A plan to address Springfield Public Schools facility needs over the next 12 years has been developed following nine months of facility assessment, data analysis and community input.
SPS recently solicited community feedback via 10 public meetings and an online survey regarding two possible options for meeting facility needs. Based on that feedback, MGT of America, the firm SPS hired in January to develop the plan, recommended Nov. 15 that the school board pursue Option 2, which reflects the community's desire to maintain small schools and would create several elementary/middle school combined campuses.
The recommendations, if implemented as presented, would result in a total of 40 projects, which, when completed, would move 22 district schools currently rated as "unsatisfactory" or "poor" into the "excellent" or "new" categories along with multiple schools currently listed as "fair" being elevated to "good" or "excellent" condition. The recommendations both align to and deliver the priorities identified by stakeholders and would be addressed in two phases over a 12-year timeframe. Each phase will require voter approval for funding before it could begin.
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Summary of Work Proposed
The scope of work detailed in Phase 1 would deliver new construction of four elementary/middle combined campuses. In addition, upgrades at three high schools and one middle school would be completed. Seven elementary schools would be renovated and one elementary would receive an addition and renovation. Early childhood classroom expansion would also be addressed.
Phase 2 would result in the construction of three replacement elementary schools and further improvements to three sites partially addressed in Phase 1. Two high schools would experience additions and renovations and two middle schools would receive upgrades. Two elementary schools would receive additions and renovations with an additional seven receiving renovations. Four support learning sites would also receive renovations and there would be further expansion of early childhood classrooms.
Full implementation of the recommendations includes the closing and repurposing of Campbell, Delaware, York and Bowerman elementary schools with students from these schools being reassigned to other elementary schools.
Cost of the Work
The total projected construction budget for all projects is $337.6 million in current dollars. An additional $30 million will be required for projected adjustments due to inflation over the 12-year implementation of the Facility Master Plan. Funding the plan would require voter approval to increase the district's debt-service levy.
Next Steps
- Dec. 13, 2016- Anticipated Board approval of facility master plan recommendations.
- Develop project design for Board approval along with ballot language for bond initiative for Phase 1.Place bond proposal on ballot for taxpayer consideration for Phase 1.
- Once approved by voters, begin implementation of projects for Phase 1 (6-year timeframe for completion).
- Upon completion of Phase I projects, Phase 2 project design would be developed for Board approval along with ballot language for bond initiative.
- Place bond proposal on ballot for taxpayer consideration for Phase 2
- Once approved by voters, begin implementation of projects for Phase 2 (6-year timeframe for completion).
More Details
While the recommendations provide some level of precision regarding many aspects of implementation such as buildings to be addressed, scope of projects, approximate budget, etc., it is impossible at this stage to provide definitive answers to all questions. Issues regarding items such as location of new construction, boundary line changes, etc., will be determined in the future. Belief statements included in the proposed facility master plan, however, define some key principles that will influence decisions.
Read more about the long-range facility master planning process and view prior reports from MGT at plan.spsk12.org.
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