Submitted by Dr. Ethan Sickels,

Rock Port R-II Superintendent

The 2022-23 school year has ended for our staff and students . . . and while our elementary building is hosting Summer School through June 16, things have quieted down and the usual summer maintenance and cleaning have begun. In addition to what is always a busy end of the school year, our JH/HS students and staff all pitched in to clean out the dome in preparation for removal the last week of school. If there was ever an example of how Blue Jay Nation works together to get a large task accomplished, it was evident during that process!

We are about two weeks behind on the beginning of the project. Our board received the final numbers the last week of May, and we are nearing having a signed contract allowing the work to begin. The Board of Education has approved spending funds up to $6.9 million for the project. This includes the bond revenues of $6,443,910 and utilizing money we have saved in our Capital Projects Fund totaling $456,090. Expenses include the cost of the new building (max of $6,579,292) and elementary renovations that could range anywhere from $240,000-$389,000 depending on what prices look like at the time of those projects, specific finishes, etc. Anyone who is familiar with building/remodeling a house knows many of the decisions that are ahead for the Rock Port R-II administration and staff! The project completion date is still scheduled for August 1, 2024, and we will all keep our fingers crossed that holds true.

I’m not sure the exact date the dome “disappears.” There is some demolition work that will be completed inside the dome before there is a noticeable difference on the outside. I have learned from watching the old grocery store being torn down on Main Street how intricate a process this really is. We do hope to notify people if we get a firm date on the day the dome will cease existing. That way you have an opportunity to say “goodbye” to the old and welcome what will be a fantastic new addition to the district, and more importantly improve education for future generations of Blue Jays.

Speaking of goodbyes, this is my final article as superintendent of the Rock Port R-II School District. On a personal note, I can’t thank you enough for how you welcomed me and the support you have provided during my six years in the district and community. I hope you feel we have worked together to make sure the best opportunities for our students were provided, and our district has strived to make our communities proud. You will still see me around, as Rock Port has become a place where I have friends whom I consider family, and a town that always will feel like home. I truly have been blessed to be a Blue Jay . . . thank you. For the final time, I am honored to leave you with three important words . . .

GO BIG BLUE!