SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - Following a 2018 vote by Sangamon County residents to approve a 1% sales tax increase dedicated to schools, District 186 has begun significant renovations and reconstructions at multiple schools. The latest project on this list is the construction of a new Owen Marsh Elementary School.

Work on the new school has officially commenced at the site next to the current facility. Once completed, the existing building will be demolished to make way for the new structure. According to Principal Wendy Conaway, the new facility is a vital addition for the school’s growing needs.

"We will have a separate full-size gym and cafeteria which will allow us to maximize our master schedule and allow us to have the space we really need," Conaway explained. "There will also be a STEM lab. so learning about science, technology, engineering, and mathematics."

Currently, the school's music room is housed in a portable unit outside the building, but the new school will feature a dedicated music room, along with an upgraded art facility.

In a unique twist, students at Owen Marsh Elementary took part in researching the history of the school and the legacy of Owen Marsh himself. This research culminated in a presentation at the groundbreaking ceremony, where members of the student council shared their findings with the school board.

State Senator Doris Turner, who was present at the groundbreaking, spoke on the importance of educational investments. She emphasized that improving school facilities is a key driver of neighborhood revitalization, fostering economic development, and attracting new families to the area.

"I believe if we do education right, our communities look a whole lot better," Turner said. "When we have a strong, fiscally sound, expansive, and diverse educational system, that makes our community better. So the investment in education is not just for those students that are going to walk through those doors, they are for our community as a whole."

Future Plans for Owen Marsh Elementary School

The new Owen Marsh Elementary will not only address immediate space issues but also provide a more modern and effective learning environment for students. The project is expected to take several years to complete, with the construction slated to be finished by the fall of 2026. The district is aiming for the new school to be a hub for innovation, collaboration, and academic excellence.

In addition to the much-needed space and improved facilities, the school will be equipped with updated technology infrastructure, ensuring that students have access to the latest tools for learning. A new outdoor recreational area will also be developed, further enhancing the school’s capacity to offer both academic and extracurricular opportunities.

Community Engagement

The groundbreaking ceremony was not just a celebration of a new building but also a moment to highlight the community’s role in the project. Local families, educators, and board members gathered to commemorate the beginning of this transformative project. The involvement of students in researching the history of the school demonstrated the ongoing commitment to community engagement and the importance of preserving local history.

As construction moves forward, residents are eager to see the long-term impact the new school will have on both the educational landscape and the broader Springfield community.

The new Owen Marsh Elementary School is expected to be a landmark project in District 186, benefiting current and future generations of students, educators, and families alike.

Originally reported by Carlee Bronkema in WAND News.