Why WI Rapids? Know Your Schools

MISSION STATEMENT

Working together with home and community, we are dedicated to providing the best education for every student, enabling each to be a thoughtful, responsible contributor to a changing world.

The Wisconsin Rapids Public Schools (WRPS) is a unified school district serving the City of Wisconsin Rapids; Villages of Biron, Rudolph, and Vesper; Wood County Townships of Arpin, Grand Rapids, Hansen, Rudolph, Saratoga, Seneca, Sigel, and Sherry; and Portage County Townships of Carson, Grant, and Plover.

WRPS offers half-day 4K programming and has seven elementary schools, one middle school (grades 6-8), one senior high school (grades 9-12), one alternative high school (grades 9-12), a virtual charter school and an early learning center for our youngest students.

WRPS has earned a solid reputation as an innovative, professional organization which has high student achievement and a low drop-out rate. Programs have been changed and continually evolve in order to best meet the needs of all students. Our staff members are known for being life-long learners themselves, and they are continuously recognized by both state and national organizations and agencies for their professionalism and expertise.

District Schools and Enrollment

WISCONSIN RAPIDS BOARD OF EDUCATION

Standing Board Committees:

• Educational Services Committee
• Business Services Committee
• Personnel Services Committee

Committee meetings occur on the first Monday of each month, and regular Board of Ed meetings occur on the second Monday of each month, beginning at 6:00 p.m.

ADMINISTRATION

SCHOOL CALENDAR 2024-25

Have a great year!

#RAPIDSPRIDE

High quality programming has been maintained for WRPS students through careful planning and sound fiscal management. The District managed to invest $8.4 million in 2018 to replace the leaky, inefficient pool at the high school, provide for a 6th grade addition at the middle school, perform district-wide energy efficiency upgrades, and secure a $571,000 safety and security grant award to begin making enhancements to building security.

The surrounding community has a long history of supporting WRPS schools, and continued that strong support in April, 2021 by passing two referendum questions. The first question allows WRPS to exceed the revenue limit by $2 million per year for five years (2021-22 through 2025-26) to invest in curriculum and technology updates. The second question allowed WRPS to borrow $34 million for building projects including secure entrances, Lincoln High School science lab renovations, a new library/student resource center, a gymnasium at THINK Academy, and capital maintenance.

In 2021, a new baseball/softball sports complex (Rapids Area Sports Complex) and upgrades to the South Wood County football track and field were completed through community conversations and private donations. Additionally, a $1.5 million project for an Outdoor Play, Learning, Activity Center at Woodside Elementary was completed in 2024. By the 2025-26 school year, millions will have been invested in all playgrounds.

A POSITIVE PLACE...to work, learn, grow...

• 75% of community survey respondents (Fall 2020) were "satisfied" or "very satisfied" with WRPS.
• Two WRPS principals received the "Kohl Principal Leadership" award in 2021; one was named AWSA "Wisconsin Principal of the Year."
• Lincoln High School was the top performer on the 2021-22 School Report Card for surrounding SWC area and WI Valley Conference Schools.
• Elementary Noetic Math and Math 24 competition successes.
• New initiatives like "Sport Stack" competition (2023).
• Numerous "Wisconsin School of Recognition Awards" for elementary schools.
• Strong STEAM and literacy focused curriculum.
• Teachers with "National Board Certification" and numerous student AP Scholars.
• WRPS chosen as a pilot district for state initiatives.
• State accountability reports rate schools as "Exceeds" and "Meets" Expectations.
• Opportunities for post-secondary credit and strong Youth Apprenticeship programs.
• Over 70 athletic and club activities at the high school level.
• Consistently high success in academic and athletic competitions.

WRPS Pupil Nondiscrimination Statement

The School District of Wisconsin Rapids is committed to equal educational opportunity for all District students. The District will not deny any person admission to, participation in, or the benefits of any curricular, extra-curricular, pupil services, recreational or other program or activity because of a person's gender, race, national origin, ancestry, creed, religion, pregnancy, marital or parental status, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender identity, or physical, mental, emotional or learning disability, or any other characteristic protected under State or Federal civil rights laws.

Please review Board Policy 411 for additional information. Incidents of discrimination or harassment should be reported to a teacher, administrator, supervisor or other District employee to be addressed or forwarded on to District Compliance Officer Brian Oswall.

Special Statement Regarding Sex Discrimination Under Title IX

The Board of the School District of Wisconsin Rapids does not discriminate on the basis of sex and prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and its regulations, including in admission and employment. Please refer to Board Policy 411.24 for additional information.

WRPS Title IX Coordinators