Building a Bright Future:
The Republic School District is known for providing a high-quality education that prepares students for future success – no matter what path they may take. A cornerstone of that commitment is the upcoming Republic Intermediate School( RIS), a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to fostering the growth and development of the district’ s 5th- and 6th-grade students. Scheduled to open for the 2025-2026 school year, RIS represents a significant investment in the future of Republic. Construction is nearly finished as the district creates an innovative and supportive learning environment for students and staff.
Located on land acquired near James River Freeway and U. S. Highway 60, the new intermediate school is strategically positioned for accessibility and growth. By consolidating 5th and 6th graders into a single, purposebuilt facility, RIS aims to create a more focused and tailored educational experience.
The journey to bring Republic Intermediate School to fruition has been a collaborative effort. In April of 2023, Republic voters demonstrated their strong support for education by approving a no-tax rate increase bond issue for the building’ s construction. The
Republic Intermediate School Will Be A Hub for Growth and Opportunity
planning process has been comprehensive, incorporating feedback from various stakeholders. District leaders and employees have actively collaborated with architects and construction teams on site plans and building designs. Recognizing the importance of student input, the district has also engaged directly with last year’ s 3rd- and 4th-grade students – the first cohort who will attend RIS – through classroom activities to gather their perspectives. Furthermore, surveys were distributed to families, employees, and
12 • REPUBLIC CHATTER 2025