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PHOENIX - While many other districts around Arizona are closing schools, Higley Unified School District is building its first two middle schools.

Officials hope to have the middle schools open next August.

Higley is projecting a student-population boom as homebuilding activity has been in high gear in the southern half of Gilbert.

The Arizona Republic says Higley officials estimate the district has space at its current eight K-8 schools for only 400 students.

Officials expect to add more than 600 students annually for the next several years.

Nearby, Mesa Public Schools closed two junior highs last year and will soon set up a committee to see if elementary schools need to be consolidated.

Paradise Valley Unified School District is looking at closing four elementary schools.