Springfield SD 186 holds public hearing on up to $110 million in bonds; board approves surplus property, change order, personnel and student expulsions

The Board of Education of Springfield SD 186 held a public hearing on Feb. 18 on a proposal to issue general obligation bonds in an amount not to exceed $110,000,000 to finance capital projects including work at Springfield High School and the replacement of Owen Marsh Elementary School. No members of the public offered testimony during the hearing.

The hearing was opened after the board moved and seconded to adjourn into the public hearing; a roll call recorded unanimous “aye” votes. The board noted that notice of the hearing had been published in the State Journal-Register on Feb. 5, 2025 and posted at the board’s principal office more than 48 hours prior to the hearing.

Nut graf: The hearing puts before residents the district’s proposal to raise up to $110 million in general obligation bonds to pay for renovations, new construction and related issuance costs. While the board took no final action to sell bonds at the meeting, it completed the required public-notice step and heard no public objections before returning to regular business.

Following the hearing, the board approved multiple consent and roll-call items by recorded votes. Among those: a change order for abatement work at Springfield High School, surplus declarations for obsolete technology and vehicles, approval of personnel recommendations, and a slate of student expulsions.

On the change order, district staff said contractors found previously concealed hazardous materials during demolition of an annex and old gym area. Mr. Grosen explained that pipe insulation, boiler-flue insulation and duct joint sealant “were not visible until they got into the bones of the building,” and the board approved Change Order 1 for $15,449.44 to M & O Environmental Company for abatement phase 2.

The board also approved a declaration of surplus property that the district intends to sell or auction, including obsolete laptops, iPads and grounds vehicles. Director Miller presented the January business report earlier in the meeting showing operating cash and investment balances and monthly revenue and expenditure figures (see separate coverage).

On student discipline, Superintendent Gill recommended multiple expulsions from Grant Middle School, Southeast High School and Springfield High School through the end of the 2025–26 school year, some with educational programs and some without. The board adopted the superintendent’s recommendations by roll call; the minutes record 36 “aye” votes for the discipline resolutions.

Ending: The board set no final bond-issuance vote at the Feb. 18 meeting; the public hearing was adjourned and the board returned to regular business. Additional hearings or formal bond-authorizing votes would be required before issuance.