(KTTS News) — The Springfield Public School District has announced plans to buy land for a new Pipkin Middle School if voters approve Proposition S at the polls next Tuesday.
The land, located at 3207 East Pythian near Highway 65, includes 20.9 acres — much bigger than the 3 acres of land the current Pipkin Middle School sits on.
The property wasn’t on the market, but once the owners learned of the school district’s interest, they agreed to sell it.
The district says the majority of students would be able to ride the bus to the new school.
Press Release
Springfield Public Schools announced on Thursday morning the intended location of a new Pipkin Middle School. The district’s purchase of a 20.9 acre parcel of undeveloped land at 3207 E. Pythian was unanimously approved by the Board of Education this week.
Currently under contract, final closing on the property is contingent on voter approval of Proposition S and would occur after a 60-day period established for real estate appraisal and other standard property evaluation.
“Throughout this process, our focus has remained on serving the best interests of our students while honoring the recommendations of the Community Task Force on Facilities,” said Dr. Grenita Lathan, SPS superintendent. “Today’s announcement reflects our commitment to full transparency by providing as much information as possible ahead of next Tuesday’s election.”
The recommendation of the Community Task Force on Facilities was to build a new middle school on a larger plot of land within Pipkin’s current attendance boundary. The current Pipkin sits on only 3.1 acres. At least 10 acres is needed to provide sufficient space for a new building, outdoor activities, parking, a bus lane, and improved/safer traffic flow for student drop-off and pick-up. The property at 3207 E. Pythian is nearly seven times the size of the current Pipkin campus and is located near the SPS transportation headquarters and the newly constructed Central High School baseball field.
“We considered several properties, and as you can imagine, it is a challenge to find a large piece of land in the central part of an established community,” continued Dr. Lathan. “Of the options considered, this property is the most desirable – and it wasn’t even on the market. When the owners learned of our interest and intended purpose, they agreed to sell.”
The current Pipkin facility, which opened in 1925, has the lowest condition score of any SPS building. Plumbing, electrical and other infrastructure challenges pose significant barriers. Staff and students currently load and unload from buses and vehicles along a busy Boonville Avenue. A new Pipkin, built on a new location, would boost interest in the school and its unique programming. The large parcel of land on East Pythian would also ensure a safer, more desirable setting for its students and staff.
Pipkin Middle School is home to the International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme. SPS is an open enrollment district with strong interest in IB curriculum across all grade levels. Boyd, Field and Rountree elementary schools are home to the IB Primary Years Programme. Students are then able to experience the IB continuum at Pipkin and Central High School.
“The Pipkin team is excited by the many opportunities a new school and this location provide for our community,” said Mr. Duane Cox, principal. “In addition to the safety enhancements, improved learning environment and expanded outdoor space, another added benefit of this property will be our ability to provide bus service to more of our students. This will help ensure safe, reliable transportation to and from school every day for many of our families who are currently challenged with viable options. We anticipate that expanded busing will help our efforts to boost daily attendance and ultimately improve our academic achievement.”
