Springville schools outline new middle school, renovations and new principal; coach named

Representatives of the St. Clair County school system and Springville High School updated the City Council on a string of school projects and personnel changes.

Kathy Fine, introduced as representing the St. Clair County Board of Education, said construction of a new middle school (grades 6–8) should be complete in June with a ribbon cutting planned for July. She outlined reconfiguration plans that will convert the current middle school to an intermediate school (grades 3–5) and the elementary school to pre-K through second grade, and noted planned renovations to the auditorium, new playground fencing and new concession and support facilities for softball fields.

Madeline Cave, introduced at the meeting as the new principal at Springville High School, described seeking student input and said, pending board approval the following night, the board would hire Jeff Lumpkin as head football coach. "He’s not a stepping stone job for me," Lumpkin said after being introduced; he described living in Springville and committing to the community and program.

Why it matters: The changes reflect capital investments funded in part by a 15-mill tax noted by school representatives and set the stage for facility changes affecting students and extracurricular programs. School leaders also highlighted student achievement improvements and ongoing scholarship work.

What’s next: School representatives said the council and public will be invited to the middle-school ribbon cutting, and the school board was expected to finalize the coaching hire at its next meeting.