Springfield Public Schools - District 186

This summer, Matheny-Withrow Elementary is home to both Camp Compass and Camp Kindergarten, providing students with meaningful opportunities to learn, grow, and prepare for a successful school year ahead.

Camp Kindergarten helps incoming kindergarten students who did not receive Pre-K services build foundational skills before their first day of school. Through engaging activities, students are learning classroom routines, developing social skills, practicing early academic concepts, and building confidence as they get ready to begin their kindergarten journey this fall.

Camp Compass (Compass for Kids) is a free summer enrichment program that keeps students engaged in learning while fostering friendships, creativity, and personal growth. Led by District 186 certified teachers and staff, Camp Compass offers hands-on learning experiences, enrichment activities, and opportunities for students to stay connected to their school community throughout the summer months.

From new friendships and exciting discoveries to smiles, laughter, and learning, our students are making the most of their summer. We are proud of the dedicated staff who make these programs possible and help ensure every student is ready to start the new school year strong!

Looking for a meaningful career where you can make a difference in the lives of students? Join us at the District 186 Career Fair on July 7 and learn more about the many opportunities available across our district.

📅 Tuesday, July 7, 2026
📍 District 186 Administrative Office, 3063 Fiat Avenue

Session 1: 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Session 2: 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.

District 186 is currently hiring for a variety of positions, including teachers, paraprofessionals, clerical staff, and other support roles. Openings are available at our elementary, middle, and high schools.

Whether you're an experienced educator, looking to begin a career in education, or interested in supporting students and schools in another capacity, we invite you to explore the opportunities available.

You don't have to wait until the career fair to apply. Visit https://www.sps186.org/o/sps/page/human-resources to view current openings and begin your application today!

This week, the Board of Education proudly recognized and celebrated the outstanding achievements of our middle and high school track and field student-athletes who competed and medaled at the state level during the 2025-2026 season.

It was an exciting and inspiring moment to honor the dedication, perseverance, and hard work displayed by these remarkable students throughout the year. Surrounded by their coaches, families, teammates, and supporters, our student-athletes were recognized for representing District 186 with excellence, determination, and pride on some of the biggest stages in Illinois athletics.

District 186 continues to be home to exceptional talent across our track and field programs, with numerous state qualifiers, medalists, champions, and record-setting performances!

WE ARE 186!!

Last night marked the end of an incredible chapter for Springfield Public Schools District 186 as Superintendent Jennifer Gill attended her final Board of Education meeting before retirement.

In a heartfelt and bittersweet celebration, the Board of Education honored Superintendent Gill's 12 years of leadership and service to our students, staff, families, and community. Board members shared kind words, special memories, and presented gifts to recognize the lasting impact she has made across District 186.

During her remarks, Superintendent Gill expressed her gratitude to the educators, administrators, cabinet members, and staff who work every day to make District 186 a special place for students. She also thanked her family, friends, and the Springfield community for their unwavering support throughout her leadership journey.

The evening also marked a symbolic passing of the torch as Dr. Terrance Jordan prepares to officially assume the role of Superintendent on July 1.

While we celebrate this exciting next chapter, we also reflect on a legacy of dedication, growth, and service. Thank you, Superintendent Gill, for your commitment to District 186 and the countless lives you have impacted along the way.

We wish you all the best in retirement, you have certainly earned it! 💙

See you at the ball park! ⚾️🎉

🍎 Educators, this one’s for YOU! 📚

Educators Night presented by MJKellner is coming to Robin Roberts Stadium ⚾️

FREE admission for all educators, join us Thursday, June 18 at 6:30 PM as we celebrate the difference you make every day!

🎉 WE ARE 186!!

We’re at Comer Cox Park RIGHT NOW for the Juneteenth Celebration, come find our Family & Community Engagement Team under the District 186 tent until 3pm today!

Stop by, say hi, and celebrate with us! 💛🖤❤️💚

🎉 Mark Your Calendars! 🎉

Join us as we kick off the 2026-2027 school year at our Community Back-to-School Celebration!

📅 Thursday, July 30, 2026
⏰ 4:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
📍 Scheels Sports Park at Legacy Pointe-
3751 Imagineer Drive, Springfield, IL

Students, families, educators, and community members are invited for an evening filled with fun, resources, connections, and excitement as we get ready for a great school year ahead.

We can't wait to welcome everyone back and celebrate together!

💙

🔨🪚 Building Skills. Creating Opportunities. Shaping Futures.

This week, 15 students rolled up their sleeves and explored the world of skilled trades during the Building and Trades Camp hosted at Lanphier High School.

With guidance from Mr. Handy of Lanphier High School and Mr. Isaacs of Lincoln Land Community College, students gained hands-on experience using tools, learning construction techniques, and creating projects they could proudly take home, including a cedar chest, a rectangular planter, and a wall planter.

The camp, made possible through a partnership between Lincoln Land Community College and District 186, provided students with an exciting opportunity to discover career pathways in the building and construction trades while developing valuable real-world skills.

Programs like this help students see the many possibilities that exist beyond the classroom. The skilled trades continue to play a critical role in building strong communities, offering rewarding careers, and addressing workforce needs across our region.

✨ Join Team 186! ✨

Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of students? We are hiring dedicated educators and support professionals to help inspire, empower, and shape the future of our students.

Current Openings:
• Pre-K Teachers
• Elementary Teachers (Grades 2, 4, & 5)
• Elementary Music Teacher
• Middle School ELA Teacher
• Middle School/High School Math Teachers
• High School ASL Teacher
• High School Health Teacher
• School Psychologist
• Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP)
• Special Education Teachers

Join District 186 and enjoy competitive benefits, a supportive and collaborative work environment, opportunities for professional growth and leadership, diverse schools where every student matters, and the chance to make a lasting impact on students every day.

Visit our website to learn more and apply today: https://springfield186.schoolspring.com/

❤️ We Are 186!

📚🎉 That's a wrap on an incredible school year!

Today marked the last day of school for our balanced calendar schools, Southern View Elementary and Graham Elementary! It also marks the end of an era, as all District 186 schools will follow the same calendar beginning in the 2026-2027 school year.

Students arrived all smiles and full of excitement as they celebrated the final day of a year filled with learning, growth, friendships, and success. At Southern View, Principal Serita Lott had the music playing, creating a fun and festive atmosphere while staff greeted students with high-fives, fist bumps, and plenty of encouragement.

We are so proud of everything our students accomplished this year and grateful to our dedicated staff and families who helped make it such a success.

Have a safe, fun, and relaxing summer! We can't wait to welcome everyone back this fall.

❤️ We Are 186. ❤️