Proposition S - Safer Students. Stronger Schools.

On April 4, 2023, Springfield Public Schools will ask voters to consider a request to issue general obligation bonds in the amount of $220 million to fund critical school improvements prioritized by a citizen task force that will impact every school in the district. This no-tax rate increase to the debt service levy will fund multiple high-priority projects that include safety and security upgrades at all school facilities, new construction for Pipkin and Reed middle schools, renovation of Pershing School, and construction of storm shelters at Cowden, Holland, Mann, Pittman, Watkins, and Wilder elementaries.

Projects

PROJECT	PROJECT DETAILS	ESTIMATED COST
Safety & Security Upgrades at All Schools	Protective glass film for ground-floor windows at all schools. Security cameras and door and roof sensors / alarms added based on identified needs.	$6,969,000
Pipkin Middle School	New Construction	$53,080,000
Reed Academy	New Construction	$59,480,000
Pershing School	Renovation/Reconstruction	$50,420,000
Cowden Elementary	Storm Shelter Gymnasium*	$5,105,000
Holland Elementary	Storm Shelter Gymnasium*	$5,105,000
Mann Elementary	Storm Shelter Gymnasium*	$4,950,000
Pittman Elementary	Storm Shelter Gymnasium*	$5,105,000
Watkins Elementary	Storm Shelter Gymnasium*	$5,105,000
Wilder Elementary	Storm Shelter Gymnasium*	$4,950,000
Cost Variance	Allocations for cost variance will be invested to offset inflation of construction, labor, and/or materials & to fund priority Phase 3 projects, if possible.	$19,731,000
TOTAL BOND PROPOSAL		$220,000,000

*Storm shelter gymnasiums are built to withstand tornadoes and will help protect students and staff during the school day. The full-size gymnasiums will also provide greater flexibility for PE, music classes and special events, since the cafeteria will no longer serve as a multi-purpose space.