Chamber board endorses SPS' $220M bond issue

The Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors has signaled support for Springfield Public Schools' $220 million bond issue.

The chamber board voted to endorse Proposition S, which is slated to appear on the April 4 ballot, according to a news release issued this morning.

“Proposition S is a continuation of specific investments in projects prioritized with citizen input, with a track record of ‘progress as promised’ on previous projects, and it is aligned with the district’s strategic plan,” chamber board Chair Joselyn Baldner said in the release. "There is accountability and transparency in this proposal, which is vitally important to the business community.”

Prior to the chamber board's endorsement vote, the organization conducted a member-driven process that included review by a task force on local issues.

The chamber also endorsed the 2019 Prop S bond issue that provided $168 million to SPS for school improvement projects, according to the release.

The latest bond issue, also called Prop S, would direct $220 million to new buildings for Pipkin Middle School and Robberson Community School, renovations for Pershing K-8, and various safety and security projects. A new Reed Middle School also was recommended, if funding allows, according to past reporting.