Rapid City Area Schools reflect on community input for a new bond measure

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RAPID CITY, S.D.— Preliminary results from a community-wide survey show a majority of respondents support a proposed $125 million bond referendum to address long-standing facility needs in Rapid City Area Schools. However, while RCAS staff are confident in the results, they are wary that this figure will lead to the passing of a bond measure. Support for the measure was strongest among district staff, with 80% indicating they would vote “definitely yes” or “probably yes”. The proposed bond comes five years after voters rejected a nearly $190 million bond in 2020. Rapid City voters have not approved a school district bond since 1973, when a $6.8 million measure to build a new high school passed, $47.8 million in today’s money.