District 186 reports school construction progress, capital fund balances and solar savings

Springfield Public Schools District 186 staff told the board Sept. 2 that construction projects at Owen Marsh Elementary and Springfield High are on schedule and that the district’s capital projects funds have sufficient cash to meet the next bond payment due Dec. 1, 2025.

Why it matters: The district is in the middle of multiple major facility projects funded by bond proceeds and local sales-tax receipts. Decisions about capital spending, warranties and energy investments affect both near-term cash flow and long-term maintenance costs.

Superintendent Gill walked the board through photos of construction work at Owen Marsh Elementary, noting a new cafeteria entrance, a separate storm-shelter gymnasium, and concrete pours that will allow interior work through the winter months. “The contractors are pouring the concrete this week. So they’re on track to getting in the building and being able to work inside during the winter months,” she said.

Mr. Miller, business-office staff, summarized July 2025 capital-projects activity: the capital-projects investment beginning balance was $113,517,718.78; bond draws and expenses for the period were $11,273,730.42, leaving an ending balance of $102,520,203.64. The district reported $1,250,001 in sales-tax receipts credited in July (April reporting period). Mr. Miller said the capital savings account held $4,829,345 as of July 31 and that the $3,244,044 bond payment due Dec. 1, 2025, is currently covered by those savings.

The board also heard about solar energy pilot results: solar installations at Lanphier High School have been energized for roughly three months and are reducing energy costs by an estimated $10,000 per month at that site. Staff said the project cost roughly $1.4 million and the district expects state and federal rebates totaling about $1.1 million to be applied to the capital project, with rebate timing still pending.

Facilities staff (Mr. Grossen) and the superintendent discussed options to engage roofing vendors and whether to hire a district roofer or maintain a contract relationship. An RFQ produced two responses; one full-service vendor proposed an annual retainer model that included periodic inspections and small repairs at an estimated highest proposal of $240,000. The board requested more detail from the RFQ respondents about what supplies and repairs are included in proposals before further action.

The administration said capital projects and maintenance decisions will continue to be coordinated with the district’s longer-term budget and the three-year deficit reduction plan.