District outlines middle school renovation, high‑school roof work and recommends replacing bus facility

Superintendent Dr. Janakone briefed the Springfield Township School District Board on ongoing capital work at the district’s schools and on a recommendation from the property committee to replace the transportation facility.

At the middle school, work began the weekend after students were dismissed for summer break. Sidewalks at the main entrance were demolished to make way for an expanded parking lot in front of the academic wing. Inside the building, work is underway in the low‑incidence classroom area; the fitness center and health classrooms are also progressing as foundational work is completed for a new performing arts center. The superintendent said the project has an ambitious summer schedule and is on track for completion “in just about 15 months in the fall of 2026.” She also said the pedestrian tunnel at the school will be closed to foot traffic for several weeks during the summer to accommodate construction.

The high‑school roof project entered its final phase this summer and includes the area over the natatorium. Steps have been taken to protect the pool during roof work, and the superintendent said the pool will be closed to the community for the duration of the roof project “as a safety precaution.”

Separately, Property Committee member Mr. DeFranco summarized a June 10 committee meeting that presented the district’s five‑year operations and capital planning. The committee reviewed priorities for school years beginning 2025–26 through the 2029–30 school year and categorized needs under operations, capital projects and funding not yet determined.

The transportation department was a focus of the capital assessment presented to the committee. The assessment concluded that renovating the existing bus facility is not recommended given costs and limitations; the district has not identified an alternative location and the committee’s written recommendation is to replace the existing building. Committee members discussed options to support alternative fuels and bus-turnaround access. Electric buses were described as cost‑prohibitive given current facility constraints; propane is under investigation and the district plans to provide a propane-cost report to the property committee in the fall. The superintendent also said that, at present, 84‑passenger buses are not available to purchase.

The board did not take a formal vote on a construction contract or on replacement of the transportation facility at the June 17 meeting; the property committee’s recommendation requires further study and follow up.