Top 10 Stories
The 2023-24 Academic Year will be one for the records with a mix of achievements, extreme challenges, and amazing community unity. During the past year the community of Springfield faced one of the worst ice storms in its history—thousands were left without power for more than a week, city streets were covered with debris from damaged trees, and half of our school campuses sustained serious damage. It was also a year of incredible progress, large capital projects, celebrations of diversity, community spirit, national recognitions, honors, and beautiful music.
#10
Springfield Public Schools unveils new set of websites
After more then five years, Springfield Public Schools shifted to a new content management system and completely redesigned all of its 20 school websites, district site, and intranet. The project took five months to complete and the new collection of websites was delivered at the start of the school year.
#9
District awarded competitive Community Learning Grant
The Oregon Department of Education awarded Springfield Public Schools with a $2.3 million 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) grant. The grant will support three schools for the next five years: Guy Lee Elementary, Two Rivers-Dos Ríos Elementary, and Hamlin Middle School.
#8
Middle schools unite for first ever affinity summits
Hamlin Middle School served as the backdrop for this year's Black Student Union and LatinX Student Union summits. The first-ever affinity events brought together hundreds of students from all district middle schools for a day of informational opportunities, cultural entertainment, and fun networking.
#7
SPS forms new Equity Advisory Committee
Springfield Public Schools has formed an Educational Equity Advisory Committee (EEAC) to provide insight to the Superintendent and School Board on the educational equity impacts of District policy on historically underserved students.
#6
SPS students achieve regional, national recognitions
In 2023-24, students made our district proud with many local, regional, and national recognitions, from THS winning state championships and top finishes for Skills USA competition, to national recognition for an A3 artist and another national award for SHS' Backcountry Review magazine.
#5
Music program expansion boosts student experience
The 2023-24 school year marks the start of a major effort to expand and enhance the performing arts programs at Springfield Public Schools. There are now certified full-time music teachers at all elementary schools. The investment translates into well over $1 million in staffing.
#4
Mariachi del Sol featured on GMA, goes to DC
It has been a busy year for SHS Mariachi del Sol. The high school band received national attention with an appearance on Good Morning America! In addition, the band went on to raise enough funds from community partners to represent Oregon at the 2024 National Memorial Day Parade in Washington D.C.
#3
$23M HVAC investment to enhance student learning
HVAC systems building, repairs, and enhancements continued throughout the district in 2023-24. The $23 million project has made a positive difference in nine schools. Extensive work began late spring on the roof of Two Rivers-Dos Rios Elementary (inset picture).
#2
Cosmetology Academy opens doors to the public
Springfield Public Schools held an open house for its new Cosmetology CTE pathway The event was attended by district leadership, community partners, the first cohort of cosmetology students, and U.S. Representative Val Hoyle. The program now welcomes customers for various services.
#1
Ice storm hits Springfield, damaging homes and schools
The mid-January storm caused widespread damage to facilities throughout the District. Facilities crews worked hard to address hazards, create respite centers for families and students without power, and our nutrition services served hundreds of meals. District teams brought back all schools to order within a week.