Construction officially began on the new Boyd Elementary School on Wednesday, June 3.
A special groundbreaking ceremony was held to mark the occasion, with Midtown community members, Boyd students and staff and SPS leaders joining together to celebrate.
“We have much gratitude for this new building,” said Dr. Angela Holloway-Payne, Boyd principal. “This building will open so many opportunities for our students. One of the most important to our students is ample restrooms in close proximity to classrooms. I really don’t think our kids realize that this means less time out of the classroom and more instructional time.”
The new elementary school will be built on the campus of the former Berry Elementary School on the corner of Division Street and Sherman Avenue. The new $20 million facility is located less than a mile from the current Boyd Elementary School site, while also providing innovative spaces for learning, separate gym and cafeteria spaces and a safe room for Boyd students and staff.
“The new school to be constructed on this site is an example of the Springfield School Board’s commitment to doing what is best for students,” said Dr. Alina Lehnert, school board president. “We believe that by investing in our students and schools, we are investing not only in Boyd’s future but in the best interests of Springfield, too.”