September 2026

I hope you share my sense of excitement as we start a new school year. Next week, our hallways will fill with the joyful buzz of students as classrooms come to life. There is truly nothing like it.

Over the past several weeks, I’ve had the opportunity to visit our schools, meet with staff, families and community members, and learn more about what makes Springfield special. Continuing these conversations are an important part of my Year One Action Plan, which is focused on listening, learning and working together.

As we begin the school year, I want to emphasize one of the easiest and most important things we can do together to support student success: ensure our students are at school every day. Every day at school matters. Each day gives students another opportunity to learn, build relationships with teachers and classmates, participate in activities and strengthen their connection to their school community. Simply put, students benefit when they are here.

We also know there are times when students need to stay home, particularly when they are sick, and that families sometimes face circumstances that make regular attendance difficult. When challenges arise, please stay connected with your child’s school. Our staff are here to work alongside you and help students attend consistently.

I’m grateful to our gifted staff for everything they do to prepare for our students, and I am grateful to our families for the trust you place in Springfield Public Schools each day.

Welcome to the 2026-27 school year as we work to get better together.

Shawn Stover
Interim Superintendent

• Kindergarteners: Kindergarteners begin school on a "staggered start."
• Last names A-L start school Wednesday, September 9 (no school for kinders A-L September 9.)
• Last names M-Z start school Thursday, September 10 (no school for kinders M-Z September 10.)
• There is no school for all kindergarteners Friday, September 11 while class placements are decided.
• All kindergarteners attend school in their new classrooms Monday, September 14, and begin following the regular elementary calendar!

• Grades 1-5, 6 and 9: The first day of school is Wednesday, September 9.*

• Grades 7-8, and 10-12: The first day of school is Thursday, September 10.*

The full academic calendar is linked below.

Early Release:

• Friday, September 25 *

On early release days, elementary students are released at 12:30 p.m.
Secondary students are released at 1:15 p.m.
Lunch is served as normal.

*Does not apply to A3 Academy of Arts & Academics, which has its own calendar.

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Beginning in the 2026-27 school year, elementary and middle school students will no longer bring home their school-issued Chromebooks and iPads each day. The District will continue to maintain a one-to-one device ratio at all schools, and students will continue to use their District-issued devices during the school day. This policy is designed to support student learning while promoting healthy technology habits and responsible device use. Check your school's newsletters for any information they have to share about this change and how you can support healthy school technology use.

• Read more about the change to our school device procedures in the SPS Newsroom.

Students' personal electronic devices continue to be expected to be off and away from bell to bell, including during passing periods and lunch. Visit our Electronic Devices Ban webpage for more details and frequently asked questions.

Springfield Public Schools is completing structural improvements at 10 school sites as part of work required to maintain the District’s property insurance coverage. While SPS is working to minimize disruptions to students and staff, the scope of the projects means construction will continue into the school year at several schools and will require changes to some school-day and after-school activities. If your school is affected, you can expect to hear from your principal with updates as work continues. Get the latest update and FAQs in the SPS Newsroom:

In the 2025-26 school year, SPS' daily attendance rate reached 88.1%, the highest in the last five years. The District's attendance rate has seen steady improvement post-pandemic thanks to a focus on reducing barriers to attendance and strengthening the student experience across schools.

Attendance is a community-wide effort - families, schools and community partners all play an important role. When barriers such as transportation, health concerns or other challenges affect attendance, SPS encourages families to reach out to their school so staff can help find solutions and provide support.

We understand that illnesses are a good reason to stay home. Keeping kids at home when they are sick gets them well faster and helps keep other students and staff healthy. Find the latest guidance on when to keep students home for illness and when they are ready to return in the Health Services section of our website.

Families can find more resources and ideas for supporting strong attendance on our website.

The Board of Education unanimously appointed Matthew Brandt to the vacant Position 4 seat during its July 27 Special Meeting. The Board on July 13 declared the Position 4 vacancy following the resignation of Director Nicole de Graff.

In his application, Brandt identified fiscal sustainability, student-centered outcomes, community trust and effective governance among his priorities. Brandt will serve in Position 4 through June 30, 2027. Read more in the SPS Newsroom:

Families and community members can stay informed about the decisions and discussions shaping Springfield Public Schools. Visit our School Board Agendas and Materials page to see what’s on upcoming agendas, review meeting materials and minutes and watch meetings on demand.

Springfield Public Schools and the Oregon School Employees Association (OSEA), representing classified school employees, have reached an agreement on a successor collective bargaining agreement starting in the 2026-27 school year. The contract was ratified by OSEA members in mid-July, and approved by the Board of Directors at its August 10 Business Meeting.

Throughout negotiations, both bargaining teams worked respectfully and collaboratively to identify solutions that support classified employees while maintaining the District's commitment to serving students and families. Read more about the agreement in the SPS Newsroom:

Springfield Public Schools (SPS), in partnership with Lane County, operates a clinic that is open to all SPS students. The Springfield Schools Health Center (SSHC) is warm and welcoming office offers appointments for all required immunizations, mental health, Well Child Checks, sport physicals and more, in an easy to access location.

• Call 541-682-3550 for an appointment. Drop-in hours are available.
• Located on the SHS campus at 1050 10th Street.
• SSHC bills insurance and Medicare, Medicaid and OHP. Call for fee information for those without insurance.

The Springfield Education Foundation (SEF) is a nonprofit dedicated to empowering student success by funding innovative classroom projects and vital programs in Springfield Public Schools. From STEM labs and arts initiatives to literacy efforts, wellness supports, and career & technical education, SEF provides opportunities that inspire learning and achievement for every student attending Springfield Public Schools. SEF's largest annual fundraiser, the Night of 11,000 Stars Gala & Auction on October 24, 2026, raises critical dollars that directly support educators and students across the district. Visit fundraiser.bid/nightofstars26 to learn more and purchase tickets.

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SPS has made it easier to report instances of harassment, intimidation, bullying, cyberbullying and teen dating violence online.

At the top of every school web page, you’ll find a link titled “Safety Concern.” This directs users to two options to report being unsafe at school.

And as always, you can share a concerning incident with a trusted adult by messaging them or talking face to face.

The SPS equity statement reflects the District's mission of serving every student, every day.

The statement stands as an affirmation of the District’s commitment to equity, inclusion and belonging and will guide our continued efforts to support the vision of SPS as a place where students want to learn and staff want to work.

Springfield Public Schools board meetings are available for anyone to watch live or on-demand on the district's Vimeo channel. View the calendar of upcoming board meetings. A Spanish interpreter is also available during in-person board meetings.

In accordance with public meeting law and Oregon HB 2560, the school board will be providing remote access through live streamed meetings to our community.