Voters to decide on new high school in Madera

MADERA, Calif. (KFSN) -- A third high school may be in the works for Madera. But to build the school, voters must pass a big bond on the November ballot.

Madera is growing. Madera Unified School District officials say the community is growing so much, they're running out of room for students at its two high schools -- Madera High and Madera South High.

"We have 100 more students in the two high schools -- the two comprehensive high schools -- than we had last year at this time," said Superintendent Edward Gonzalez. "So it takes five years to build a high school. So doing the math, we're concerned."

Gonzalez is worried about running out of space for students. The city's newest high school -- Madera South -- is already near its 3,000 student capacity.

Recently, school officials held a community meeting at Nishimoto Elementary School where more than 130 people gave suggestions about what features and programs should be at the new high school. Tentative plans have already been drawn up.

To get the high school built, voters must pass a $70 million bond on the ballot this November.

"And we think between the voters bond and what we've saved up, we'll be able to fund it completely," said Gonzalez.

The total cost of the project will be about $100 million. The new high school would complete an educational complex where there's already an elementary school and middle school.

People who live here say the high school and the bond are good for the north side of Madera.

"It's a great idea mostly because for some high schoolers the south and the other one are so far away and it's hard for them to get transportation over there," said Rodolfo Reyes.

Officials hope the new high school will also be a stimulus for new development on the northeastern part of Madera.

Voters will decide on the $70 million bond, or Measure G, on Nov. 4.