Construction bids were approved for Phase 1 of the Utica School District's Capital Project. The School Board accepted 7 bids, many of which are from local contractors. Project Manager Tony Armlin says the bidding process was very competitive. And Board President Barbara Klein says this is the first time in her 10 years on the board the bidding process moved so smoothly. Phase 1 of the capital project includes work on Albany, Conkling, Jefferson, Herkimer, Columbus and Hughes elementary schools and JFK and Donovan middle schools. Work on the schools is expected to begin in April.