Springfield students returned to school on Monday

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – The state’s second-largest public district goes back to school on Monday.

Springfield Public School students returning to buildings across the city, including a brand-new Elementary school.

Construction on the $95 million facility wrapped up over the summer, opening to students for the first time on Monday. It’s a beautiful building, built to house around 800 elementary students and another 120 Pre-K students. Each of the former schools will operate independently behind these doors.

The Homer School has been renamed, becoming the Benjamin Swan Elementary School, while DeBerry will keep its name honoring Reverend William DeBerry. Work began in September of 2021.

Students on Monday are able to start a new chapter in a new state-of-the-art school and parents are really excited that the city is investing in education and in its students.

“I went to the open house the other day and it was very nice in there so hopefully they like it and hopefully they get a good experience out of it,” said Tyrese Jackson of Springfield.

“It’s going to be a good year. I have high hopes. It’s a new school, and they have an awesome music room, so I’m excited for her to learn all these exciting things and for the community to come together and build this awesome school. I’m excited for all the kids who are up and coming to enjoy,” said Latisha Wilson of Springfield

Across the Springfield Public Schools District, nearly 28,000 students will head back to school on Monday, and that means buses will be out and stops will be full. So, take a little extra care on the roads on Monday as we all get used to the school hustle.