[Source: Emily Gersema, Arizona Republic] — Gilbert Public Schools’ new high school will be eco-friendly and comes with a $45.5 million price tag. The board voted, 4-0, Tuesday to contract with CORE Construction of Arizona for GPS High School No. 5 near Val Vista Drive and Germann Road on the district’s southern edge where it will share property with Quartz Hill Elementary. The deal includes $1 million for synthetic turf that will save on water usage and labor because it won’t require irrigation or extensive care. The package includes more than $110,000 for an energy-usage panel and a solar panel to reduce energy costs.
The high school is expected to accommodate 1,600 students and will include a new bioscience program to channel students into careers in science and technology and health care. The money for the project comes from bonds that voters approved last November to support construction and renovations.