The Marshall Public Schools Board of Education have accepted the high bids for two of the elementary buildings set to close at the end of the school year.

At Tuesday night’s meeting, the board accepted a bid of $80,000 for Northwest Elementary and $76,000 for Benton Elementary. Supt. Caleb Petet says the district maintained a policy of pursuing the highest bid.

Both buildings will keep their playgrounds and kitchen equipment. The deeds for both will include a provision giving the district the right of first refusal if the buyers attempt to sell either building within three years. Petet says the official contracts for both, as well as the purchase of a trailer at Eastwood Elementary that sold for $107, will come before the board at their next meeting. He adds that surveys are underway on asbestos abatement needed before the district can proceed with demolition of Eastwood Elementary.

Also at Tuesday night’s meeting, the board approved an agreement with the University of Missouri allowing high school teacher Bryan Gaskill to become a coach in Mizzou’s Writing Project while still teaching at Marshall. Petet calls the agreement an opportunity for Gaskill and Marshall to share their talents and success stories.

With both incumbents Harry Carrell and Brad Shepard filing with no opposition for three-year terms, the school board completed their reorganization Tuesday, with no changes to their positions. Bryon Jacques remains president, while Brad Smith is vice president and Shepard treasurer. Mona Mikels returns as secretary, with Denise Reno as deputy secretary. Amy Green will represent Marshall as the board’s delegate to the Missouri School Boards Association, with Angie Staley as the alternate.