MUSD to receive extra $18 million for new high school

Arizona State Legislature allocated an additional $18.8 million to Maricopa Unified School District toward construction of its second high school. The additional funding is a result of a new legislative grant adjustment, according to MUSD.

MUSD superintendent Dr. Tracey Lopeman said the additional funding will have a tremendous impact on the students and the community.

“With the passage of the state’s budget, our legislature recognized the reality of funding new construction,” Lopeman said. “Stakeholder groups have clearly defined a vision for the second high school and now that vision can come to life … The community will be proud of this facility and the path the graduates will take toward the future of their dreams.”

Section 70 of House Bill 2898, which passed in the recently completed legislative session, increased the funding formula for new school construction. In 2018, MUSD was allocated $22.4 million for the construction of the school; the current formula almost doubles the School Facilities Board construction grant to $41.3 million.

MUSD had a strong advocate for the additional funds at the state capitol in state Rep. Bret Roberts (R-District 11), who serves on the Education Committee.

“Knowing additional funds are needed for the new high school, I regularly advocated for these funds with both the Education and Appropriations chairmen,” said Roberts, a Maricopa resident. “Needless to say, I was extremely pleased when we were able to get the additional $18 million for MUSD.”

The additional funding allows the project to expedite phases of the Master Plan, which includes a fully upgraded classroom building with complete technology, infrastructure, maker spaces and advanced teaching stations.

Governing Board member AnnaMarie Knorr appreciated the efforts to keep MUSD students on equal footing with others around the state.

“I am grateful that the legislature recognized the need to fully fund existing school projects at the level that has been set for today’s market conditions,” Knorr said. “Representative Roberts was a champion in ensuring students of MUSD will have a new high school comparable to other new schools across the state. These new facilities will provide a learning environment that will help our students achieve their greatest potential and enhance career and technical skills that are vital in today’s economy.”