SPS buys land for future elementary school

Springfield Public Schools closed yesterday on the purchase of roughly 15 acres of land to be used as the future location for a new elementary school.

Funded by the April voter-approved bond initiative, SPS purchased the southwest Springfield property from Jack Neely for $425,000, according to a news release.

The acreage comprises two parcels (see related links) located along South Golden Avenue just south of Horton Smith Golf Course.

The new school would hold up to 450 students, replacing Sherwood Elementary School and relieving crowding in several neighboring schools in southwest Springfield, the release said.

SPS has not yet developed a construction timeline for the project. SPS spokeswoman Teresa Bledsoe said Sapp Design Associates Architects PC is the architect for the project, but a general contractor has not yet been selected.

As part of the $71.65 million in approved general obligation bonds, SPS has earmarked $17.8 million for the new elementary school, according to Springfield Business Journal archives.[[In-content Ad]]