Support Public Education-Rapid City

04/04/2026

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

11/29/2025

11/23/2025

Hello everyone! We are building a foundation of support for the Rapid City Area School District. There will be a bond referendum in 2026 - and your help and support is needed.

Our new website will be live very soon.
Our Instagram page has been created., and we need your help right now in two ways
1. Like or comment on this post, so we know you saw it.
2. Scan this image (then share it) to join our Instagram page.

Stay tuned for more. Our students could really use your support! Thank you!

10/20/2025

Nice job Mr. Birkeland!

Podcast Episode · Public School Podcast · 10/15/2025 · 52m

09/17/2025

BOND UPDATE:

I shared the following statement about the Board’s recent discussion about a bond at tonight’s Board meeting.

For most in our community, the need to address large-scale facility challenges in Rapid City Area Schools is no surprise. Many of our schools were built in the 1950s and 60s, during a time of tremendous growth. Since that time, the district has worked hard to maintain those buildings and has invested in new schools with district funds. Still, our facility needs continue to grow, and educational programming has changed significantly.

That’s why, last year, the Board hired COOP Architecture to conduct a comprehensive facilities study and develop a masterplan. That plan was unveiled last spring, and since then, the Board has reviewed it carefully and sought additional community feedback. Now, we are ready to move forward.

In South Dakota, large-scale facility projects are funded through bond referendums. While the district has built up its capital outlay fund, those dollars alone cannot cover the most pressing projects in a timely way.

With that in mind, the Board intends to ask the community to support a bond. If approved, the bond will:

-Address the district’s most urgent safety and security needs.
-Upgrade HVAC systems in numerous buildings.
-Preserve neighborhood elementary schools.
-Fund the construction of a new neighborhood elementary school.

The request we are considering is about 15% lower than our initial proposal. We reduced the amount after hearing concerns from community members, while still keeping critical needs in focus.

The Board will vote next month to place the measure on the June ballot. With that, a detailed bond plan will be shared.

In the months ahead, we will focus on educating the community about our facilities, the specifics of this proposal, and its impact on students, staff, and families. We look forward to welcoming community members on school tours, hosting informational sessions, and continuing this conversation.

We are grateful to the many people who have shared input during this process, and we are excited to take the next step. Our students and staff deserve facilities that meet their needs and reflect the pride this community has in its schools.

08/14/2025

Another pleasant interview!

Episode 15: Stay Weird, Lead Strong

In this uplifting and genuine conversation, Sara Hornick and Bobbi Schaefbauer sit down with North Middle School Assistant Principal Jayna Morrill. From singing in the halls to driving a Zamboni, Jayna shares how she leads with humor, heart, and authenticity. She opens up about the challenges and triumphs of working in education, the importance of building relationships, and why being present matters more than perfection. With stories of champion builders, karaoke machines, and cinnamon rolls, this episode captures what makes middle school unforgettable and why Jayna says, “Stay weird, stay yourself.”

This one is packed with laughter, real talk, and a whole lot of love for public education. Tune in and meet the woman who proves every day that being yourself is your greatest strength.

https://homesliceaudio.com/school

07/31/2025

07/16/2025

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — Federal money that public school districts expected is still in Washington, D.C. Now, schools around the nation, including South Dakota, are considering ways to off…

07/13/2025

VIEWPOINT | Strong schools, smart spending: The case for the opt out

Guest column by Sioux Falls School District Superintendent Jamie Nold

Read more: https://www.thedakotascout.com/p/viewpoint-strong-schools-smart-spending

06/03/2025

VOTING INFORMATION RCAS BOARD OF EDUCATION– AREA 3 & AREA 6 VOTERS

🗳️ If you live in Area 6 of Meade County and are part of the Rapid City Area Schools District, your polling place is the Black Hawk Fire Station. (The picture below shows the map of the area of Meade that votes in the RCAS Board Election).

🗳️ If you live in Area 3 or Area 6 of Pennington County, use the links below to find your exact polling location and voter information.

🕖 Polls are open from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM on Election Day.

🔍 Find your voter info and polling place here:

South Dakota Voter Information Portal:
https://vip.sdsos.gov/vipLogin.aspx

Pennington County Voting Information:
https://www.pennco.org/vote

06/03/2025

ELECTION DAY IS HERE! Your vote can help ensure that our school board includes these true champions for students, teachers, and public education!