We want to hear from you! Complete this survey.
Our theme for the 2026-27 school year is “Our Kids, Our Future,” as we believe public schools belong to the people they serve. The SFSD staff is amazing, and our partnerships with parents, guardians, businesses, and other stakeholders are what inspire our students and our schools to excel.
To ensure continued success and optimal learning environments, the district convened a 30-person task force to review and prioritize facility needs for the next decade. The task force studied enrollment and growth trends, learned about funding options, and toured schools. With the help of a third-party firm, the Donovan Group, the task force prioritized the projects that are part of this recommendation.
A $105 million bond is being considered to address the prioritized needs. Combined with $35 million in available Capital Outlay funds, the bond would support the replacement of Whittier Middle School, which originally opened in 1923 and is now more than 100 years old; the construction of another elementary school in western Sioux Falls; substantial updates to the city's two oldest middle schools, Edison Middle School (opened in 1954) and Patrick Henry Middle School (opened in 1958); and modest improvements to schools across Sioux Falls.
The survey can also be accessed by copying and pasting this link in a url:
https://www.dgsurveys.com/r/SFSDCommSurvey2026
Prior to a vote of the community, the School Board would like to gather your input through an anonymous survey. This 13-question survey is estimated to take approximately 10 minutes to complete and will remain open through Friday, October 30, 2026. If you have any questions, please contact Vanessa Hamlett at vanessa.hamlett@donovan-group.com.
Your feedback is important to the Board. Our Schools for Our Kids, supported by Our Community for Our Future. Please encourage other district residents to complete the survey as well. It will remain open through Friday, November 4, 2026.
Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and help shape the future of the Sioux Falls School District!
Sincerely,
The Sioux Falls School Board
Nan Kelly, President
Gail L. Swenson, Vice President
Dawn Marie Johnson, Member
Marc Murren, Member
Elizabeth Duffy, Member