2025 Projects - The Year Ahead

Reconfiguring the Union 6th/7th Grade Center remains the centerpiece project of this bond package. Tackling this project while the building is occupied has proven to be a significant challenge. 

“One of the issues in doing a project this size is that we don’t get all the money at one time,” said Associate Superintendent Charlie Bushyhead. “We have to phase these projects in the right order, so we have the available funds and are able to minimize the interruptions to our educational environment.”  

The allocated amount for the project is $51.6 million, approximately one-third of the total bond package. All options have been explored, including building a completely new facility or temporarily relocating students. Given that construction costs have skyrocketed, the ideal option would be to make the changes over multiple summers and while students are in school. 

“Phasing of this project has proven to be unbelievably complicated, as we want to be good financial stewards,” Bushyhead said. “We are considering moving kids into prefabs on campus while construction is underway, but they are going to cost the district approximately $8 million. The high cost has caused us to explore other strategies.”

Superintendent Dr. John Federline said, “We like the redesign, and think it’s going to be a very positive change for the culture and climate of the 6th & 7th Grade Center. The biggest challenge is doing such a large-scale project while school is in session.”