Celebrate & Acknowledge a Year Full of Accomplishments - Have a WONDERFUL Summer

Dear Springfield Platteview Community, 

On Sunday, May 21, we gathered at Platteview High School to celebrate the remarkable achievements of our graduating seniors, their families, and the Springfield Platteview Staff. We recognized the countless hours of hard work, dedication, and perseverance it takes to help our students succeed. As I said at Commencement, you have played an integral role in helping these students adapt, grow, and find silver linings even in the most challenging circumstances. I hope you are proud. We certainly are.

I would also like to pause and acknowledge other accomplishments during the 22-23 school year. 

In August 2022, we opened the doors to our new Springfield Elementary School (SES) at 940 Main Street. We held a memorable grand opening and re-opening of our two elementary schools, Springfield and Westmont Elementary. Planting and growing roots in a new space does not come without challenges. 

At the beginning of the school year, Mr. Mike McLaughlin stepped into his new role as the principal of Platteview High School. We also welcomed a new vice principal/activities director, Mr. Josh Siske. With the help of the “Sunshine Committee” (a group of staff members dedicated to brightening people’s days at PHS) the new leadership team, and incredible staff, some might say that this was the high school’s best year yet! 

Later in 2022, we held a bid sale at the old Springfield Elementary building. Visitors purchased excess furniture and equipment not being used at the new school. All proceeds went back to the school district. Construction at the 765 Main St. building started at the end of the year. The transformation of the old elementary into the new Administration Building will be completed in Fall 2023. Other projects underway include the renovation of the current central office (just north of PHS). It will become a space for wrestling and other sporting activities. The Buza Dome is also being remade into a more interactive health and fitness classroom/weight training space. We can’t wait to show you around! 

The annual Veterans Day Celebration, put on by Platteview Central and Platteview High School on Nov. 11, left us all in awe and deeply proud of our community. We hope you can join us again this year. It’s by far one of the best in the state!  

The first few months of 2023 were eventful, as always. We welcomed one new Board of Education member, Lee Smith, and celebrated the re-election of Brian Osborn and Kyle Fisher. The administrative team and the BOE discussed the need to continue with the strategic planning mission of SPCS. This led to two productive meetings of approximately 30 teachers, directors, parents, administrators, and board members where we discussed SPCS strengths, opportunities, and threats in the next 3-5+ years. 

The Board of Education approved three new strategic planning goals in May: 

1. By 2025, SPCS will address growth as it relates to facilities, staffing, systems, and processes.

2. By 2027, SPCS will implement and revise the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) model with fidelity throughout the district to support the academic, career, and behavioral instruction and intervention to prepare and empower students.

3. By 2026, SPCS will implement a comprehensive safety plan to maximize the security of our stakeholders.

Action Teams will be working over the next several weeks to outline action steps to achieve these goals. 

On May 21, we held our annual Employee Recognition Banquet. We honored the Board of Education, SP Education Foundation Board, staff’s years of service, and 2023 SPCS retirees. 

We also had the opportunity to recognize and deliver the following Outstanding awards:

• Teacher of the Year - Mrs. Amy Thayer, Platteview High School media specialist

• Classified Staff Member of the Year - Mrs. Melissa Neil, Platteview Central Jr. High School paraprofessional 

• Community Contributor(s) of the Year - Steve and Jill Snodgrass, SPCS dedicated volunteers and community members  

It has been a privilege to be your superintendent this year and for more years to come. As we celebrate the incredible potential that lies ahead for the Class of 2023, please help me acknowledge all of the accomplishments we, as a community, have achieved this school year, making Springfield Platteview an even better place!

If you have any questions for your central office staff (a.k.a. administrative building staff) this summer, feel free to stop by the new Springfield Elementary School building, 940 Main St. Central office employees will be working at Springfield Elementary School until the new Administration Building is ready in August.

Congratulations, Tigers, Wildcats, and Trojan Nation. Have a wonderful summer!  

Ryan Saunders, Ed. S. 

Superintendent 

Springfield Platteview Community Schools

STAY IN TOUCH ...

OUR MISSION

The mission of Springfield Platteview Community Schools is to ensure that all students acquire the college and career-ready skills and behaviors necessary for each student to succeed now and into his/her future.