Nixon visits Jarrett school, details bond issuance

During an Aug. 25 visit to Jarrett Middle School at 840 S. Jefferson Ave., Gov. Jay Nixon detailed construction and renovation projects for Springfield schools made possible by more than $7.5 million in no-interest bonds issued earlier this year.

The bonds are being used for construction and renovation projects, according to a news release from the governor's office.

Nixon toured the 87-year-old middle school with Superintendent Norman Ridder and Principal Teresa Wise to see the progress on air conditioning installation.

The bonds are part of a statewide $162 million no-interest bond campaign to aid schools in renovation, construction and development projects. The bonds are awarded by the state but funded by the federal government, the release said.

Nixon said the bonds are investments in the state's future.

"We want Missouri students to receive a world-class education so that they will stay right here in the Show-Me State to live, work and raise their families," he said in the release. "These bonds will help school districts undertake critical development projects, while saving millions for the taxpayers."

The $162 million is made up of $146.3 million in qualified school construction bonds and $15.9 million in qualified zone academy bonds, according to the release.

Voters in the Springfield R-XII School District last November approved a $50 million bond issue for several school projects, which helped the district receive the more than $7.5 million in qualified school construction bonds from the state.

Seven additional district schools are utilizing the bond funds to install air conditioning, while other schools will undergo remodeling and new construction, the release said.

"This program is helping Springfield Public Schools satisfy its pledge to air condition every school in the district," Ridder said in the release.[[In-content Ad]]