Dear South Sioux City Community Stakeholders,

I want to take a moment to update you on our progress regarding two crucial priorities for our district this year: Engaging Community and District Facilities. These priorities not only shape the future of our schools but also play a pivotal role in the success and vitality of our entire community.

On Wednesday, September 18th, Cardinal Vision held the first Community Engagement Session at the Middle School Gym, with around 160 attendees. This group was made up of community members, parents, and staff, all united in their commitment to ensuring our schools—and by extension, our community—flourish for years to come.

During the session, Cardinal Vision chairs Stacey Selk and Rogelio Rodriguez provided an introduction, followed by an informative presentation from Dr. Rony Ortega on district statistics and demographics. Erin Heineman, Director of Facilities and Business Operations, shared a high-level report on the state of each school, informed by the most recent facilities study.

Here are some important highlights:

• South Sioux City Community Schools are at a pivotal point, facing challenges such as increasing enrollment and aging facilities that we, as a community, must address collectively.
• The last time a new school was built in SSC was 31 years ago in 1993, when Harney and Cardinal opened.
• Our district has not undertaken major capital improvements in 25 years. At that time, the world was very different—Blockbuster was still thriving, Windows 98 had just been released, and Amazon was just an online bookstore.
• Experts project an increase of 200 students in five years and 500 students within the next ten years, with up to 2,000 new housing units being developed in the next decade.
• Six out of eight of our schools are older than the national average of 49 years for school buildings.
• Many of our schools face safety challenges, such as students needing to cross streets amid bus and car traffic, as well as lacking secure entryways.

After these presentations, the session allowed for table discussions and a hands-on activity, ensuring that everyone’s voice was heard and ideas were considered.

Why is this important to you?

Great schools are the foundation of a strong, thriving community. They not only provide the education and skills our children need but also attract young, professional families to the area—families who want great schools, thriving neighborhoods, and access to parks, biking trails, and recreational spaces. These are the kinds of families who invest in local businesses, contribute to the tax base, and help the community prosper.

Investing in our schools is an investment in the future of South Sioux City. As we grow, we must ensure that our facilities can support this growth and provide students with the safe, modern learning environments they deserve. This is more than just about classrooms—it’s about the health of our local economy, property values, and the overall quality of life for everyone.

We strongly encourage you to attend one of the upcoming Community Engagement Sessions, where you’ll have the opportunity to learn more and share your insights. These sessions will be held at the Middle School Gym at 6 PM on the following dates:

• October 8, 2024
• October 29, 2024
• December 10, 2024
• January 14, 2025

We can’t do this without you. Your involvement ensures that we make informed decisions that benefit every student, family, and resident of South Sioux City.

Together, let’s build a community that attracts families, fosters growth, and provides a bright future for all of us.

Thank you for your continued support of our schools and our community!

Sincerely,
-LAnce