The Missouri State University Board of Governors has approved plans for a $6.7 million agricultural magnet school that will be a partnership between the university and the Springfield school district.
The Springfield News-Leader reports that the plans for the school had to be revised after the initial bids came in much higher than expected.
The scope of the project has been reduced from 16,500 to 15,100 square feet; the Darr Foundation, whose donation is paying for construction of the school, pledged funds beyond its initial $6.5 million gift; and the district offered to contribute up to $100,000 toward a greenhouse and the telecommunications network.
Construction is set to begin soon on the site of the university's Darr Agricultural Center in Springfield. The school is expected to open in spring 2022 serving up to 150 students, likely in grades 4 to 6.
"This is going to be an amazing building, without question, that we will own," says Clif Smart, president of Missouri State University. "There are lots of indirect benefits of a high profile partnership like this."
The university board voted to approve the $6.7 million project, including s $5.5 million construction bid from Larry Snyder & Company.
The initial project estimate, was $4.46 million but all of the proposals submitted were higher.
The university was able to shave $819,348 off the price by eliminating an outdoor classroom, a sunshade, a service entrance, and a plan to repave part of an existing driveway.
The property and building will be owned by the university, but operated by the Springfield district.
