In the upcoming election, Marion County voters will have a unique, economic development opportunity before them.  We will be voting for a new school bond that will build a new East Fairmont Middle School and replace the current, aging junior high and relieve overcrowding at three East Fairmont grade schools.

I say this is a unique opportunity because Marion County voters, if passed, will only pay for approximately ½ of the total cost of the new school.  The state School Building Authority (SBA) has approved and allotted $14.4 million toward the project, if the bond passes.  That means Marion County will receive a new, $30 million school for $15 million.  Add to that, the construction jobs and other needed services during the building phase, and Marion County will be in a much better position economically speaking.

What it boils down to as a taxpayer is pennies a day.  For approximately $3.68 per month or .12 a day per household, Marion County middle school students, in the East Side attendance area, will be in a new school with new technology, new furnishings, and a new regulation size football/soccer field. In addition, the current East Fairmont Junior High gymnasium will be renovated to accommodate school and community needs.

It is apparent that we have many educational needs throughout the entire county, and we have to start addressing them as separate projects instead of trying to solve them all at once.  By working with the community and the state SBA, we can begin a new era of looking in each school attendance area and addressing individual needs.  Having the state SBA’s financial support on this endeavor is a huge win for all of Marion County.

I encourage you to talk to neighbors, friends, and families and tell them to become informed on this issue.  We want our residents to understand the importance of passing this bond and what it would mean to the future of Marion County. 

More information can be found at www.marioncountypride.com