2024 Projects
Projects Completed in Year 2 of 5
Union Public Schools made great progress toward completing projects in the second year of its 5-year implementation plan. Many of the bond projects will be completed in phases over the next five years, as the district does not receive the full $152 million up front.
Work proceeds as funds become available.
Union has been fortunate, as growth in the district’s bonding capacity has enabled us to gain earlier access to funds which has proven helpful when the scope of a project changes.
Early access to these funds enables the district to stay on schedule.
Union Innovation Lab Adds
Aerospace, Electrical, ACR Programs
As Union continues to expand its aerospace program, a flight simulator classroom was renovated over the summer at the Unio Innovation Lab, as well as two classrooms to accommodate the electrical construction and air conditioning/refrigeration (ACR) programs being offered by Oklaoma State University Institute of Technology. Students in both construction programs will have the opportunity to earn up to 15 college credit hours concurrently as well as industry-recognized credentials.
Grove Upgrades Playground
Last spring, the district completed playground improvements at Grove Elementary.
New equipment and toys were installed, improving safety and accessibility. A new box has been added and the pea gravel replaced with manufactured wood fiber that is non-allergenic and improves drainage; this change allows the playground to be used sooner after a large rainstorm. Ramps are added where children enter the play area, making them handicapped-accessible.
UMAC Features New Video Board, Sound System, Sports Lighting
A new high-resolution LED video board was installed in the UMAC over the summer, replacing one that was 22 years old. Advancements in video technology – combined with the difficulty in getting replacement parts – rendered the old board obsolete.
“The display quality had diminished and the old board couldn’t handle the upgraded software, so we had to make a change,” Associate Superintendent Charlie Bushyhead said. “There are also two static boards near the baselines that work in concert with the central board, creating an experience that is much more dynamic.” The new LED displays have a resolution of 3.9mm compared with the previous board’s 20mm, which is considered “old technology.”
Additionally, new sports lighting has been added, replacing the energy inefficient metal halide lights with low-energy lighting. The sound system has also been replaced, as it had quit working.
“We rent out the UMAC and Union Performing Arts Center, so having them up to date improves our ability to compete for large-space rentals, which is an income generator for the district,” Bushyhead said. “We generally make half a million in rentals annually.”
High School Remodels Nurse’s Office
When the nurse’s office at the high school was originally built in the 1980s, it served about 1,600 students. Since then, the high school population has more than doubled to 3,400 students. Over the summer, the nurse’s office was expanded by reclaiming space from an atrium and the finance office. Updated fixtures, finishes, new beds, a screening room and storage space were added, as well as a waiting area for students. Nurse Sheila Amprey said, “We love the enlarged office. The larger space allows us to assess and treat students in a more comfortable environment.
HVAC Replacement at Peters, Grove
A new HVAC system was installed at Peters Elementary over the summer, replacing the original system that was about 45 years old. The new system uses variable air ventilation, regulating how much outside air enters the building. “This enables us to significantly improve air quality, humidity and a consistent temperature, creating a better learning environment for students and teachers,” Bushyhead. Similar work was performed at Grove.
UPAC To Add Aisle Lighting
New lighting will be added to the side of the theater seats that illuminate the aisle at the Union Performing Arts Center. This provides a safer environment in a darkened theater, adding to the ambience without distracting from the performance.
Building Automation Systems Upgraded
In 2024, all district elementary schools, the 8th Grade Center and the Freshman Academy had their building automation systems upgraded, allowing for off-site control of mechanical systems. These systems provide alerts and help diagnose issues before they become a more serious problem.
New Roof at Education Service Center
In March, the district replaced the 30,000 square-foot roof of Union’s Education Service Center, which was original to the building when purchased in 2006. Prior to installing the new roof, there were a minimum of 30 leak locations. The roof was replaced with five inches of polystyrene foam insulation and a two-ply, mod-bit Derbigum APP roof at a cost of about $770,000.
High School North Commons Renovations
A leaking skylight was removed, and a ceiling and new lighting were installed, along with fresh paint.
Other Completed Projects
- Batting cage nets and energy efficient lighting were installed at the baseball/softball facility. Repairs were made to the building’s exterior with the addition of siding.
- The Darnaby Elementary freezer and cooler were removed and replaced.
- A gas line was replaced at Darnaby Elementary.
- Windows at the Union 8th Grade Center were waterproofed, glazed and resealed.
- Rosa Parks Early Childhood Education Center roofing improvements.
An instructor helps a Union freshman with the controls at a flight simulator as part of Union's aerospace program.
Projects in Progress / 2025 Estimated Completion Dates
- Central plant serving the Union 6th and 7th Grade Centers – As part of the overhaul of the mechanical/HVAC system, a new centralized mechanical plant is being fabricated offsite. Once completed, it will be installed in the new mechanical yard in Union’s Central Park.
(Fall 2025) - Alternative School paving projects and new marquee – Replacement of the parking lot at Buildings A, B and C and part of the Operations complex, and installation of new marquee. (Early 2025)
- High School Stadium stormwater and sewer improvement – Replacement of the collapsed sewer lines under the stadium’s west side. (May 2025)
- High School generator replacement – Powers the building in the event of an outage. (Summer 2025)
- Districtwide fire suppression improvements – Replace old systems and bring up to code with additional strobes, audible warnings and new panels. (Summer 2025)
- Jefferson fire alarm system replacement (Spring 2025)
- Freshman Academy variable air volume (VAV) improvement (Winter 2024)