Skip to main content
Add as a preferred source on Google

Springfield Breaks Ground on $53.7M Pipkin Middle School Rebuild

  • By Matt Jones
  • 06/10/25

Construction is underway on a new, state-of-the-art Pipkin Middle School in Springfield, Mo., a major step in Springfield Public Schools’ (SPS) long-term facility improvement plan, according to local news. The $53.7-million project officially broke ground in early June, following years of planning and community input aimed at modernizing aging infrastructure and addressing student capacity concerns.

Located near the existing Pipkin site, the new 114,750-square-foot facility will accommodate up to 725 students and is designed with collaborative learning spaces, modern technology integration, and enhanced security features. The project replaces the current Pipkin building, originally constructed in 1925 and suffering from extensive wear and outdated systems.

The school’s construction is part of the voter-approved Proposition S, a $220-million bond measure passed in 2019. In total, the bond supports the replacement or renovation of several SPS facilities, with Pipkin’s rebuild among the largest. Superintendent Grenita Lathan noted the project's alignment with districtwide goals of improving educational equity and modernizing learning environments.

The new school, being built on property formerly used for district facilities and maintenance, is slated for completion by fall 2026. Crossland Construction is serving as general contractor, with design by Paragon Architecture, according to the Springfield Daily Citizen.

With groundbreaking complete, the focus now shifts to foundational work and vertical construction, which is expected to accelerate throughout the summer. The project represents a key investment in the future of Springfield’s educational infrastructure and reflects broader trends in middle school design that emphasize flexibility, student well-being, and safety.

About the Author

Matt Jones is senior editor of Spaces4Learning. He can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • Full Sail University Announces First Student Housing Facility

    Full Sail University in Winter Park, Fla., recently announced that development has begun on its first student housing community, according to a news release. The university is partnering with Nvision Development for construction and long-term management of the facility, which will stand five stories and have the capacity for more than 570 beds.

  • Armstrong World Industries Acquires Parallel Architectural Products

    Armstrong World Industries, provider of interior and exterior architectural applications, recently announced that it has acquired the Colorado-based Parallel Architectural Products, according to a news release.

  • NWEA Report Recommends K–12 Natural Disaster Recovery Strategies

    The Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA), a K–12 assessment and research organization, recently announced the release of a new playbook for schools and communities recovering from extreme weather events, according to a news release.

  • South Carolina District Starts Construction on $50M Middle School Renovation

    The Aiken County Public School District in North Augusta, S.C., recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for the $50-million renovation and expansion of North Augusta Middle School, according to a news release. The project’s funding comes from the 2024 renewal of a one-cent sales tax approved by local voters.