Springfield, Ozark, Willard seeking bond issues for schools

One of the biggest items on Springfield's April 8 ballot is the $30 million, no-tax-increase school bond issue.

If the bond issue is approved, this money would be divided as follows: $12 million would be used to air-condition and improve 11 schools; $10 million would be used for improvements at Parkview High School; $4.5 million would be used to build phase I of a new school in southwest Springfield; and $2 million would be used for heating, roofing repairs at nine schools; and $1.5 million for the project contingency fund.

According to the Springfield School Board, the approval of the bond would extend the current 33-cent debt service levy for about three years to pay for more building improvement projects.

Approval of the measure will not increase the tax rate.

This bond proposal is phase II of a long-range initiative to make Springfield schools safe and healthy. Phase I was approved by voters in 2000.

School board Vice President Bruce Chrisope said this is the second phase of a seven- to 10-year capital strategic plan that was laid out more than three years ago.

"This is just another phase in a long-range, very well-thought-out plan," Chrisope said.

Surrounding towns

Willard and Ozark also are asking for money to improve their school systems.

The city of Willard is asking voters to approve a $19.6 million bond issue to acquire land for school purposes. Bond money would also be used for construction of a new high school and renovation of existing school facilities.

Ozark is asking citizens if they will allow the school district to issue general obligations bonds in the amount of $2.175 million build a new high school and repair, renovate and improve existing schools.

Approval of the bond issue authorizes the levy and collection of an annual tax. The measure would assess a tax on all taxable tangible property for 20 years.