SALISBURY — Things are moving forward with the new western elementary school, slowly but surely. The Rowan-Salisbury Board of Education is set to receive an update on the project at its Monday work session.

According to Assistant Superintendent Anthony Vann, the district is on its way to beginning the bidding process for the building’s construction. Approximately 225 companies have submitted paperwork and been pre-qualified to submit bids.

“We’re very optimistic. We’ve had a lot of interest in the project,” Vann said.

Vendors must prove that they are financially sound and have worked on other projects of a similar size in order to submit bids. Packages available include the school’s electrical and plumbing systems.

Bids will be opened on the afternoon of May 16. Vann said that the district and Barnhill Construction will conduct a scope review between May 17 and May 24, and hope to have a guaranteed maximum price by June 1.

Vann said that he and the naming committee hope to submit a name recommendation to the board in June, as well.

“It’s exciting that we’re at this point,” he said.

The board will meet Monday at 1 p.m. in the Wallace Educational Forum board room, 500 N. Main St.

In other business, the board will:

• Discuss summer meeting dates.
• Hear an update from the capital needs committee.
• Discuss professional development for the Board of Education.
• Hear about a proposed Verizon communication tower that could be placed on school system property.

— Rebecca Rider