With full board, MUSD ready to look at 2nd high school options

Sworn in Monday as the newest member of the Maricopa Unified School District Governing Board, Jim Jordan will jump right into business Wednesday as the board looks at options for building a second high school.

With both Jordan and Judge Lyle Riggs wearing face masks and the rest of the room socially distancing, Jordan took the oath of office and then received a goodie bag from Board President AnnaMarie Knorr. Jordan replaces Joshua Judd, who resigned earlier this year.

“We have an amazing board in Maricopa Unified School District, and adding new members is a wonderful way to further our mission to provide outstanding education opportunities for the children and families we serve,” Knorr said. “We are fortunate to have such a diverse group of members with the expertise and desire to help us achieve those goals. We look forward to working with you and the fresh perspective you will bring to our work at MUSD.”

That work includes considering how to build the second high school on a site in East Maricopa. The board has $26 million at hand from the School Facilities Board to help with the first phase of the school. At Wednesday’s regular meeting, architect firm Orcutt/Winslow and contractor Chasse Building will present design possibilities of phased development of the lot on the southwest corner of Murphy and Farrell roads.

The first phase is expected to have a capacity of 1,330 students in 125,000 square feet. If eventually built into a full, comprehensive high school, it might accommodate up to 2,400. The evening includes an executive session for legal advice on the purchase of the agricultural property called Cortana from an investment LLC, Maricopa 240. The property, thick with pecan trees, is south of Anderson Farms land to be developed into housing and just down the street from the Volkswagen test track.

Also at Wednesday’s meeting, Curriculum Director Wade Watson will present a steering committee’s recommendations on career academies and small learning communities as the district creates a long-term vision for the second high school.

The agenda includes personnel changes, including the resignations of JROTC instructor Dishon Gregory and Butterfield Elementary academic coach Becky Rauch. Among new hires are replacements for the principal, athletic trainer and choir/guitar teacher at Maricopa High School.

The meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. in the board room at the district office. It can also be watched remotely on the district’s YouTube channel.

Jim Jordan swearing in

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