SPS seeks to consolidate Campbell into McGregor

Photo courtesy Google Maps

Campbell Elementary would be converted into an early childhood center and Parents as Teachers hub.

Springfield Public Schools is seeking Board of Education and community support to consolidate Campbell Elementary School into McGregor Elementary as part of the district’s master plan.

At Campbell, the district plans to expand its early childhood education efforts. The schools — Campbell at 506 S. Grant Ave. and McGregor at 1221 W. Madison St. — in Springfield’s West Central neighborhood are less than a mile apart.

SPS officials yesterday provided a master plan update to the board. The board is scheduled to vote Feb. 20 on whether to send the projects to architects for a cost analysis and whether to host a March 8 public meeting on the plans. The board also will consider a new bond proposal after last year’s $189 million proposal failed to gather enough support from residents, according to a news release.

“The community has provided valuable feedback to SPS regarding what they want for their schools,” Superintendent John Jungmann said in the release. “They have asked us to address the most significant needs first by starting with the sites that scored lowest on condition, to consider renovating buildings whenever possible, to be specific with our recommendations and to engage in ongoing communication through the process.

“We are committed to that, and we look forward to continued dialogue.”

The district recommends Campbell’s consolidation into McGregor starting with the 2018-19 academic year. At Campbell, officials want to repurpose the elementary into an interim learning center and Parents as Teachers hub for up to 200 center city children.