Douglas School District plans new elementary school amid enrollment growth

20 Mar 2026

News

RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA) - The Douglas School District is moving ahead with plans for a new elementary school as it prepares for continued student enrollment growth tied to expansion at Ellsworth Air Force Base.

District officials say the project will be supported in part by $42 million in federal funding approved through the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development appropriations bill. The funding will help cover construction of the new facility, currently referred to as Elementary School No. 1, as well as an addition to Douglas Middle School.

Plans for the project also include an auxiliary parking lot and a new bus loop to help accommodate increased traffic and transportation needs.

Read the full article about Douglas School District's new elementary school »

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