This fall, Mann, Pittman, Watkins and Wilder will open new storm shelter gymnasiums, and construction is underway at Cowden and Holland Elementary for their own storm shelter gymnasiums.
In addition, walls are going up at Reed Academy and work is underway for Pipkin Middle School and Pershing School.
On April 4, 2023, 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 elementaries. Web extra: Visit SGFNeighborhoodNews.com for video.