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Springfield Public Schools board elects new officers, adopts hazard plan and approves school police grant resolution
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Summary
At a study session, the Springfield Public Schools Board of Education elected Sarah Huff as vice president and approved appointments for treasurer and secretary; it adopted Greene Countys 2025 hazard mitigation update, approved pursuing Missouris Blue Shield designation (grant eligibility), and signed off on bond project change orders including asbestos abatement at Pershing.
The Springfield Public Schools Board of Education completed a slate of organizational appointments and approved several district resolutions and bond project actions during a study session.
The board elected board member Sarah Huff as vice president in a roll-call process; the chair announced the boards support and recorded seven affirmative votes. The board also appointed Deputy Superintendent of Operations Travis Shaw as treasurer through June 30, 2026, with Dr. Doug Van Zyl to assume the treasurer role effective July 1, 2026. Tammy Nepa was appointed board secretary. The chair handled each motion and the board approved each appointment by recorded voice votes.
During new-business votes, the board adopted the 2025 update to the Greene County multi-hazard mitigation plan, a countywide document originally adopted in 2020. Chief Farrell told the board that adopting the plan aids interagency coordination, supports faster recovery after disasters, and meets regulatory and funding prerequisites that can be important after major incidents. The motion to adopt the update passed with seven affirmative votes.
The board also approved a resolution signaling the districts intent to seek the Missouri Blue Shield designation so Springfield School Police may apply for related grants through the Missouri Department of Public Safety. Chief Farrell said the district already meets roughly 98% of the programs requirements and described the designation as an added level of independent accountability that can aid recruiting, interagency collaboration and access to grant funds. Board members asked whether the designation requires added programming or additional local costs; Chief Farrell said most requirements are already in place.
Bond project updates and change orders were presented and approved, including additions of security cameras, testing and balancing work for upcoming construction at Bingham, Bissett and Pershing, and an asbestos abatement agreement at Pershing for $323,445. Staff reported that the full set of change orders and agreements before the board totaled $740,964.30 and the package passed by voice vote.
Votes at a glance - Vice president: Sarah Huff — approved (7 affirmative) - Treasurer: Travis Shaw (through 06/30/2026) / Dr. Doug Van Zyl (effective 07/01/2026) — approved (7 affirmative) - Secretary: Tammy Nepa — approved (7 affirmative) - Adopt Greene County multi-hazard mitigation plan (2025 update) — approved (7 affirmative) - Adopt resolution to pursue Missouri Blue Shield designation (school police grant eligibility) — approved (7 affirmative) - Approve bond project change orders and agreements (total $740,964.30), including Pershing asbestos abatement ($323,445) — approved (voice vote)
The board scheduled the formal votes on preliminary contracts, agreements and bids to occur at the April 28, 2026 regular meeting as part of the districts calendar of procurement and oversight.
