New MUSD Construction
A construction crew works Friday morning at the site of the Maricopa Unified School District’s future second high school. Photo by Ian Roberds

Phase I of construction of Maricopa Unified School District’s second high school is advancing.

Despite recent heavy rains, construction crews have cleared and graded the site, secured the site perimeter, established the site field office and established building pads for the two-story classroom building and cafeteria/gym.

“Fortunately, the primary grading had already been completed on the part of the site that is being developed,” said Mark Rafferty, a partner in Facility Management Group. “So, not long after it started raining all the water had drained to the proper locations.”

August milestones will include adding rebar and pouring foundations for the classroom building, excavating the foundation for the cafeteria/gymnasium and installing rebar for the cafeteria/gym.

“We are on schedule and within budget,” said MUSD Superintendent Dr. Tracey Lopeman. “Every mound of earth moved, foundation prepared, and perimeter secured is a celebration.  Watching the process unfold is exciting, and I know we are in good hands.”

Arizona State Legislature recently approved a change in its formula for funding new school projects, resulting in an $18 million windfall for the district. The MUSD Governing Board will decide how to expedite its high school master plan with the additional funding, which almost doubles the total available for the project to more than $42 million.

The yet-to-be-named high school is scheduled to open for the 2022-23 school year.