Superintendent
The superintendent of schools is the chief executive officer of the Board of Education and has charge of the administration of the schools under the direction of the Board of Education. The job of the superintendent requires special knowledge, information, concepts, abilities and skills. The superintendent’s responsibilities apply in all areas of operation so the whole school system functions with balance and precision.
The superintendent keeps the Board of Education updated on instruction, budget, staff, student population, school plant and other district problems so members of the Board of Education may remain informed about school operation and problems.
The superintendent also attends Board of Education meetings, prepares the agenda for all Board meetings, recommends consideration of new policies or changes to existing policies, evaluates school programs, recommends the hiring of personnel, reemployment, non-reemployment, termination, supervises the preparation and administration of the financial plan, recommends improvements and expansion of school facilities as needed, and informs the patrons and taxpayers of the district regarding school programs.
Deputy, associate and assistant superintendents serve the superintendent and works with all the departments, fulfilling many of the same duties as required by the superintendent.
Superintendent Dr. John Federline
Dr. John Federline assumed the office of Superintendent July 1, 2024. He previously served as deputy superintendent and assistant superintendent.
Dr. Federline earned his doctorate of education in 2023 for “Exploring the Meaning of Grades Through the Lens of Systems Theory: A Case Study.”
A lifelong student at Union, Federline graduated from Union High School and obtained a bachelor’s degree in secondary education from Oklahoma State University. He earned his master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from Oklahoma State University.
Federline’s career in education began at Bixby High School where he spent 12 years as a teacher and a coach. He came to Union as an assistant principal at the Intermediate High School in 2005 and moved to the High School in 2007. In 2011, he was named the principal of the 9th Grade Center (now called the Union High School Freshman Academy), a position he held through spring 2018 when he was named executive director of Secondary Education.
He was named assistant superintendent in November 2021, guiding the district in the development of Union’s new 5-year strategic plan for 2023-2028, which was adopted by the Board of Education on Monday, July 10. He was named deputy superintendent in the summer of 2023.
Associate Superintendent Charlie Bushyhead
Charlie Bushyhead was named Associate Superintendent in June 2018. He has been a strong advocate for providing all Union students the very best education regardless of their background and/or circumstance. His focus remains on the district mission of 100% Graduation, College and/or Career Ready. He understands the mission cannot be accomplished without the support of the entire Union family including our employees, parents, students, patrons, and community partners. He believes in the Union Way and the continued drive for excellence in all areas.
Prior to his current assignment, he served Union in the following roles: classroom teacher/coach, assistant principal, site principal, Executive Director for Secondary Education, and most recently Assistant Superintendent for Support Services.
Charlie graduated from Union High School and returned to teach and coach after receiving his bachelor’s degree in education from Oklahoma State University. He holds a master’s degree in school administration from Northeastern State University.
Charlie enjoys spending time with his family, playing golf, and teaching. He is a member of Leadership Tulsa Class 41, Bible Fellowship teacher, adjunct instructor, Clifton StrengthsFinder Certified Coach, and volunteer for John 3:16 Mission.
Charlie and his wife, Stacy, have two children and two grandsons. His wife, youngest son, and daughter-in-law are all educators and his oldest son is in construction management.
Associate Superintendent Sandi Calvin
Sandi Calvin was named Assistant Superintendent in January 2019 for Union Public Schools. She was named Associate Superintendent in 2024.
She served previously as Senior Executive Director of Teaching and Learning in 2018. She had also as executive director for Elementary Instruction. Previously, she served as principal for Moore Elementary School. She has been an educator for Union Public Schools for more than 25 years.
She earned her bachelor of science in elementary education degree from Northeastern State University, and later from the same school, her master’s of science in education degree.
Calvin is a member of Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, Oklahoma Association of Elementary School Principals, and National Association for the Education of Young Children. She serves on the board of directors for the Arthritis Foundation and is a member of Leadership Tulsa. Her hobbies and interests include cooking, reading, exercise and family time.