Blue Springs School District

Improvements Made Possible through Bond

The beginning of a new school year is always a time of excitement and anticipation. For several BSSD schools, that buzz also includes brand new additions. Facilities and upgrades made possible by the passing of the February 6, 2024 No Tax Increase Bond Issue were completed during the summer and ready for the start of the 2025-2026 year. 

The bond provided upgrades at all BSSD middle schools and several elementaries. Each middle school now features new multi-purpose areas, including performance areas and band spaces. Three elementary schools also received upgrades, including a new library at Franklin Smith.

The new additions have generated excitement among students and staff. James Walker Elementary invited the community to an open house to tour the new areas, and Principal Casey Brownsberger said the response was overwhelming.

“We are absolutely delighted with the addition of our new office space, which now includes a welcoming reception area, a modern health clinic, dedicated counseling offices, administrative offices, and a beautiful new art room,” she said, “The new spaces have already made a significant impact. Our counseling team now has the privacy and resources to better serve students’ emotional and academic needs. The health clinic provides a safe and efficient environment and the art room has become a hub of creativity and expression.”

Franklin Smith Elementary includes a new state-of-the-art library, and also redesigned offices, conference room, and break room. William Yates Elementary added six new classrooms and a larger office area for counselors to better serve all students.

FSE Principal Jennie Alderman said Mustangs are grateful to the community for the upgraded spaces. 

“Thanks to the support of our incredible community and the passage of the bond, our school has received attention and care — and the results are nothing short of transformative,” she said. “It’s more than just new spaces; they reflect the importance of the work we do and the value we place on every student and family who walks through our doors.”

At the middle school level, the additions are also safe spaces able to withstand winds up to 250 miles per hour. School theater productions, concerts, and more will now take place on stages with curtains and retractable seating. Additional parking was also added at each middle school.

BHMS Theater teacher Leigh Anne Andreasen said the opportunities are endless and students have embraced the new technology. “Students have already experienced performing under the stage lights not only in musical rehearsals, but during class presentations and performances. Seeing their faces light up (literally and figuratively) when they walk onstage has been incredible to witness. Thanks to the BSSD and the community.”

The new band rooms at each middle school also show the community BSSD’s commitment to the arts. 

Delta Woods Middle School Director of Bands Kyle Tye said, “The new band spaces allow students to have individual or sectional work daily, a luxury that was not afforded to us before the new spaces. Few middle school bands in our state can prep for performances in a way that we now can. Learning is always happening thanks to the enhanced ability to use multiple spaces and multiple directors to learn. All students and directors are extremely grateful for these new additions and are utilizing them to their maximum capabilities daily.” 

The largest project provided by the 2024 Bond Issue is the new BSSD Career Innovation Center, which is scheduled to open in the fall of 2026. Construction continues at the facility and is running ahead of schedule. 

Thank you to our community for supporting our students and schools.