As voters prepare for the November 3, 2026, bond referendum, Rapid City Area Schools (RCAS) is addressing common questions and claims about the proposed $107 million bond.
The proposed bond would fund school facility improvements, including HVAC systems, safety and security upgrades, renovations, and a new elementary school.
RCAS recognizes the importance of providing accurate, accessible information so residents can make informed decisions. Below are answers to some of the most frequently discussed claims about the proposed bond, district finances, student achievement, and long-term facility planning.
1. How were the bond projects selected?
CLAIM: RCAS hasn't explained why these projects were chosen.
FACT: The proposed projects were identified through a documented facilities planning process, not selected arbitrarily.
RCAS's Facilities Master Plan evaluates building conditions, safety needs, enrollment capacity, and long-term facility priorities. The plan outlines the methodology used to evaluate and prioritize projects.
The bottom line: Residents can review the Facilities Master Plan and learn how projects were prioritized under the Community Planning Process section at rcas.org/page/bond-information.
2. Has RCAS mismanaged Capital Outlay funding?
CLAIM: RCAS has diverted Capital Outlay funding away from facilities and should be able to complete projects without a bond.
FACT: Over the past ten years, RCAS received $408.1 million in Capital Outlay funding, including approximately $60 million in federal ESSER funds.
Major expenditures during that period included:
$138.8 million (34%) for facility-related expenses, including building improvements and maintenance.
$148.3 million (36%) for debt payments, primarily for major facility projects financed through Capital Outlay Certificates.
$15.6 million (3.8%) for operating expenses.
These figures represent major spending categories, not all expenditures. RCAS has not transferred Capital Outlay funds to operating expenses since 2022.
The bottom line: Capital Outlay funds have supported school maintenance, improvements, and existing debt obligations. The proposed bond would fund larger facility projects while allowing Capital Outlay resources to continue addressing other building needs.
3. What is the total cost of the bond, including interest?
CLAIM: RCAS is only sharing the $107 million bond amount, not the total cost with interest.
FACT: The proposed bond would provide $107 million for school improvements. Like a home loan, interest would increase the total repayment amount.
Based on current estimates, the total repayment cost would be approximately $165 million, including interest, over the scheduled repayment period.
This estimate assumes a 4% interest rate and 1.4% annual property value growth. The final amount could be higher or lower depending on interest rates and how the bonds are issued and repaid.
The bottom line: The bond would provide $107 million for facility improvements, with an estimated total repayment cost of $165 million, including interest.
4. How are RCAS students performing academically?
CLAIM: RCAS students are consistently performing poorly academically.
FACT: RCAS students are demonstrating academic strengths and growth in some areas, while additional improvement remains necessary.
On district assessments, RCAS students performed above the national midpoint in mathematics and reading. However, state assessment results show areas where improvement is needed:
Reading and writing: 43% of RCAS students met state standards, compared to 50% statewide.
Mathematics: 35% of RCAS students met state standards, compared to 45% statewide.
RCAS continues to prioritize student achievement through early learning opportunities, additional academic supports, and evidence-based reading instruction.
The bottom line: RCAS is seeing encouraging results in some academic measures while continuing to address challenges. The proposed bond focuses on school facilities, while academic improvement remains a district priority.
5. Is RCAS addressing classroom discipline?
CLAIM: RCAS classrooms lack discipline, and student behavior should take priority over facility improvements.
FACT: Student behavior, school safety, and academic achievement remain priorities under the RCAS Strategic Plan.
The district has reported progress in reducing student behavior incidents while continuing efforts to improve school climate and student support.
The proposed bond would address a different aspect of school safety through facility improvements such as secure entrances, classroom door locks, and security infrastructure.
The bottom line: Student behavior and building safety require different solutions. RCAS is responsible for addressing both.
6. Why build a new elementary school if enrollment is declining?
CLAIM: With fewer students districtwide, RCAS doesn't need additional elementary school space.
FACT: RCAS has publicly acknowledged declining enrollment across the district. However, enrollment trends vary by neighborhood and school.
While some schools have available space, others are experiencing growth and overcrowding, particularly on Rapid City's east side.
RCAS is addressing immediate overcrowding through targeted classroom additions funded separately through Capital Outlay.
The proposed new elementary school at Parkview would:
Help balance enrollment across existing schools.
Allow for future attendance boundary adjustments.
Place school capacity closer to where students live.
Support the planned retirement of the aging Robbinsdale Elementary School.
The bottom line: Districtwide enrollment decline does not mean every school has adequate space. RCAS is working to balance enrollment, address overcrowding, and plan for aging facilities.
7. Where can taxpayers find RCAS financial information?
CLAIM: RCAS is withholding financial information from taxpayers.
FACT: RCAS publishes annual budgets, tax levy requests, and independent audited financial statements for public review.
These documents provide information about district revenues, expenditures, debt obligations, and financial planning. The Facilities Master Plan is also publicly available.
The bottom line: Residents can review district financial records at rcas.org/page/fiscal-operations.
8. Could RCAS address classroom temperatures by changing the school calendar?
CLAIM: RCAS could address classroom temperatures through scheduling instead of investing in HVAC improvements.
FACT: Adjusting school schedules can provide temporary relief during extreme heat, but it does not resolve aging heating and cooling systems or long-term energy efficiency concerns.
The proposed bond includes $32 million for HVAC and energy improvements at:
Horace Mann Elementary
Meadowbrook Elementary
North Middle School
These projects are intended to address aging mechanical systems, improve building conditions, and support long-term efficiency.
The bottom line: Calendar adjustments may help manage extreme temperatures temporarily, but they cannot replace necessary heating, cooling, and mechanical system improvements.
9. Does Douglas School District's expansion eliminate the need for another RCAS school?
CLAIM: Douglas School District's expansion means RCAS doesn't need additional school capacity.
FACT: Douglas and RCAS serve different attendance areas and must plan facilities based on their respective student populations.
The proposed Parkview elementary project is intended to address enrollment distribution within RCAS, support future boundary adjustments, and allow for the planned retirement of Robbinsdale Elementary.
The bottom line: Facility decisions in neighboring school districts do not determine the needs of RCAS students and buildings.
10. How would the bond affect property taxes?
CLAIM: The proposed bond would increase property taxes and reduce the benefit of upcoming property tax relief.
FACT: If approved, the bond would create an additional property tax obligation to repay the debt.
RCAS estimates the bond would cost approximately $0.49 per $1,000 of assessed property value.
For example, a property assessed at $400,000 would have an estimated additional cost of:
$196 per year
Approximately $16.33 per month
The impact of the proposed bond and upcoming property tax relief are separate calculations.
RCAS has provided online calculators to help property owners estimate both the bond's tax impact and potential property tax savings based on their individual circumstances.
The bottom line: The proposed bond has a taxpayer cost. RCAS encourages residents to review the available calculators to better understand how the bond and potential tax relief could affect their property taxes.
Learn More About the Proposed Bond
RCAS encourages community members to review the proposed projects, financial information, Facilities Master Plan, and frequently asked questions before the November 3 election.
The proposed $107 million bond requires 60% voter approval to pass.
Visit rcas.org/page/bond-information for additional information, including:
Proposed bond projects and estimated costs
Property tax impact calculators
Facilities Master Plan and community planning process
Bond financing information
Frequently asked questions
Our goal is to ensure every resident has access to the facts needed to make an informed decision on November 3.