Several contractors interested in building new Marion elementary school

MARION - Marion Independent officials this week reported at least nine general contractors have shown interest in the district's plan to build a new elementary school in time for the 2017-18 school year.

The Marion school board has scheduled a special meeting May 9 to review expected bids for the new school, which will revive the Longfellow name from a former school at the same site in northeast Marion.

If a bid is accepted, construction could begin almost immediately.

Also this week, the Marion school board completed approval of 30 capital projects for the current budget year. The package has an estimated cost of $617,500.

Largest project on the list is the replacement of the roof on the original building at Francis Marion Intermediate School. Boilers are also scheduled for replacement at Francis Marion and at Starry Elementary School.

Also included are several projects at the Marion football field and the replacement of three district vehicles.