Keeping Promises
Last spring, Springfield Local Schools announced plans for the reconfiguration for our current kindergarten through fifth grade buildings that will take place with the start of the 2022-23 school year. For those newer to the district, or who missed prior messaging, we will transition to three prekindergarten through third grade buildings beginning in fall 2022 (Crissey, Dorr and Holloway); also beginning in the fall of 2022, Holland Elementary will become a grade four and five building. In July, further details were shared and we set a timeline for communicating the new school service-area boundaries on October 1. We are pleased to share that we remain on schedule. The boundaries and additional information were provided to staff, parents/guardians and students through our Instant Alert system and social media platforms on that date.
District leaders have been very intentional with efforts to communicate the rationale for this reconfiguration. District needs and specific data have been studied for more than five years to identify ways to better serve our youngest learners. Throughout that time, and specifically over the past two school years, meetings with parent leaders from each elementary school have taken place to provide information, seek input and listen to concerns.
In May, the initial plans and timelines were communicated with all; updates were shared both in July and again on October 1. In the coming weeks, families will receive additional messages confirming the specific buildings their students will attend for next school year. There is much yet to be shared, as I am sure most will understand, working through all the staffing changes will be complex.
At this time, we do not have specific per building teacher assignments.
We will continue to meet with parent leaders and offer information, such as revised start times for every school building. As plans move forward, families will be provided with building tours (spring 2022) so all will have an opportunity to walk the halls of each “new” building. Additionally, the district’s website will include a page dedicated to the reconfiguration of the elementary school buildings. Included on the page will be an interactive school boundary map (similar to those found through GPS apps) allowing parents, guardians and others to manipulate and review specific neighborhoods and locations within each school’s service area.
The webpage also will include access to updates and other materials to assist with this exciting endeavor. Feel free to suggest items to include. Anyone with questions or concerns is asked to contact:
Oatis Amick, Crissey, at oatisamick@springfieldschools.org;
Cheri Copeland-Shull, Dorr, at chericopelandshull@springfieldschools.org;
Andy Evans, Holland, at andrewevans@springfieldschools.org;
Nelle Ratliff, Holloway, at nelleratliff@springfieldschools.org,
Matt Geha, superintendent, at mattgeha@springfieldschools.org.
