Sioux Falls School Bond Survey Now Open

Residents can provide input on a $105 million proposal to update district facilities through November 6.

Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Administration

Screen-print poster illustration of a classic brick school building in a Midwestern setting, symbolizing community investment in local education infrastructure. — The Sioux Falls School District is soliciting public input on a $105 million bond proposal to renovate existing middle schools and construct new facilities. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Should your local school district prioritize building new facilities over renovating older school buildings?

The Sioux Falls School District has launched a public survey to gather feedback on a potential $105 million bond proposal for school facility improvements. Residents, parents, and faculty can now weigh in on plans that include upgrading middle schools and constructing a new elementary school in the western part of the city.

Why it matters

District leaders are weighing the costs of maintaining aging infrastructure, such as the century-old Whittier Middle School, against the long-term investment of constructing new, ADA-compliant buildings. This feedback will help determine how the district allocates facility funding moving forward.

The district is considering a $105 million bond proposal, while a 30-person task force evaluates needs for schools like the 100-year-old Whittier Middle School. Feedback is being collected through November 6, 2026.

The players

Sioux Falls School District

The local public school authority managing student enrollment, facility maintenance, and capital improvement projects for Sioux Falls residents.

Whittier Middle School

A local middle school facility that has been in operation for more than 100 years and is being evaluated for replacement.

The details

A 30-person task force is currently reviewing existing facility conditions to provide formal recommendations to the school board. The proposed bond includes significant updates for Edison and Patrick Henry middle schools and the construction of a new elementary school to replace or augment aging capacity. Officials indicate that modernizing older structures often proves more expensive than building new facilities that meet current ADA standards.

2018: District previously collected public feedback on facility needs.
November 6, 2026: Deadline for public survey submissions.

The Home Front

This proposal marks an update to the district's 2018 facility feedback collection, signaling a shift toward addressing aging school infrastructure through new capital investments. The move reflects a broader trend of districts managing the high costs of maintaining century-old buildings versus new construction.

If you are a parent or local resident, take time to review the proposed facility plans available on the district website to understand how upcoming changes may affect your local school zone. Submit your feedback through the official survey portal before the November 6, 2026 deadline.

The takeaway

The district is balancing the high cost of maintaining aging structures like Whittier Middle School against the benefits of modern facilities. Review the proposed bond projects and complete the survey to ensure your voice is counted in the final board recommendations.