The arrival of B-21 Bombers at Ellsworth Air Force Base is set to significantly impact the local community, particularly in terms of education. With over $2 billion allocated for infrastructure improvements at the base, there’s growing concern among local officials that the community may not benefit directly from these investments, especially regarding the influx of new families and students.
Douglas School Superintendent Kevin Case has highlighted the pressing need for a new elementary school to accommodate the anticipated increase in student enrollment. He estimates that building this facility will cost the district over $65 million.
To support this initiative, he is advocating for a collaborative funding model that includes contributions from various stakeholders. Specifically, he is requesting $15 million from the state of South Dakota and is prepared to allocate between $7 to $10 million from the district’s budget, in addition to the $6 million already invested.
Case points out the unique situation of the district, which serves a community with an active military installation.
He notes that over 70% of the new students expected to arrive over the next 15 years will be under the age of 11, making the construction of a new elementary school not just beneficial, but essential, given that the existing schools are already at capacity.
The district is hoping to secure the necessary funding and support to ensure that it can adequately serve the needs of the growing population, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between local, state, and military entities.
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