The Marion Independent School District is about to get “greener.”

The district's board of trustees June 17 took the first step in making the district more environmentally conscience by approving the purchase of four propane school buses.

Superintendent James Hartman said the district will purchase the buses from Rush Enterprises over a five-year period.

With the new bus purchases, Hartman said the district is replacing some of its outdated and older buses, saving the district money in the long run. The district plans to order three 72-passenger buses and a 47-passenger unit.

“We think the time is right for propane buses,” Hartman said. “There are significant financial advantages for trading in gas and diesel buses, and there are rebates coming for the purchase of propane buses that are coming from the (federal) government. The cost of propane is significant cheaper than diesel; the cost of propane is less than half the cost of diesel.”

Propane costs $0.96 per gallon, compared to diesel which is running at $1.83.

Besides saving the district money in fuel costs, Hartman said the propane buses will be good for the environment.

“It (propane) is a cleaner burning fuel,” the superintendent said. “It has zero admission.”

The board has decided it will appoint someone to fill its vacant board seat. District residents who are interested in the seat can go to the district Web site, www.marion.txed.net, or the central office at 214 W. Huebinger St. and fill out an application.

The deadline to apply is 4 p.m. Tuesday.

Trustees are expected to receive the applications by July 10 and are to start interviewing applicants July 14. The board could possibly appoint someone at its July 15 meeting.