Bond 2022 Update

Believing In You

Message from the Superintendent

Dear Union Patrons:  

REACHING – ENGAGING – INSPIRING.  That is what we aspire to do every day when teaching and relating to students in our quest for “100% Graduation, College and Career Ready.” While this proved to be a good theme for this year’s Teacher Kick-Off, it’s equally descriptive of the physical spaces, technology and learning environments that are necessary if we are to effectively connect with our students.  

I think you will agree: Our physical structures are second to none, and for that we make no apology. Our kids are worth it.  Look no further than Union Collegiate Academy, the Performing Arts Center, the UMAC and, of course, our gorgeous new Union Tuttle Stadium.  

All these public investments are more than dollars spent just on bricks and mortar, computers, and technology licenses. In choosing to support Union’s bond initiatives, we recognize your vote is an investment in our children’s future. 

We greatly appreciate our students, staff, and patrons in these challenging times. I appreciate their strength, fortitude, and grace as we’ve kept our focus on educating students while keeping them and our staff safe. Together, we have much to celebrate this last year: 

• In March, we honored the first class of Union graduates of the EDGE (Earn a Degree, Graduate Early) pilot program, as they received an associate degree along with their high school diploma. 
• The completion of Phase I of our new stadium, nicknamed “The Big House” by Coach Kirk Fridrich. 
• Eleven Union High School seniors were named National Merit Semifinalists and 14 were awarded with Academic Honors from the College Board National Recognition Programs. 
• The completion of a new eSports arena in the former orchestra room at Union High School Freshman Academy to accommodate a team of 150 students. 
• The selection of a new mascot for our district, the UNION REDHAWKS, by more than 80 percent of our students in grades 6-12. 
• The Renegade Regiment Marching Band performed in the 95th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in November, after being delayed the previous year due to the pandemic. 

I hope you enjoy this progress report covering Year 4 of our five-year bond. We are nearing completion of this $128.6 million multi-year bond that passed by a wide margin in 2018.  Thankfully, we have bold leadership at the board level and a supportive community that is deeply invested in our work. 

Please enjoy this progress report of the work done this year and the many great things to come. If there is one thing of which I am certain, it is that Union students and staff will continue to reach for the stars. 

Sincerely,
Kirt Hartzler, Ed.D., Superintendent

5-Year Series Bond (2018 – 2022)
$128.6-Million Proposition at a Glance*

Generously approved by Union’s patrons, 2018's historic five-year bond proposal has provided $128.6 million for the following projects through 2022.  

Ellen Ochoa Elementary Construction Phase III and Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment (FF&E)	$6,600,000
Design Lab at Metro Building Renovation and FF&E	$3,250,000
Performing Arts Center – Restroom Renovation; Lighting, Sound, and Acoustical Improvements	$1,450,000
District Fine Arts, Athletics, Classroom, and Stadium Renovation and Construction including FF&E	$42,475,000
Teaching and Learning Instructional Resources (not including technology for classrooms)	$4,750,000
District Exterior and Interior Renovations (includes playgrounds, marquees, and flooring)	$5,125,000
District Roof Replacements	$7,500,000
District HVAC System Replacements	$7,300,000
District Maintenance and Operations Equipment and Other Capital Improvements	$8,400,000
Technology Hardware, Software, and Subscriptions	$20,575,000
Site and Department Allocations	$6,850,000
Early Childhood Education Center Purchase Payments	$2,500,000
Transportation – Buses	$4,600,000
Fees, Professional Services, and Contingency	$7,200,000
5-YEAR TOTAL	$128,575,000

*Note:  The numbers presented in the table above are estimates.