Springfield chamber, NAACP chapter endorse $220 million 'Proposition S' bond issue for Springfield Public Schools

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Pipkin Middle School in central Springfield, Mo. is shown on March 2, 2023.
Michele Skalicky/KSMU

Springfield Public Schools advocates are pushing for voter approval next month of a $220 million bond issue — the largest in district history.

The increased funding would be used to build new buildings for Pipkin and Reed middle schools. It would also renovate the Pershing school and add storm shelters and other safety upgrades throughout the district.

On Thursday morning, the Springfield chapter of the NAACP endorsed Prop S, saying in a social media post that the bond represents a “crucial investment in the education and safety of all students in the district.”

Minutes later, a news release from the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce said the group’s board of directors had endorsed Prop S.

Board chair Joselyn Baldner said “there is accountability and transparency in this proposal which is vitally important to the business community.”

Proposition S will appear on the April 4 ballot alongside elections for open seats on the school board and Springfield City Council.

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Gregory Holman is a KSMU reporter and editor focusing on public affairs.