Coffee Break: Bond election represents community at its finest

The successful bond and school board election of April 4 was a great example of the Springfield community at its finest, with educators, businesspeople, community organizations and citizens working together for a common goal: the betterment of our school system for the benefit of all.

And the benefits of the bond issue go far beyond the issue of maintaining, expanding and updating school facilities, particularly in the center city area.

More than half of the $30 million approved by voters $16 million will go to renovate and rebuild school facilities in old Springfield.

The city's original high school, Central High, will be thoroughly renovated. A beautiful structure of red brick, massive columns and arches, Central High's heritage and history will be preserved.

The oldest part of the school will be retained, new classroom and lab facilities will be built, and state-of-the-art wiring and systems will be installed.

McGregor Elementary, a facility constructed long before modern considerations of accessibility, comfort and technology, and sadly deteriorated over the years, will be replaced with a new facility that will be a model of excellence for the entire R-XII School District.

As any Realtor can tell you, there's nothing like new schools to bring new life and new investment to a neighborhood. This bond issue and the wonderful facilities that will result are a huge shot in the arm to the revitalization of old Springfield, particularly the West Central neighborhood, home to McGregor Elementary (and to yours truly).

Meanwhile, existing schools in all parts of Springfield will be repaired, updated and expanded not only to better meet the needs of our growing population but to protect the vital community asset that is our schools.

Springfield has learned the hard way the cost of not maintaining school facilities. It is a lesson we will not soon forget.

Kudos to the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce for stepping up to the plate and endorsing both the bond issue and a slate of board candidates, thereby raising the profile of the education issue to a new level; to Superintendent Jack Ernst, for inspiring trust and confidence in a wary community; to the Better Schools for Kids Campaign Committee for its tireless efforts to get the word out; and to the voters of Springfield, who will reap the benefits of this election for years to come.

Great things are in store for Springfield's schools.

In the words former McGregor Elementary student and Councilman Ralph Manley, "I am excited!"