Mr. Ely Parker, High School Principal

As a proud member of the Sparta School District, I am genuinely excited about the proposed bond and what it represents for our students and our entire community.

This bond is an investment in the future of Sparta. By improving our athletic facilities and enhancing our school buildings for greater community use, we are creating spaces that serve everyone. Upgraded athletic areas will provide safe, high-quality environments where our students can compete, build character, and represent Sparta with pride. Just as importantly, improvements to our buildings will allow them to better host community events, meetings, performances, and gatherings, making our schools a true hub for Sparta.

Strong schools strengthen strong communities. These upgrades will not only benefit current students but also create welcoming, functional spaces that families, local organizations, and residents can use and enjoy. From youth programs to community celebrations, improved facilities will help bring people together and increase opportunities for engagement across the district.

I believe this bond reflects our shared commitment to supporting students while also investing in the broader Sparta community. I am excited about what this means for our district and confident that it will have a lasting, positive impact for years to come.

Mrs. Nicole Humble, Elementary School Principal

As a proud graduate of the Sparta R-III School District, this community is more than just where I work—it is my home. Having grown up here, I have seen firsthand how much we can achieve when we come together, and this upcoming bond issue represents a vital step toward our shared goal of excellence.

The proposed improvements, for Sparta Elementary, are specifically designed to enhance the daily lives of our youngest learners by transforming our playground into a safe, inclusive space that fosters gross motor development and social interaction. Furthermore, a redesigned front entrance will ensure our students and community members are protected from the elements during the busiest times of the school day.

At our core, we are committed to providing a secure environment that prepares our students to be successful, productive citizens. This bond will help us continue this legacy, ensuring that Sparta remains a premier place to live, learn, and grow for generations to come.  

Mr. Landon Sparkman, Archery Coach

The archery program has grown by leaps and bounds over the past few years and now serves close to 100 students in grades 5 through 12. Many students who do not participate in other sports are drawn to archery because it offers both a team and an individual experience. It requires concentration and honest self-assessment.

One of the best ways to ensure our students have the opportunity to succeed is by providing a practice space that is safe and accommodating. Currently, practices are divided among three separate spaces, with one coach responsible for each area. This arrangement is not ideal for student safety. Keeping all students engaged and properly supervised at all times must be our top priority.

Creating a dedicated, functional practice space would address these concerns and allow our students to get the most out of their training. With adequate space, students would spend less time waiting for their turn and more time actively practicing. Additionally, we currently spend an average of 30 minutes per practice traveling between facilities and setting up and tearing down equipment. This lost time could be significantly reduced with support from the bond.

If we want to maximize the potential of our archery program, we must provide sufficient space for our archers to make the most of their limited practice time.