Watkins Elementary School, located in northwest Springfield, was constructed in 1951. The school was named after Tom Watkins, a local banker and school board member. The following is a history of the school's development.

• 1951    6 rooms and multipurpose room. 16,174 sq. ft.
• 1963    First addition of 2 classrooms. 2,223 sq. ft.
• 1965    Second addition of 2 classrooms. 2,870 sq. ft.
• 1988    Third addition of a learning resource center, 6 classrooms and a Kindergarten room.11,708 sq. ft.