As construction begins, here's a look at plans for the new northwest elementary school

Simplified: Dirt is moving on the site of a new elementary school in northwest Sioux Falls. Here's a look at the next steps for the building, including renderings of what it'll look like when completed.

Why it matters

• This elementary school is the final piece of the $180 million bond for new school buildings that was overwhelmingly approved by voters in 2018. That bond also funded construction of Jefferson High School and Ben Reifel Middle School, both of which opened in the fall of 2021.
• School board members on Wednesday learned that, while much of the growth in the Sioux Falls area is happening outside Sioux Falls School District boundaries, one area that continues to see growth is the northwest part of town.
• The new school – which has yet to be named – is set to be completed and open for students in the fall of 2025. And board members are already talking about needing another new elementary school on the west side in the future, even after the one on McGovern's campus opens.

"Land goes quickly, so we'll have to decide what we want to do on that side of town," Director of Information and Technology Services Doug Morrison told the school board Wednesday.

Tell me more about the new school

The layout will be similar to that of Sonia Sotomayor Elementary and Susan B. Anthony Elementary.

• It's expected to cost around $26 million to complete the project.

Here's a look at some of the renderings.

What happens next?

Construction will start this month – some dirt is already moving to get the site ready, Director of Operational Services Jeff Kreiter said Wednesday.

The next steps will be naming the school and redrawing district boundaries to determine which kids will fill the new building – both of which will begin in January.

By June 2024, the board is expected to vote on new school boundaries as well as any special programming at the new school.

The new building is set to open August 2025.