DRAPERS – The Canyons School District will open a new high school in 2026. The district just announced plans to purchase the eBay building as well as 16 acres on the southwest end of Draper.
County officials said the move would accommodate the massive growth expected as the old prison site is developed and would be accomplished at a much lower cost than building something new or renovating an existing facility.
The purchase price of $50 million will be financed in part by the sale of the district’s unused existing facilities and in part by leasehold bonds.
“This new center will prepare our students for in-demand jobs in the Silicon Valley and other growing industries in our state and across the country,” said Rick Robins, superintendent of the Canyons School District.
The board said the eBay purchase was a good fit because the facility is relatively new (built in 2013), comes fully furnished and is available at a much lower price than building a new facility or even renovating an existing facility in the district.
“As a global commerce leader that continues to innovate for our community of buyers and sellers, we are excited to have the Draper site become a learning center designed to develop the technology leaders of the future,” eBay said in a press release.
The school does not yet have a name other than “Innovation Center.” Plans call it a focus on career and technical training programs in areas such as robotics, engineering and medicine.
The board believes it could also house a vocational training program for adults with disabilities, a health and wellness clinic for employees, and even a daycare center for CSD employees.
Holly Neibaur was the only board member to vote against the plans by a four-to-one margin, citing the bond issue as the reason. Neibaur said she wanted to give the people she represents more say and more public comment.
“I believe that as a board member, it is my duty, obligation and responsibility to inform the public, then listen to them and then represent them,” Neibaur said.
The public will have its first opportunity to voice its opinion at the school board meeting in two weeks on Tuesday.
