Union Public Schools

Board Approves Change to School Calendar, Ensures Employee Pay for this School Year

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Board of Education formally moved the last day of instruction to May 15, instead of May 22 as previously approved.

Students will continue to participate in weekly distance learning assignments, which would conclude May 15.

In an effort to ensure that closing schools will not result in a financial burden to any district employee, the Board’s resolution also provides that all employees would be paid throughout the duration of their original 2019-2020 employment contracts. Teachers would close out the last day of the school year on May 18.

In a separate matter, the Board also authorized the reopening of Early Retirement Incentives for personnel until April 24 – in an effort to save funds because of projected state budget shortfalls due to the pandemic.

Board Approves Emergency Powers for Superintendent

In the midst of the COVID-10 pandemic, the Board granted emergency powers to Superintendent Dr. Kirt Hartzler in order to stay current with rapid changes and make necessary adjustments.

These powers include:

Authority to waive Board policies deemed necessary to comply with guidance from appropriate health or governmental authorities that is consistent with applicable state and federal laws.
Authority to take lawful actions necessary to ensure continuation of public education, top provide for health safety of students and employees or to respond to health and government authorities. Examples may include making adjustments to the curriculum, school calendar, school meals and access to school properties.
Authority to enter into contracts without prior Board approval for needs related to the COVID-19 situation, such as cleaning, technology and ordering supplies.

The emergency powers would remain in effect for the duration of Governor’s Order 2020-07 of March 15, 2020, and any subsequent extension of that order, unless rescinded or extended by the Board.

Board Approves Action to Pay for Extended Day Program Refunds

Board members approved a request for a blanket purchase order for $165,000 to cover all parent refunds for the Extended Day Program.

Due to the closure of school, EDP refunds need to be made to parents for part of March, part of the EDP Spring Break Camp and the rest of the year, said Lorrie Field, EDP coordinator.

Refunds will be processed as limited operations resume at the Service Center later this month. See https://www.unionps.org/EDP for updates.

Board Approves Purchase of Early Childhood Center building, Release of Ground Lease

Board members approved an agreement with Tulsa Children's Coalition, Inc., for the purchase of the Rosa Parks Early Childhood Education Center for $5.5 million. Included in the contract is the release of a ground lease as well.

Union already owns the land. The purchase is for all buildings and improvements, including all personal property and fixtures used in connection with the operation of Rosa Parks Early Childhood Education Center. The building is listed as 41,125 square feet and the subject site is approximately 4.58 acres, which includes the playground and parking areas. Two appraisals and one appraisal evaluation were conducted on the subject property prior to a final purchase offer. The property will continue to be used as an early childhood center. CAP Tulsa continues to run Union’s early childhood program and leases the building from the district.

Board Awards Crossland Construction Company Bids for Work on Stadium

The Board awarded bids for construction work at the High School expansion and renovation project (the new stadium) for $10.2 million to Crossland Construction Company.

This amendment will provide for construction of a majority of the building trades associated with the overall construction of the west side stadium construction, which is part of the overall High School campus improvement project. Trades packages include precast stadium seating pans and risers, mechanical systems, electrical systems, gypsum board assemblies, roofing and waterproofing, flooring and finishes.

In addition, Board members approved an amended bid for $237,000 from Crossland Construction for the purchase and installation of all door hardware and closure devices at the stadium

In other action, the Board:

Approved the purchase of 336 laptops from Trinity 3 for $367,584. These laptops will be used for the 6^th/7^th Grade Center, Alternative School, Special Education and Andersen, Jarman, Jefferson and McAuliffe elementary schools.
Approved bid for the purchase of a new HVAC system and electrical upgrades for Jarman Elementary from Sligar Mechanical in the amount of $237,000.