Noblesville schools consider building second high school

NOBLESVILLE, Ind. (WISH) - Out of space. That's the dilemma Noblesville Community school leaders are trying to battle.

So how will the district accommodate increasing enrollment? Instead of one high school, how about two?

By 2016, the main high school in Noblesville will reach capacity. And that's with no additional students. The community has to decide what it wants.

At a community forum Thursday, parents learned the cost of adding another school would cost $120 million to build. That cost includes the purchase of land, building and athletic facilities. That's an additional $1.2 million dollars a year to operate.

By contrast, maintaining one high school with a capacity of 3,200 students would require additional classroom and parking space. That cost is about $12 million to $15 million.

Currently, 9,471 students make up Noblesville Community Schools. By 2017, enrollment is projected at 10,802 students.

Right now, these are just ideas, but certainly possibilities. If the district gets positive feedback, a referendum could be on the ballot by 2013. The district will have a complete list of the presentation on it's website Friday morning. A survey will also be available there starting April 20.