rapid City schools in decades.

The details

The proposal includes $32 million in HVAC and building system upgrades, $3 million in safety and security improvements, a $12 million addition and renovation at South Park Elementary, construction of a new $40 million elementary school in South Rapid City, and $20 million in improvements at Stevens High School.

  • The RCAS Board of Education meeting to vote on the bond referendum is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 7.
  • If approved, the bond referendum would be put on the November 2026 ballot for voter consideration.

The players

Rapid City Area Schools (RCAS)

The public school district serving Rapid City, South Dakota and the surrounding area.

Dr. Jami Jo Thompson

The Superintendent of Rapid City Area Schools.

Coy Sasse

The Chief Financial and Operations Officer of Rapid City Area Schools.

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What they’re saying

“This proposal reflects the priorities we heard and our shared commitment to supporting students and staff.”

— Dr. Jami Jo Thompson, Superintendent, Rapid City Area Schools

“We took community feedback seriously and made important adjustments—lowering the overall investment while expanding the reach of this plan to more schools. It's a responsible approach that maximizes impact for our students and taxpayers.”

— Coy Sasse, Chief Financial and Operations Officer, Rapid City Area Schools

What’s next

If the RCAS Board of Education approves the bond referendum at their April 7 meeting, it will be put on the November 2026 ballot for Rapid City voters to consider.

The takeaway

This proposed bond represents a significant investment in Rapid City's public schools, addressing critical infrastructure needs, improving safety and security, and supporting the district's growth to meet the community's evolving educational demands.