Construction on Pahrump's second high school could begin within the next three to four years, which is when the bond money will be available for it, Superintendent Rob Roberts said.

The new high school is expected to alleviate present and future student population issues.

Pahrump Valley High School has already exceeded capacity with its population of 1,300 students, which is expected to increase to 1,600 students within the next three years.

So it's a good thing the district expects to have $58 million available for the new high school at about the same time, especially since the new school is expected to cost anywhere from $48 to $60 million.

It will have the capacity to house 1,200 students and needs at least 40 acres.

This means both high schools will maintain their 3-A athletic classification.

Aside from those basic stats, however, there are still a number of basic decisions that need to be made, not the least of which includes determining where to put the school in the first place.

"The board will need to weigh the pros and cons to determine needs for future use," Roberts said. "All of the final decisions will be up to the board."

The district has two viable options where it can locate a new school.

The first is on 80 acres on Gamebird Road near Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church.

The second is on 60 acres of land next to Hafen Elementary School, located on South Hafen Ranch Road. The Hafen location has water and sewage available on it, whereas the Gamebird property does not.

The construction committee and the board do have some ideas as to what they would like to see at the new school.

When it comes to the actual building of the school, Roberts said issues such as using geothermal and photovoltaic technology would be considered.

Security issues will also be considered, which is one of the reasons the superintendent said he would like the high school to be built with a courtyard design.

The new high school could also offer trade classes and the facilities to effectively teach them. Those would include culinary arts, computer drafting, welding, auto repair and graphic design.

An area that includes two gymnasiums, a weight room, a classroom able to accommodate dance classes and the performing arts, a media center and a comprehensive library that can be used by the community are also on the list of possibilities.

A cafeteria able to feed the entire student population as well as an auditorium that can seat up to 1,000 people (thus a possible venue for community events as well) have also been suggested.

Regardless of what the new school ultimately includes, the advantages of a second high are numerous, mostly due to the smaller student body.

"It allows students more opportunities to participate in not only athletics but other extracurricular activities as well," Roberts said. "And a new facility allows us to incorporate the latest in technology."