$189M SPS bond proposal heads to April ballot

The first of two bond proposals by Springfield Public Schools is headed to the April 4 ballot for the district’s facility master plan.

Voters will decide whether to approve a $189 million bond proposal to fund the first phase of SPS’ 12-year, $367.6 million plan. The bond proposal in April will seek a 24-cent increase to the debt-service levy to be phased in over two years. If approved, the cost to the owner of a $100,000 home would be $23 during the first year and $46 annually starting with the second year, according to a news release.

The SPS Board of Education gave the green light to the construction and renovation plan in December, a month after the district’s hired consultant, Tallahassee, Florida-based MGT of America Inc., recommended it.

Phase I projects to be completed during the next six years include:
    •    a $34.5 million new elementary and middle school for Pershing;
    •    a $31.1 million new elementary and middle school for Pipkin/Boyd;
    •    a $31.1 million new elementary and middle school for Reed/Robberson;
    •    a $27.6 million new elementary and middle school for Jarrett/Portland;
    •    a $15 million upgrade of Hillcrest; and
    •    a $9 million upgrade of Glendale.

Following the completion of Phase I, SPS would seek voter approval for additional bonds to complete the master plan. According to the release, the second proposal may not require increasing taxes.

The plan calls on new construction projects and renovations that would move 22 district schools currently rated as unsatisfactory or poor into the excellent or new categories, as well as several listed as fair or good moving to excellent condition.