Republic has experienced a great deal of growth over the last seven years. Thanks to the continued support of our community, the Republic School District has been able to successfully address facility needs to accommodate much of this growth through the following projects:
Building of the new Republic Early Childhood Center, which allows us to serve nearly 50% of incoming kindergarten students in our district. Building this facility also opened up nine classrooms in our elementary buildings to accommodate growth in grades kindergarten through 5th grade.
Purchase of land where the new Republic Intermediate School is currently being built that can also accommodate additional new schools in the future.
Building the new Republic Intermediate School, which is expected to open in August 2025. This new building will address growth in our elementary buildings and also the Republic Middle School as it will house all district 5th and 6th grade students, removing approximately 80 students from each elementary and nearly 400 students from Republic Middle School.
The growth we have experienced (and expect to experience for the next 5-10 years) for students in our early childhood programs through 8th grade have been accommodated through the aforementioned projects. Taking action to address the growth at Republic High School is the next step in our facilities plan, along with continuously improving current facilities across the district to best meet the needs of our students and employees.
In September of 2024 Republic School District surveyed our community to gather feedback regarding how best to address these growth needs at RHS along with other potential projects district-wide. The survey specifically asked patrons their thoughts on a facility expansion at Republic High School, which would include a multi-use indoor activity facility, to be funded by a potential no tax levy increase bond issue on the April 2025 ballot. Feedback on additional projects, should funds allow, was also requested.
Below is a summary of the survey results, which was completed by 1262 individuals.
NEXT STEPS: NO-TAX LEVY INCREASE BOND ISSUE ON THE APRIL 8 BALLOT:
In response to this data and as a result of research conducted by the District Facility Committee and Central Office Administration, a resolution was passed by the Board of Education during the January 16, 2025 meeting to place a no-tax levy increase bond issue on the April 8 ballot. It is important to note the approval of this bond issue would NOT increase taxes, but extend the current rate. If this ballot measure passes, the District will move forward with completing the following projects:
Multi-use indoor activity facility located behind RHS that would include approximately 57,000 square feet of additional classroom space and a 65,000 square foot turfed area to be used by students both during and outside of the school day. This facility would be scheduled to be completed by August 2026.
The classroom space in the new facility would house band, choir, JROTC and a weight room; which are all larger classroom spaces currently inside RHS. Therefore, moving them to a new facility would provide the opportunity to create approximately 8-9 new traditional-sized classroom spaces inside of RHS.
Dedicated spaces for the school’s dance, cheer, golf and wrestling programs would be included.
Due to the growth of students participating in the many activities and athletic programs at RHS, practice space is becoming more and more limited. This often creates less than ideal practice environments. The turfed area would provide a solution to this problem.
In addition, the turfed area would prevent missed practices due to inclement weather for students in various activities and athletics (band, football, baseball, softball, soccer, dance, cheer, golf, tennis, track and field, etc.).
A multi-purpose “community training room” will also be included that can seat up to 150 individuals for both district-related events and also for community events.
Upgrades to portions of Republic Middle School, including the addition of air conditioning in the auxiliary gym.
Air conditioning in the Price Elementary gym.
Window safety and security film added to all exterior doors at every building and also to school entrance vestibules for additional security. This product provides impact protection to windows that strengthens their integrity. This can delay intruders trying to forcefully enter buildings.
HVAC replacements for older units in the district.
PROJECT COST BREAK-DOWN:
The combined costs of these projects is approximately $33 million in total. However, should the no-tax levy increase bond issue be passed in April, the District would like to fund these projects through multiple funding sources, as outlined below:
The no-tax levy bond issue on the April 8 ballot would be for $22 million.
The additional $11 million would be funded by a combination of:
Earned interest from the bonds that are currently funding the Republic Intermediate School project.
Unspent bond money from the Republic Intermediate School project.
District monies currently in the Capital Funds account.
We are excited about the possibility of these projects and what their addition can provide for our students, families, employees and community as a whole. As the April 8 election date approaches, additional information will be shared.
