SPS Bond Proposal Named Proposition S;
Voters to Decide April 2
Springfield Public Schools releases informational video at www.SPS.org/PropS
& begins scheduling community presentations
Springfield, Mo., Monday, January 14, 2019 -
The school bond proposal sent to voters for consideration on April 2 is now known as Proposition S. As part of Monday's announcement, Springfield Public Schools unveiled an informational video at
www.sps.org/PropS
to highlight its focus on Safer Students, Stronger Schools. Those in the community interested in scheduling a presentation about the specific projects included in the proposal may contact the district at 417-523-0021 or
[email protected]
.
On April 2, voters will consider an 18-cent increase to the debt-service levy to fund 39 critical projects identified by a citizen task force. Projects include creating safer entrances at 31 schools, renovating or reconstructing six schools and adding classroom space to expand preschool. Once approved, all projects are scheduled to be completed by the end of 2022.
As part of the Community Task Force on Facilities, students, parents and community members from across the district spent five months studying and evaluating the current condition of SPS schools. After visiting many of the schools, the task force came to the conclusion that significant improvements are needed.
"Our study revealed that there is an urgent need within the district," said David Hall, co-chair of the task force. "We believe that it is imperative that the school board request funding for these critical projects."
"We listened to feedback about cost, impact on neighborhoods and addressing urgent needs," said Bridget Dierks, co-chair of the task force. "We made every effort to balance those factors and reach consensus on projects that positively impact students and the community."
The Projects
Entrances at 31 schools will be remodeled to increase security
with double-entry points and a series of intercoms, cameras and electronic locking controls. Those schools include Bingham, Bissett, Carver, Central, Cowden, Disney, Field, Holland, Jarrett, Mann, McBride, McGregor, Parkview, Pershing, Phelps, Pipkin, Pittman, Pleasant View, Reed, Robberson, Rountree, Shady Dell, Sherwood (former location), Study, Truman, Twain, Watkins, Weller, Wilder, Wilson's Creek, and York.
Schools scheduled for new construction or renovation include Boyd (new site in Midtown), Delaware (new on current site), Hillcrest (renovation on current site), Jarrett (new on the current Portland site), Sunshine (renovation on current site), Williams (renovation on current site), and a new Southwest Early Childhood Center. The construction of six new storm shelters will be part of these projects.
The Investment
These school improvements would cost less than 10 cents a day in additional property taxes for a home with a market value of $100,000. That totals $2.85 more per month or $34.20 annually. Property taxes are the primary funding source public schools can use to pay for major capital improvements. The $168 million proposal requests an 18-cent increase to the debt-service levy, which would be phased in over two years: nine cents in 2019 and an additional nine cents in 2020. Compared with other school districts in the area, the SPS debt-service levy is currently one of the lowest.
For More Information
To learn more details about each project featured as part of Proposition S, visit
www.sps.org/PropS
.
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