The Springfield Public Schools Board of Education on Jan. 22 voted to add an operating levy tax increase and a bond issue to the April ballot.
During the April 2 general election, voters will decide whether to approve a 20-cent operating tax levy increase and a $71.7 million bond. The levy increase, if approved, would
cost the owner of a $100,000 home roughly $38 more per year in taxes, while the bond approval wouldn't increase the debt-service levy but would extend the current tax by four years, according to a news release.
The 20-cent operating tax-levy increase would be added in increments of 10 cents in 2013 and 2014.
The funding would allow the district to hire additional teachers, add classroom space, maintain class sizes and improve its facilities.
Facility improvement to be provided by the bond, if approved:
- Kickapoo High School would be renovated to the tune of $19.3 million, with renovations to the school's cafeteria, kitchen, auditorium and east entrance; enclose courtyard; and an upgrade to its building mechanical system.
- At $4 million, the Glendale High School cafeteria and library would be upgraded.
- The district would construct a new elementary school in southwest Springfield to teach about 450 students. About 250 Sherwood Elementary School students would move to the new school, which has a price tag of $17.8 million.
- The district would spend $13.5 million to add 45,000 square feet to Fremont Elementary School, including about nine classrooms, and renovate existing areas of the school to address north Springfield growth.
- For $1.1 million, SPS would add four elementary classrooms at Hickory Hills elementary and middle schools.
- SPS would spend $16 million to upgrade its technology, including increased network bandwidth in all classrooms.
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