Redmond Proficiency Academy Opens Expanded Forest Building, Creating World-Class Learning Spaces

On August 15, 2026, Redmond Proficiency Academy (RPA) officially opened its newly renovated and expanded Forest Building, marking a transformative milestone in the school’s commitment to innovative, student-centered education. The expansion adds six state-of-the-art classrooms and approximately 9,000 square feet of learning space to RPA’s downtown campus, nearly doubling its instructional footprint.

A VISION REALIZED: THE FOREST BUILDING EXPANSION

The Forest Building expansion represents one of RPA’s most significant capital projects to date. Built within the bones of a historic structure dating back to the early 1940s—once a Shell gas station, Ford dealership, and the Printing Post—the reimagined space now features six new classrooms designed to serve students and create flexible, collaborative learning environments aligned with RPA’s innovative educational model.

A standout achievement of the project is the building’s internal conversion from a single-story to a two-story structure without extending above the existing roof line—a feat of engineering that maximizes the school’s downtown footprint while preserving the neighborhood’s character.

The new spaces include:

Six new state-of-the-art classrooms
Approximately 4,000 square feet of new construction
5,000 square feet of remodeled and upgraded space
Collaborative work areas designed for both student and staff engagement
Flexible layouts supporting RPA’s college-style scheduling and personalized learning model

Construction took approximately one year while school remained in session, with careful coordination to maintain security, safety, and learning continuity. The project overcame significant challenges: working around an active school, transforming an aging structure to meet modern building codes, and completing work in a vibrant downtown location.

BUILDING PARTNERSHIPS AND COMMUNITY COMMITMENT

RPA extends deep gratitude to the design and construction teams whose exceptional work made this expansion possible: Alpine Abatement, 3C’s, Ashland Brothers, Ultra Quiet Floors, Baldwin Steel, Anderson Clark Interiors, Northwest Framing Systems, AM-1 Roofing, Energy Conservation Insulation, Bend Commercial Glass, Foster Creek, CCI, Pacific Painting, Superior Garage Floors, Fab Floors, White Star, American Sprinkler, Black Diamond Plumbing, Quality Heating, Gowdy Brothers, Tekneek, and Sunwest Builders. The school also recognizes its staff and students for their patience and flexibility during construction.

Funded through municipal bonds—marking RPA’s third bond issuance for capital improvements—the project reflects the school’s long-term commitment to providing exceptional learning environments and strengthening downtown Redmond’s community.

“This expansion embodies RPA’s vision of transforming educational spaces to inspire innovation and personalized learning,” said Dr. Jon Bullock, co-founder of RPA who served as Executive Director from 2012 until his retirement in August 2026. “The Forest Building now stands as a testament to what’s possible when we reimagine existing structures and invest in the future of public education. I’m excited to see our students and staff thrive in these new spaces.”

Redmond Proficiency Academy | 628 SW Glacier Ave, Redmond, Oregon 97756 | p: 541.526.0882 | f: 541.516.8652

LEADERSHIP TRANSITION: CONTINUITY AND GROWTH

Alongside the celebration of the Forest Building opening, RPA marks a significant leadership transition. Dr. Jon Bullock, who founded the school 18 years ago and has guided its growth into a model for innovative public education, is transitioning from his role as Executive Director. Dr. Amy Kappel, who brings 12 years of dedicated service to RPA, assumes the position of Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer effective immediately.

In his new role as Acting Chief Financial Officer, Dr. Bullock will lead the Business Services Team to optimize operations, ensure fiscal health, and oversee the completion of all bond-funded capital projects on time, under budget, and in full compliance with bond covenants.

“I’m deeply honored to step into the role of Executive Director,” said Dr. Amy Kappel. “I look forward to honoring the visionary foundation established by Dr. Bullock 18 years ago while working alongside our talented educators, families, and students to lead RPA into its next chapter of growth.”

ABOUT RPA

Founded in 2008, Redmond Proficiency Academy is a public charter school serving students in grades 6-12. RPA is committed to revolutionizing education by respecting all students as unique individuals and empowering them to take ownership of their education and demonstrate their learning in ways that reflect their present and future goals.

RPA’s innovative model is built on:

Proficiency-based learning: Students advance based on demonstrated mastery, not seat time
Personalized education: Each student’s learning path is tailored to their needs, interests, and goals
Student voice and agency: Students actively participate in decisions about their learning
Flexibility: College-style scheduling, independent study options, and varied learning modalities meet diverse student needs

This story is based on submitted information and has not been verified by our news team.