SDR building futures one trade at a time

The School District of Rhinelander is stepping up in a big way in the future of the trades — and RVI is proud to be part of it! An article in the building trades magazine discusses the partnership with RVI in building our Habitat Houses.

Here is what the article highlights:

Thanks to the community’s overwhelming support in passing a $26 million referendum, Rhinelander High School and James Williams Middle School are set to become premier destinations for students pursuing skilled trades. This investment is already paving the way for incredible updates, including:

RHS upgrades by summer 2026: 

• Expanded welding, woodworking and manufacturing shops.

• Dedicated construction space.

• Auto/small engine/marine shop.

• Fab lab for modern manufacturing. 

• Robotics lab. 

Middle school upgrades: 

• Tech ed starting in sixth grade. 

• Renovated tech ed, art and FCE rooms.

• Safer, updated entry and office space. 

RVI believes in the power of hands-on learning. That’s why they've teamed up with the RHS’s Building Trades program and Habitat for Humanity — giving students the chance to build real homes right in their own community. 

Just ask RHS senior Blake Klingen, who joined our team through the school’s work release program: “This program has prepared me for my future ... learning different trade skills that can come in handy later on in life.”

These programs are more than just classes — they’re pathways to lifelong careers. And thanks to the community’s vision and investment, students in Rhinelander are getting a head start. 

• Students gain real-world experience. 

• Families move into energy-efficient homes. 

• Local businesses find skilled employees.

• Our community grows stronger.

The future is being built right here in Rhinelander — and it’s looking brighter than ever.