At its Nov. 19, 2019 meeting, the Springfield Public Schools Board of Education heard a project update from SPS staff on the status of 39 high-priority projects funded by the $167.73 million school bond approved by Springfield voters in April 2019. The projects include renovations, expansion, and/or new construction for six schools and the creation of safer entrances at 31 schools.  Space to add early childhood classrooms was created at three locations.

Secure entrances

Secure entrance work is under way at 31 school sites and expected to be complete by July. The final contract that includes Weller, Cowden, Field, Twain, McGregor, Shady Dell, Truman, Watkins, Wilder, Pittman, Disney, Holland, Mann, and McBride was awarded at the November meeting.

Southwest Springfield early childhood center

Construction began in August 2019 for a new $10 million early childhood center at Carver Middle School. The center is expected to open in July in time for the 2020-2021 school year and will serve up to 250 preschool students.

Delaware and Sunshine elementary schools

Work continues for the new $15.9 million Delaware Elementary School and is expected to be complete by Aug. 1 in time for the 2020-2021 school year.

Sunshine Elementary’s $11 million addition is expected to be complete by Aug. 1 in time for the 2020-2021 school year. When complete, the school will serve up to 350 students and will address accessibility and security challenges as well as providing a safe room.

Boyd Elementary School

Demolition of the former Berry Elementary School began in October 2019 to make way for Boyd’s new site. Construction is anticipated to begin in April with completion anticipated for April 2021. The bid opening date for the project is anticipated for March. The original construction estimate for the new school is just over $16 million.

Jarrett Middle School and Hillcrest High School

Design development continues for renovations at Jarrett and Hillcrest.

Construction is expected to begin at Jarrett in September, with completion expected by August 2022. The bid opening date for the project is anticipated for August. The original construction estimate for Jarrett’s renovations is nearly $33 million. 

Construction is expected to begin at Hillcrest in August, with completion expected by August 2022. The bid opening date for the project is anticipated for July. The original construction estimate for Jarrett’s renovations is  $19.6 million. 

Williams Elementary

Williams Elementary is currently in the design development phase. Construction is expected to begin at Williams in July, with completion expected by July 2021. The bid opening date for the project is anticipated for June. The original construction estimate for Jarrett’s renovations is nearly $14.3 million.