Frequently Asked Questions

What is a debt service levy?

A debt service levy is a tax set at an amount that pays the annual principal and interest on voter-approved bonds. Bonds finance land and major building projects. That is why this is called a bond election, even though it results in an increase in the debt service levy.

What other levies or taxes does the district have?

Missouri school districts have two types of levies - a debt service and an operating levy. The “operating levy” finances the day-to-day operations of the district, including salaries, benefits, insurance and textbooks. The operating levy generally is not used for one-time, major facility expenses. Those funds come from the debt service levy.

Why did the district roll back its operating levy last year, but now wants to increase its debt service levy ?

The operating levy was reduced from $3.14 per $100 of assessed valuation to $3 per $100 of assessed valuation to honor the intent of a 2004 voter-approved increase in the operating levy. Keeping the levy at its maximum of $3.14 would have raised more revenues than voters approved. In addition, bond projects can only be funded by a debt service levy.

Why do we need to build a new school in southwest Springfield ?  

All of the southwest elementary schools and Wilson 's Creek 5-6 School are either at capacity or over capacity.  McBride Elementary School opened in 1998 to 283 students. In 2005 student enrollment at McBride reached 680. At that rate of growth, estimates predict we will have at least 300 more students in this area of the district over the next three years.

Which schools will we renovate and how will those renovations impact students?  

The renovations will provide classroom space that is not currently available because of the crowded conditions at Weaver, Weller, and Gray elementary schools. These schools use modular classrooms or are providing classes like art and music “on a cart”. At Cherokee Middle School , growing middle school students currently learn in elementary-sized classrooms. The Cherokee renovation will provide “age appropriate” classroom space. The on-going Parkview project requires the renovation of aging classrooms, expanded library services and improved student lunchroom and commons areas.

Why must we upgrade high school science labs?

Today, science labs at three of Springfield 's five high schools are more than 30 years old. Outdated equipment and crowded learning space make it more difficult for science students to meet the challenges of a changing world in which science and technology are critical components. Central and Parkview high schools have recently received science lab upgrades. The bond issue puts all five high schools on equal footing.  

Is air conditioning really important to a child's education?

Today, 19 of the district's 53 school buildings are fully air conditioned. The early and late days of the school year can be unbearably hot, and our enrollment in summer school increased from 3,405 to 5,492 students between 1998 and 2005. Last year 19 district schools had summer school programs. Additional schools could be added next summer. All students deserve the same opportunity to learn in a healthy environment.