Simplified: The Sioux Falls School District's newest elementary school will welcome students for the first time this week. Here's what you need to know about Marcella LeBeau Elementary.
Why it matters:
- Marcella LeBeau Elementary is the 24th elementary school in the district, and it's also the final project completed with the support of a $180 million bond to fund new schools approved. That bond also covered costs to build Jefferson High School and Ben Reifel Middle School, as well as various other building improvements across the city.
- The school's namesake herself was a member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, a World War II veteran, a long-time nurse and a lifelong believer in the importance of service. LeBeau's legacy was celebrated Friday morning at a ribbon cutting for the new school attended by several of her relatives.
- LeBeau's grandson and current chair of the tribe, Ryman LeBeau, shared at length about all of the things his grandmother taught him about Native American history, language, culture and the importance of fighting for justice.
"This is surreal," Ryman LeBeau said. "This is hard to believe – our grandmother's name is on this building."
Tell me more about the building
The $22 million school building has a similar layout to both Sonia Sotomayor Elementary and Susan B. Anthony Elementary – a choice that saved the district money in the design process.
- More than 200 students will attend this fall, and the building has a total capacity for more than 650 students in the fast-growing northwest corner of Sioux Falls.
School Board member Nan Kelly, who years ago served on the committee to help pass the original $180 million bond, said this new building represents the significance of that 2018 vote.
"This school is a testament to (Sioux Falls residents') belief in public education," Kelly said.
Show me the pics
Here's a look inside the building:
What happens next?
The school will welcome its first students when classes start Thursday morning.
