FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 20, 2026
Douglas School District Announces New Elementary School
Box Elder, SD – The Douglas School District is preparing for significant growth, including the construction of a new elementary school.
The project is supported in part by $42 million in federal funding, recently approved through the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (T-HUD) appropriations bill. We thank our elected partners, Senator John Thune, his legislative director, Adam Wek, Senator Mike Rounds, Representative Dusty Johnson, and local Rapid City staffers, for their tireless work over the past several years to secure this funding for Elementary School #1.
This new elementary school, along with an addition to Douglas Middle School, an auxiliary parking lot, and a bus loop, comes as the district plans for continued student enrollment growth connected to the B-21 expansion at Ellsworth Air Force Base. District leaders have been planning for this growth for the last seven years to ensure schools are prepared to serve both current students and new families moving into the community.
Construction planning for the new elementary school is underway. While the exact opening date depends on when federal funds become available, construction is expected to take approximately two years once funding is released.
The Douglas School District looks forward to sharing more updates as this important work progresses and appreciates the continued support of the community.
www.dsdk12.net: Visit the Douglas School District website for more information on our schools. Douglas School District provided equitable access to learning for all. Our dedicated staff strives to create a safe, nurturing environment where students excel both academically and socially.
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For additional information, please contact: Alexa White, DSD Communications Coordinator, [email protected]