Over the last year, the Rockridge School District has been engaging with key stakeholders, community members, and BLDD Architects to find solutions to one of the district's most pressing problems: aging grade schools and lack of space. The district continues to grow. There are currently 485 students enrolled in K-5, a 22% percent increase compared to four years ago.

To gain community insight and exchange ideas, a committee made up of residents, parents, educators, and local leaders worked with BLDD Architects to host a series of interactive, hands-on community engagement sessions.

Through these discussions and thoughtful research, the Rockridge Board has unanimously decided to move forward with a zero-rate-change bond proposal to build a new, consolidated, centrally-located elementary school to replace the three aging, existing elementary schools. Building one, new elementary school will allow the district to use resources more efficiently and foster greater collaboration among administration, teachers, staff, and students.

Review the data/discussion content from those community sessions here.

The bond referendum proposal will be on the November 5th ballot. Residents of the Rockridge School District are encouraged to vote on Election Day. A bond referendum gives residents of the school district an opportunity to vote yes or no to the District’s request to borrow money for building new schools, renovating existing schools, and/or making other long-term Improvements.

The Rockridge Community Unit School District 300 proposes building a new PreK-5 elementary school south of the existing Jr./Sr. high school. The proposal also includes site improvements aimed at enhancing the campus infrastructure and ensuring the safety and well-being of all students.

The bond referendum, if approved, WILL NOT require an increase in your tax rate.

The District has benefitted from strong financial management and investment growth. Its current remaining bond debt will be paid off in December 2024. Simply re-issuing the bonds at the same tax levy rate will generate the necessary revenue to pay principal and interest on the new debt. The principal payments will be spread over a 25 - 30 year period.

• Location: On the Jr./Sr. High School property. It will likely be directly south of the Jr/Sr High School (away from the ag plot and existing athletic fields). Site surveys and the assessment and planning of existing infrastructure will be required to finalize the location.

• Facilities Included: Spacious and flexible classrooms, gym, kitchen, administrative offices, music and art rooms, library, commons area.

• Safety Features: Independent parking, separate drop-off areas, and secure entry points.

• Construction Schedule: Construction would begin in Spring 2025, with an expected completion date during the 2026-2027 school year.

• Enhanced Learning Environment: The new school will offer updated classrooms equipped with the lates technology and specialized space for art, music, and physical education - all which are essential for a well-rounded education.

• Improved Safety and Security: Independent parking, separate drop-off areas, and secure entry points will create a safer environment for students, staff, and visitors.

• Modern Facilities: The new gym, equipped kitchen, and commons area will provide students with better facilities for physical activities, meals, and social interactions. The increased space will also provide room for essential services such as:

  • Intervention Spaces

  • Social Emotional Learning Spaces

  • Speech Therapy

  • Occupational Therapy

• Infrastructure: Upgraded storm and sanitary systems will improve the overall campus environment, reducing potential disruptions and ensuring that the school grounds remain safe and functional during all weather conditions.

Additional phases, which may occur concurrently or in the future, include:

• Air conditioning for the Jr./Sr. High School, creating a more comfortable learning environment.

• Secure entry points throughout the campus to enhance safety.

• Overall site and parking improvements to facilitate better access and traffic flow.

• Relocation of transportation facilities and enhancements to athletic training facilities to better support student activities

These phases will be funded through local resources, including District reserves and contingency funds as annual budgets allow.

If the bond referendum passes, the three current elementary buildings will be retired, and a new, centrally-located school will be built. The community will have two years to brainstorm reuse ideas. If no viable alternatives are found, the District has funds set aside to demolish the buildings for green spaces, as the community agreed during the engagement sessions they shouldn't be left to deteriorate.

Shall the Board of Education of Rockridge Community Unit School District Number 300, Rock Island and Mercer Counties, Illinois, build and equip a new elementary school building, demolish, alter, repair and equip existing school buildings and improve school sites, and issue its bonds to the amount of $33,000,000 for the purpose of paying the costs there of?

Let your voice be heard! Exercise your right to vote by participating in the Nov. 5 Bond Referendum. 

Find Election Day information here: https://www.rockislandcountyil.gov/247/Elections

• The current PK - 5 buildings have a combined age of 204 years. Each facility is more than 68 years old.

• There are currently 485 students enrolled in K-5, that's a 22% increase from four years ago.

• Space is a significant concern. To make room for more students, children in need of intervention services work with providers in the hallways. Music is taught in the library at Taylor Ridge, and closets have been converted into offices.

• Rockridge is the only school district in the Three Rivers Conference that does not have air conditioning. Last year, school was cancelled for three days due to heat. Research also shows how classrooms impair student learning.

• 85% of students live on the Eastern side of the district, leading to discrepancies for building & grade organization and district transportation. Students who live closer to Taylor Ridge are currently enrolled in classes at Illinois City due to lack of space and to balance the number of students in each classroom.

Referendum Proposal FAQ