As construction progresses on the new Redwood Valley Elementary School, many residents have expressed interest in the status and scope of this important community investment. This project is more than a new school building—it is a long-term commitment to growth, safety, and the future vitality of Redwood Falls.
This update is intended to share timely, accurate information, offer clarity where questions have surfaced, and reinforce the significance of the project for our entire community.
What Does Construction Look Like for the Timeline?
Construction is progressing steadily across all areas of the site, with visible and measurable progress in each building zone. While some weather-related disruptions have occurred, the project remains on track, with only one weather-impacted day in April and a total of 13 days lost since construction began—an impressive statistic considering the scale of the work. More importantly, the site has operated for over 148 days without a single lost-time safety incident, showcasing the project team's discipline and professionalism.
Highlights of Recent Progress:
- Site grading and installation of stormwater systems are ongoing.
- A new culvert bridge now connects the north and south ends of the site.
- Temporary utility connections (gas and electric) have been completed in preparation for future phases.
Inside the building, each area is taking shape:
- Area A (classrooms and main instructional spaces) is seeing roof installation, weather barrier wrapping, and preparation for a brick façade and metal paneling.
- Area B (home to the new storm shelter) is now structurally complete and being framed on the interior. Boilers and other mechanical systems are also being installed.
- Areas C, D, and E are buzzing with drywall, painting, flooring, and system installations, transforming steel and concrete into hallways, kitchens, classrooms, and common areas.
When Will Students Move into the New Redwood Valley Elementary School?
While an exact move-in date will depend on final construction and inspection timelines, the district and project partners are working diligently toward the goal of welcoming students to the new elementary school in Fall 2025. All construction updates suggest that the team is on pace to meet this target, pending any unforeseen delays.
This timeline also aligns with upcoming transitions for student services such as Junior Cardinal Care, which plans to relocate temporarily to the Middle/High School building for Summer 2025, beginning June 2. This move allows construction teams uninterrupted access to finish the project efficiently and safely, while still providing care for families during the summer months.
What Does Summer Look Like for Junior Cardinal Care and the Community?
To accommodate the final stages of construction, Junior Cardinal Care (JCC) will temporarily move to the Redwood Valley Middle/High School campus. Families should note the following schedule:
- May 26–30: JCC will be closed to prepare and move.
- June 2: Summer programming begins at the new temporary location.
- Some services, such as transportation to swimming lessons, will not be provided this year due to the transition. However, JCC staff will still transport students to summer camps and sports activities listed in the City of Redwood Falls Parks and Recreation Guide.
Another short closure is anticipated toward the end of summer 2025 to allow staff to set up in the new elementary Redwood Valley Elementary School building ahead of the academic year. Dates remain tentative and may shift based on project milestones. The district emphasizes flexibility and open communication as this temporary transition unfolds.
Who's Behind the Progress?
This ambitious project is made possible through a collaborative effort led by:
- Kraus-Anderson Construction Company (General Contractor)
- Wold Architects and Engineers (Design Lead)
- Bolton & Menk Inc., BKBM Engineers, and Paulson & Clark Engineering
Live construction feeds, available through Kraus-Anderson’s website, allow the public to follow along as the future of Redwood Valley education rises from the ground up.
A Bright Future Is Taking Shape
What was once a blueprint is quickly becoming reality. Each steel beam, poured slab, and finished wall brings us one step closer to a cutting-edge, secure, and inspiring learning environment for our youngest learners.
We’ll continue to share updates as milestones are met and decisions are finalized. Until then, thank you for your support, your patience, and your pride in making Redwood Falls a place where families thrive and students soar.