Springfield Public Schools is inviting community members to visit three schools targeted for complete rebuilds or major renovation work if voters support a $220 million bond project on April 4 ballots.
Starting Thursday, March 2, at 5:30 p.m. with a tour of Reed Academy, Springfield residents will get a chance to look inside the schools that a community task force identified as most in need across the district. Should the bond measure, titled Proposition S, pass, Reed Academy and Pipkin Middle School will receive new builds, and Pershing, currently a K-8 school, will receive significant renovations.
Each school will host tours and an informational presentation about Proposition S. The school district cannot advocate for or against a bond vote. However, it can share information about the bond measure, including what improvements the funds will be used for and what each project will entail. The Reed, Pipkin and Pershing projects will require about $163 million of the bond funds. The remaining funds are earmarked for building storm shelters/all-purpose buildings at six SPS elementary schools and installing security upgrades at all schools across the district.
Here is the upcoming school tour schedule:
Thursday, March 2, at 5:30 p.m.: Reed Academy, 2000 N. Lyon Ave.
Monday, March 6, at 5:30 p.m.: Pipkin Middle School, 1215 N. Boonville Ave.
Tuesday, March 7, at 5:30 p.m.: Pershing School, 2120 S. Ventura Ave.
Each tour will be followed by a presentation at 6 p.m.
For more information, visit the SPS website.
Proposition S ballot language
This is what voters will see on their April 4 ballots regarding the $220 million bond vote.
Shall the School District of Springfield R-XII issue its general obligation bonds in the amount of $220,000,000 for the purpose of constructing, improving, extending, repairing, rebuilding, renovating, acquiring, furnishing and equipping new and existing school facilities and purchasing land therefore, including (1) safety and security upgrades at all school facilities, (2) constructing a new Pipkin Middle School and a new Reed Middle School, (3) renovating Pershing School, and (4) constructing storm shelters at the following elementary schools: Cowden, Holland, Mann, Pittman, Watkins, and Wilder?
If this proposition is approved, it is estimated that there will be no increase to the District’s debt service property tax levy and it will remain at $0.7300 per one hundred dollars of assessed valuation of real and personal property.
