Rapid City Area Schools (RCAS) is seeking input as we assess whether the community would support a potential referendum to address long-standing facility needs.
In February 2020, voters in our community chose not to support a bond referendum aimed at funding necessary facility upgrades. Since then, RCAS has spent the past several years engaging with the community through focus groups, surveys, and listening sessions to understand better the values and priorities of our taxpayers and stakeholders. The result is a revised plan that reflects that feedback—one that addresses our most urgent facility issues, including HVAC and security concerns, while coming in at a significantly lower cost than the previous proposal. Now, we need to know: does this plan align with what our community is willing to support?
To help answer that question, we are conducting a community-wide survey to gather feedback. This input will guide the next steps in our facility planning and ensure that any future proposal is rooted in community priorities. The survey is being administered by School Perceptions, an independent education research firm, to ensure all responses remain confidential. We’re asking all staff and community members to participate.Community members will receive a mailed survey invitation with a unique access code. It is essential to complete the survey using the provided code, as each code can only be used once. Only one survey will be sent per household. If you would like an additional survey, please contact Bobbi Schaefbauer at bobbi.schaefbauer@k12.sd.us or 605-391-4091.
Feedback is needed to determine if the community is ready to support a revised plan in the future. Please complete the survey by August 20, 2025. If you need help accessing the survey in another language or require accommodations due to a disability, please contact the RCAS District Office for assistance.
Survey results will be shared at an upcoming school board meeting and made available on the District’s website.
Thank you for taking the time to share your voice. Together, we can continue working toward a plan that meets the needs of our students, staff, and community—today and for years to come.
