Staff members with the state School Building Authority will soon begin filtering out to more than 30 counties that have submitted school construction projects for funding. The proposals had to be postmarked by Monday.

SBA Executive Director Mark Manchin anticipates approximately 34 projects with a total price tag of more than $250 million. Manchin says the SBA will probably have around $72 million to allocate next April.

Between now and then, those staffers will go to the counties and review every aspect of each project. Manchin says they are measured by nine sets of criteria including health and safety issues.

The Raleigh County Board of Education is seeking $7.5 million for a new Marsh Fork Elementary School. The current building is located less than 300 feet from a coal silo.

Manchin says different counties have different needs. He says there's really no common theme among the 31 projects submitted by Monday. "There are a number of counties that intend to go to the voters, HVAC projects, additions and a number of new schools are being requested," Manchin said.

The SBA usually chooses projects in counties where the boards of education or county voters put forth money. Manchin expects the same this year. "We continue to encourage counties to partner with us," he said. "Our money leveraged with local money can do so much more to address the needs."

Manchin says Monday's dedication of the new 70-student Hacker Valley Elementary School in Webster County is just another example of how Governor Joe Manchin and the SBA support small community schools. "We're continue to look at those and in some instances fund them where it is possible," he said.