MARION, WI- The Marion School District is moving forward with major upgrades after voters approved two referendum questions totaling $14,980,000 earlier this year. District leaders celebrated the start of construction with a groundbreaking ceremony Thursday, marking the beginning of a transformative project for students and the community.
Superintendent Troy Edwards said the work will touch nearly every part of the district. Improvements include secure entrances at both the elementary and high school buildings, air conditioning and HVAC upgrades, and significant roof repairs. A new commons area, kitchen, music practice rooms, and receiving area are also part of the plan.
“Ultimately, this will allow us to bring our seventh and eighth grade students to the elementary building and move closer to our long-term goal of having a 4K–12 single-building campus,” Edwards said.
Construction is scheduled to run through the school year, with students starting classes on August 25 and much of the work completed by May 15. After that, the district will shift operations from the current cafeteria to the new commons, allowing the existing lunchroom, a former gym, to be converted into classroom space.
The upgrades are designed not only to provide more room but also to expand student opportunities. Edwards noted plans for new programming, including a fabrication lab to enhance welding, agriculture, and woodworking classes at the high school.
The groundbreaking featured remarks from School Board President John Schwartz, Marion Mayor Chris Golk, and Matt McGregor of Hoffman Planning, Design & Construction. Students, staff, administrators, and board members all took part in the ceremonial dirt-turning.
Following the ceremony, the district hosted a Back-to-School Open House and Community Tailgate. Families dropped off supplies, met teachers, and enjoyed a free meal provided by the district with help from the Marion Lions Club Grill. Burgers, brats, hot dogs, cookies, and chips were served as a way to celebrate the milestone.
“This is an exciting time for the Marion School District,” Edwards said. “These projects will create better spaces, more opportunities, and a stronger future for our kids.”
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