North Springfield Schools Highlight Bike Equity Program at July Luncheon

News Release

North Springfield Betterment Association

c/o NSBAcares@gmail.com

Springfield, MO

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 21, 2025

Contact:

Jessica Hunt, Chair, R.O.A.D. Committee

huntjessica813@gmail.com

417-241-8886

A look back at what the NSBA's R.O.A.D. Committee has done, and what students and teachers think.

North Springfield Schools Highlight Bike Equity Program at July Luncheon

Cox North hosts panel on how donated bikes are boosting student attendance

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – July 10, 2025 – At its July luncheon hosted at Cox North Hospital, the North Springfield Betterment Association (NSBA) and its R.O.A.D. (Removing Obstacles, Achieving Dreams) Committee celebrated a major milestone: more than 80 new bicycles delivered to local students to improve school attendance.

The luncheon featured a panel of educators from Springfield Public Schools (SPS), including Dr. Terry Mitchell and Dr. Christopher Davis of Westport, and Dr. Robert Kroll and Richard Dameron of Hillcrest High School. The panel shared firsthand accounts of how transportation barriers affect student success—and how a simple bike can make all the difference.

The R.O.A.D. Committee began in 2020 as a redesign of NSBA’s longstanding attendance incentive program. Its mission: to provide reliable transportation for students who struggle getting to school due to family hardship or lack of access to transit. Since launching in the 2021–22 school year, the program has distributed bikes funded through community donations and major gifts, including a 2025 donation from Bass Pro Shops of 50 bicycles, valued at over $20,000.

“This program is about more than bikes—it’s about giving kids a fair shot,” said Jessica Hunt, current R.O.A.D. chair. “We’ve seen improved attendance and stronger school connections because students feel seen, supported, and set up to succeed.”

Two bike “build parties” held in fall and spring brought together volunteers to assemble the bikes at Edge Supply’s warehouse on East Trafficway, owned by NSBA board member Roy Edge. Mission U provided additional storage. Delivery days—on Oct. 3, Oct. 24, March 6 and April 14—coincided with school milestones and were celebrated by staff and students alike.

A short video shown at the luncheon featured Hillcrest student Cooper and teacher Rich Dameron, highlighting the personal impact of the program.

R.O.A.D. operates thanks to committed volunteers and support from the North Springfield Betterment Foundation (NSBF), chaired by King Coltrin, with grant writing led by Mary Overbee. Other key committee members have included Andy Simmons, Rich Fay, Debbie Christopher, Colby Wallace, Tim Friel, Brook Ash, Dr. Maryam Mohammadkhani, and John Cooper, the NSBF treasurer.

About North Springfield Betterment AssociationThe North Springfield Betterment Association (NSBA) is a civic organization that partners with residents, schools, and businesses to improve the quality of life in north Springfield. From neighborhood initiatives to school-based programs, NSBA supports equitable access to education, transportation, and community services.

For more information, contact communications staff Nikki at NSBAcares@gmail.com.