New K-8 School Plans Advance Amid Uncertain State and Federal Approval: A Bold Move

The Maricopa Unified School District (MUSD) is making swift progress on plans for two new K-8 schools, responding to rising materials costs. During a recent meeting, school board members expressed hesitations about moving too quickly, while district officials emphasized that accelerating the process could result in significant savings.

Currently unnamed, the schools are referred to as K-8 Nos. 1 and 2 in official discussions.

K-8 No. 1 officially broke ground in Sorrento on May 15 and is anticipated to open in July 2026. This facility will be the district’s first to adopt the K-8 model, merging both elementary and middle school grades under one roof.

Vice President Patty Coutré highlighted community excitement about the school’s upcoming name. A naming committee will be formed, involving various stakeholders including local community members.

The new Sorrento campus, estimated at $39 million and covering about 90,000 square feet, will have the capacity for 1,000 students, funded through state grants, local bonds, and taxes.

Meanwhile, MUSD Chief Financial Officer Jacob Harmon updated the board about ongoing construction projects tied to the district’s bond program. Given projected enrollment increases, he proposed hastening planning for K-8 No. 2.

K-8 No. 2 and an expansion of Desert Sunrise High School are awaiting potential state grant approvals, which are expected by December. These projects could reach completion in July 2028, but Harmon suggested an expedited timeline for K-8 No. 2.

“Accelerating K-8 No. 2 would help us manage projected growth without additional strain on existing facilities or reliance on portable classrooms,” he stated.

Harmon noted the urgency, citing that rising construction costs make moving forward sooner advantageous. “Construction escalation is about 5% annually,” he reported.

A recent Rider Levett Bucknall report indicated that Phoenix has experienced the second-lowest increase in construction costs among major U.S. cities, with a year-over-year change of 4.1%, attributed to tariffs, inflation, and labor shortages.

If MUSD delays its schedule, Harmon warned estimated costs could soar by approximately $2.3 million.

Concerns were raised by board members regarding the risks involved. Questions circulated about the potential impact of a delayed state funding approval. Board President Robert Downey characterized the situation as a financial gamble.

Harmon acknowledged the financial risk but aimed to minimize it. “If we’re not approved in December, it’s likely we’d receive approval the following year… This risk is short-term,” he clarified.

Coutré expressed worries about whether early planning could be perceived negatively by the state.

Harmon reassured her, indicating a state representative deemed early planning as acceptable.

Board members also inquired about land acquisition issues. Harmon confirmed that the district has sought approval for a donated parcel, with the next governing board meeting scheduled for August.

Concerns regarding necessary road improvements near the new Sorrento school were also addressed, particularly regarding access to K-8 No. 1.

Downey questioned why roadwork had yet to commence. Harmon clarified that federal approval is required because of a nearby canal complication, confirming that design aspects have been approved.

Despite some board hesitations, Superintendent Dr. Tracey Lopeman endorsed early planning, citing past successes. She recalled that quick action on Desert Sunrise High School positioned the district favorably when state funding became available.

Ultimately, the board will convene at a future meeting to deliberate on hiring a contractor, architect, and project manager for K-8 No. 2.