Structural Improvement Work Gets Underway at SPS Schools

Springfield Public Schools is completing structural improvements at 10 school sites as part of work required to maintain the District’s property insurance coverage. While SPS is working to minimize disruptions to students and staff, the scope of the projects means construction will continue into the school year at several schools and will require changes to some school-day and after-school activities.

The affected school buildings are safe for students and staff. The improvements are required to meet updated property insurance requirements for buildings more than 50 years old that contain certain types of engineered wood trusses. The improvements primarily involve reinforcing structural beams and trusses. 

The Springfield School Board approved a contract with Essex General Construction in July to complete the work. The total project budget is approximately $3.7 million.

For more information, read our Frequently Asked Questions page on the structural improvements and repairs across our District.

What students and families can expect

SPS and Essex Construction are coordinating the work to complete projects as efficiently as possible while minimizing impacts on students, staff and school operations. Some work began during the summer, but the size and complexity of the projects mean construction at several schools will continue after students return.

At affected schools, access to gyms, cafeterias, classrooms, libraries and other spaces may be limited during construction. Schools will  adjust how some of these spaces and programs operate during construction.

Gym closures will have a particular impact on school-day and after-school programming. Depending on the school and construction schedule, adjustments may be necessary for physical education classes, athletics, practices, competitions, clubs and other activities that normally use gym spaces.

Each school is developing plans based on its construction schedule and the spaces available on campus. Activities may be relocated, rescheduled or temporarily modified. Schools will communicate directly with families, students and participants about changes that affect their schedules, activities or normal school routines.

We recognize these changes may create challenges for students, families and staff. The District will work to minimize those impacts while completing the structural improvements necessary to maintain full property insurance coverage.
 

Current construction schedule

Walterville Elementary | Early August to late December

• Work includes structural reinforcement in the gym and three classroom wings.
  • Gym: August to mid-September
  • Classroom Wings August to December

Two Rivers–Dos Rios Elementary | Early August to early September

• Work includes structural improvements in the Family Resource Center, library and cafeteria.

Centennial Elementary | Mid August to mid October

• Work includes structural improvements in a classroom area, cafeteria and gym.
  • Classroom: Aug to mid September
  • Cafeteria: August
  • Gym: September to mid October

Thurston Middle School | late August to mid October

• Work includes structural reinforcement in the gym.

Briggs Middle School | Early September to late October

• Work includes structural improvements in both gyms, the auditorium and cafeteria.
  • Gym 1: September to mid October
  • Gym 2: September to mid October
  • Auditorium: September to mid October
  • Cafeteria: September to mid October

Thurston High School | Mid October to to mid November

• Work includes structural improvements in the wrestling room.

Gateways High School/Brattain Campus | Early November to mid December

• Work includes structural improvements in the gym.

Page Elementary | mid December to early February

• Work includes structural improvements in the gym/cafeteria.

Guy Lee Elementary |Mid December to late January

• Work includes structural improvements in the gym/cafeteria.

Staying Informed

Construction schedules are subject to change as work progresses. SPS will continue coordinating closely with Essex Construction and school administrators and will share significant schedule changes with affected school communities.

Families should also watch for communication directly from their school. Those updates will provide more specific information about changes to physical education, athletics, after-school activities, meals, building access and other school operations as applicable.

Thank you to our students, staff and families for their flexibility and understanding as we complete this necessary work. Our priority throughout the projects will be to minimize disruptions while maintaining safe, welcoming and productive learning environments for students.