SPS board finalizes construction amount for Bissett

Springfield Public Schools previously picked a contractor to renovate Bissett Elementary, clearing the way for work to begin, and has now finalized the construction amount.

The Board of Education voted April 28 to accept a guaranteed maximum price of $16,156,692 from Crossland Construction Co. Inc. for the project.

The entire project has a budget of $19.9 million.

Travis Shaw, deputy superintendent of operations, said a partial demolition of the building at 3014 W. Calhoun St. and new construction will start after the school year.

“It will be about a 14-month project from demolition to finish,” he said.

Setting the maximum price for the demolition and construction was only possible after fielding bids from subcontractors. Shaw said 75 subcontractors submitted bids.

SPS hired Oke-Thomas Associates Inc. to design the project.

“When we have really good drawings and documents that makes for a lot of interest because people feel confident about what they can put down on paper,” he said.

During the 2026-27 school year, Bissett students and staff will temporarily relocate to a former school – referred to as Old Sherwood since a new Sherwood was built in a different location – at Sunshine Street and Scenic Avenue.

Bissett was constructed in 1950 and added onto multiple times in the decades that followed including 1967 and 1990.

The Community Task Force on Facilities noted Bissett needed renovation but the project did not make the project list for the $220 million bond issue approved by voters in April 2023.

A year ago, SPS officials asked the board for permission to use $48 million in unspent bond funds to renovate Bissett and rebuild Bingham Elementary at 2126 E. Cherry St. The board agreed.

Shaw described Bissett as a “straightforward project,” including an extensive renovation with a limited amount of new construction to add a storm shelter.

“About 10,000 square feet of that will include the gymnasium, the stage – which also works as an elementary music classroom, of course – and restrooms,” he said. “Four additional classrooms will also be added to this facility as well.”

About 15 minutes after the start of the April 28 meeting, the power went out at the Kraft Administrative Center, so the district switched to its generator. The board was able to finish its meeting but could not see its agenda items on large screens mounted in the board room.

“The generator came on within just a few seconds, so we were able to have lights with the room, just no additional support for things like the screens,” he said.