GUSD board hires Fremont-based business to build new high
school
Gilroy – Their experience building two-story schools convinced the board to give Bunton Clifford and Associates, Inc the go-ahead to build the district’s new high school.
At Thursday’s meeting the Gilroy Unified School District board unanimously approved the hiring of the Fremont-based company. Trustee Dave McRae was absent.
In October, the district handed out more than 40 packets containing information about Christopher High to interested businesses. Bunton Clifford and Associates was one of 11 architecture firms that submitted a bid.
To reduce the number to four the district set up a scoring process and rated the firms based on a variety of factors such as firm experience and fee breakdown. Representatives from the top four firms were interviewed by district officials.
During the interview the architects were asked a series of 14 questions and gave a 10-minute speech. GUSD Assistant Superintendent Steve Brinkman said Bunton Clifford and Associates clearly emerged as the winner.
Before the board voted, Trustee Jim Rogers said he was impressed with the firm’s expertise on split-level schools.
“One of the key areas that we were looking for was the experience with two story buildings,” said Rogers. “Obviously as a district we have started going in that direction.”
The lack of space and the hefty price of local land have made two-story schools quite the trend in Gilroy. Brand new Eliot Elementary School is two stories and Christopher High School is likely to follow their lead.
Christopher High will sit on about 40 acres of land in northwest Gilroy. District officials are invoking eminent domain proceedings to purchase the land but are still awaiting approval from the city.
Construction for the first phase of the high school, which will house 900 students, will be funded by Measure I.
The land and construction is expected to cost $47 million. The high school will eventually cap out at 1,800 students and will have athletic fields and a practice football field. Football games will be played at Gilroy High School.
It should be ready for use by the 2009-2010 school year.
