Given the dramatic new profile and transformation of Union Tuttle Stadium, it’s hard to believe that the best is yet to come. Already underway is the district’s new Fine Arts/Band Building that will cap the stadium’s north end and provide the backdrop for a new high-definition video display. Work will be completed by the second week of August, in time for the 2022 football season.
The one-story, 25,000 square foot building will be the new home of Union’s Renegade Regiment Marching Band. Featuring 20-foot ceilings for good acoustics and a large practice room that will hold the entire band, there’s also a medium practice room, instrument lockers, uniform storage, a ticket booth, office space and restrooms.
On the stadium-facing side of the building will be a striking 31’ x 55’ 10mm video display manufactured by Watchfire Signs of Danville, Illinois. The new video scoreboard is 35 percent larger than the previous one and provides greater flexibility in how it displays content. The virtual scoreboard can be programmed to show scores, player photos and statistics, animated graphics to fire up the crowd, and live video.
Advertising zones will allow the school to generate ad revenue.
“We were especially interested in purchasing a video board from a company with substantial operations in the United States so parts and support would be readily available,” said Lee Snodgrass, recently retired director of special projects.
A Phase II buildout will include the addition of a construction classroom and wood shop to accommodate growing programs. Ultimately, there will be three teachers for Construction I – III courses, available to students in grades 9-12. A multi-use presentation room will host industry leaders and provide space for training and professional development. Phase II begins in May 2022 and should be completed this summer in time for the start of school.
Located in the former wrestling room at the High School, the practice facility will have three hitting bays, a golf simulator room and a 1,900 square foot putting green. All teams will use the indoor facility, especially during inclement weather. Expected completion: Fall 2022.
Due to supply chain issues, roofing projects at the High School and Andersen were delayed. Portions of the High School roof and the second half of Andersen roof are expected to be completed this summer.
Greenhouse At Ellen Ochoa Elementary
The planned greenhouse project has been relocated to Ellen Ochoa Elementary from Sanders Field south of the Union 6th/7th Grade Center. “Ochoa Elementary has an active gardening interest, plus we have land and a storage facility, so it made sense to relocate this project,” Associate Superintendent Charlie Bushyhead said.
Playground Equipment
New playground equipment at Peters Elementary should be installed by the end of 2022.
Volleyball
The old gymnastics room at the High School will be reconfigured for volleyball. New coach’s and player’s locker rooms, offices, a meeting room, updated restrooms, and storage will accompany two volleyball courts.
HVAC Projects
Jarman Elementary: A new air conditioning system should be completed this summer, as well as lighting, an acoustical ceiling, and data and fire alarm systems.
Peters Elementary: Renovations are planned for 2023-24.
High School: “A study has been completed, and the scope of work is much greater than we originally thought,” said Fred Isaacs, director of Construction. “We will dehumidify the back of the High School, and there are six air handlers in the old section that need to be replaced, which will require the use of helicopters. Not kidding!”
Union Performing Arts Center
“Back of house” renovations, including modernizing the men’s and women’s dressing rooms, sinks, and showers, will begin in 2022 and continue with the next bond.
Building Automation System
Union will implement a new system to control energy more efficiently in buildings over the next couple of years. It will include automatic temperature setbacks at unoccupied times and controlled settings when occupied. The work will begin in 2022.
Information presented in this section includes campaign messaging for Union's 5-year bond issue for 2018-2022, which was approved by voters in February 2018.
