High School Updates

The only brand new high school in the 2003 construction bond, Northern High is right on schedule to open in January 2008. The pre-case panels and space frame skylight system are erected, and the building is closed in. With window installation virtually complete, the next step is to install the interior plumbing, HVAC, electrical wiring and sprinklers. With a classroom capacity of 1,210, the school has core support areas sized for 1,600 students. 

Site work at the campus is in progress, and when complete, will feature student, staff and visitor parking, bus loading and parking, parent drop-off, storm water management and landscaping. Construction on the athletic facilities is also in progress. The finished campus will feature a stadium for track and football that seats 2,500 on the home side and 1,500 on the visiting side. The stadium also has restroom, concessions and press box facilities. Beyond the stadium, the athletic facilities include a soccer/lacrosse field, a baseball field, softball field, one practice field and six tennis courts. Lighting for night contests will be provided for the football, soccer/lacrosse, baseball and softball fields.

Construction costs have sky-rocketed nationwide, but GCS has been as judicious as possible with bond dollars. According to the Department of Public Instruction, the state has seen a 42 percent increase in construction costs, but GCS has experienced a rise just over 10 percent in the same amount of time.