Boundary and Facility Usage Review
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Springfield Public Schools conducting a Boundary and Facility Usage Review?
To ensure effective and efficient use of resources, it is important to identify ways to optimize building usage, improve feeder patterns and review attendance boundaries. This review process creates a framework for conducting periodic reviews and for collecting community input about any proposed changes.
How can I learn more about the Boundary and Facility Usage Review and the alternates proposed in my attendance area?
- Visit the district’s Web site, springfieldpublicschoolsmo.org. The Boundary and Facility Usage Review document will be posted there July 28. Information in the document is divided by high school feeder patterns. Links are included to help easily navigate through the document.
Explanations of possible changes, referred to as alternates, are organized by high school feeder system. For example, if you want to know about changes that might affect Pipkin Middle School, look under the tab labeled Central High School. There you will find alternate descriptions, flow charts of current and proposed feeder systems, tables that indicate proposed changes in student populations and building capacities, and maps that reflect any proposed boundary adjustments.
- Visit one of the five city branches of Springfield-Greene County Library District. The Boundary and Facility Usage Review document will be on display at the reference counters. Library branches that will display the document are: Brentwood Branch, 2214 Brentwood Boulevard; Midtown Carnegie Branch, 397 E. Central Street; Park Central Branch, 128 Park Central Square; The Library Center, 4653 S. Campbell; and The Library Station, 2535 N. Kansas Expressway.
- Schedule a speaker to present to your community organization or neighborhood association. Call 523-INFO and we will arrange for a district administrator to attend your next meeting and explain proposed alternates.
Why is it desirable to correct split feeder patterns?
Currently the district has multiple instances where schools split students between at least two schools as they advance to middle school or high school. For example, currently Pershing Middle School sends students to Glendale, Kickapoo and Parkview high schools. These split feeder patterns can have a negative affect on students, staff and district resources. A few benefits of minimizing split feeder patterns include:
- Improved peer relationships and school pride among students.
- Enhanced collaboration among staff as they work with fewer feeder schools.
- Reduced duplication of efforts. One example of duplication is at Pershing Middle School where counselors from three high schools currently visit the school to work with eighth-graders in preparation for their freshman year.
How can I share my input on the proposed alternates?
Community discussion is critical to the success of this process. We encourage all stakeholders to become informed about proposed changes and to share their thoughts and ideas. The proposed alternates are just a starting point. It is our hope that through open dialogue other ideas or solutions will be proposed.
To comment:
- Send an e-mail to boundaryinput@spsmail.org. Please be sure to note in the subject line the alternate you are commenting on.
- Send feedback using our online survey.
- Visit a city public library or your local school office (after Aug. 12) and pick up a patron input form. You may complete this form and mail it back to the school district.
- Attend a public meeting. The district will host town meetings Aug. 12, Sept. 11 and Oct. 9. Times and locations of the meetings will be posted at springfieldpublicschoolsmo.org closer to the date.
- Call 523-0069 if you have questions. An administrative liaison will be happy to assist you.
When will changes go into effect?
Once the community input component of the process is complete in October, administrative staff will prepare a recommendation for the school board. It is anticipated that the school board will make a decision by December 2008 on any proposed changes. Approved changes would be effective for the 2009-2010 school year.
Learn More
Read the entire Boundary and Facility Usage Review document. (PDF)
View the compiled input received from the community (PDF)
Boundary Review Final Report - November 2008 (PDF)
Review proposed alternates by school:
- Central High School Feeder System
- Glendale High School Feeder System
- Hillcrest High School Feeder System
- Kickapoo High School Feeder System
- Parkview High School Feeder System
- KHS/PHS/SW Area
Other Information:
- Read the Boundary Review Processes & Procedures (PDF)
- Compare current and proposed feeder patterns
- Learn about grandfathering options
- Read Frequently Asked Questions
- Schedule a presentation for your community organization or neighborhood association