Here is a look at five other schools and academies in the region that were able to be built or receive upgrades thanks to investments by voters and others in the community.
1. Urbana High School
The historic Urbana High School was recently able to open a new $25 million facility thanks to a $31.3 million bond issue passed in 2014. The old building, commonly known as “The Castle,” had been used by the community for 120 years prior to its closure.
The new building features wider hallways and stairwells, as well as modernized classroom amenities and open spaces for students and staff. Students moved into the building earlier this month.
» RELATED: Students reflect on their last day of classes at The Castle
2. The Global Impact STEM Academy
A $6.3 million investment allowed the Global Impact STEM Academy to expand its offerings to middle school students in Springfield in July 2017.
The academy, which is not part of the Springfield City School District, takes up residence in the Springfield Center for Innovation: The Dome, which formerly operated as South High School until 2008. The science and technology-focused school was able to bring in about 115 new students as a result of the upgrade.
» READ MORE: Springfield’s STEM Academy expands to serve middle-school students
3. West Liberty Salem construction
West Liberty-Salem school was renovated during the summer of 2016.
Crews completed more than $14 million of projects, including overhauling old gymnasiums and cafeterias at the school and building a new high-school level science wing.
EXTRA: $30M West Liberty Salem construction means late school start
4. The John Legend Theater at The Dome
The Dome itself was able to receive an upgrade to its auditorium thanks to help from a grant, as well as local donors and John Legend himself.
An $11.6 million grant was given to the Dome to assist with upgrades after South High School was converted to the Dome in 2008. The grant itself wasn’t enough to cover the cost, but with donations from Legend and several companies, the auditorium was able to be renovated and opened to the public in 2016.
Since then, the John Legend Theater has been the home to several concerts and performing arts events.
» READ MORE: Here’s a look back at the John Legend Theater when it was still being constructed
5. Springfield High School
Springfield High School’s history dates back to 1911. The school operated as one facility until it was split into North and South High Schools in 1960.
The district made the decision to merge the two schools back into one facility to better serve the student population and Springfield High School was reformed in 2008 following the passage of a bond issue.