On April 4, 77.67% of Springfield voters approved 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 elementary schools. 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.
