Board Report - April 14

Board Reports

Board Of Education Approves Numerous Capital Improvement Projects

The Union Board of Education approved a number of capital improvements projects including awarding Nabholz Construction Corporation the construction contact for the Union 6^th and 7^th Grade Centers for about $1.4 million.

Under the work approved for the project, Nabholz will create 12 new restrooms on the western side of the Union 6^th/7^th Grade Center and provide temporary office space for the voter-approved bond project.

Dr. Josh Robinson, director of Operations, explained, “This (work) is necessary to move ahead with renovation plans in the middle section of the classroom building. The existing restrooms in the building become mechanical equipment rooms in the new HVAC plan.  These restrooms are expected to be complete before we start demolition of the existing restrooms in the center of the classroom building.”

Union officials told the Board that subsequent amendments regarding overall construction work at the site will be forthcoming as the project moves forward.

Other major capital improvements around the district as approved by the Board include:

• Approving the installation of new Building Automation System controls for the Union 6^th/7^th Grade Centers from Harrison Energy Partners. This project will provide for upgrading one half of the existing system that controls the roof top units; the other half will be updated during the classroom renovation. Robinson said the upgrade is needed because the existing system is a Siemens system which is 25 years old and is costly to provide enhancements to or upgrade.  The equipment, licensing, and software will be furnished and supported by Harrison Energy Partners.
• Awarding $201,700 to Magnum Construction, Inc., for renovations of the backstage areas of the Union Performing Arts center. “This project will provide for new flooring in several backstage areas of the PAC,” Robinson noted. “The dressing rooms and restrooms will receive new flooring, millwork, and some replacement lighting. The improvements are needed as this is a high-use area.”
• Accepting a bid from Magnum Construction for $457,971 for playground improvements at Cedar Ridge Elementary, including a new playground box, surface material, and new playground toys. The new playground will greatly enhance the safety, drainage, and enjoyment of the students.
• Accepting a bid of $949,725 to replace the flooring at Peters Elementary School. Robinson said this project will provide new flooring throughout Peters and some cabinet laminates, as well as new solid surface countertops in all classrooms and common areas of the school. Included in the bid proposal is a unit price item allowance for mitigation of high moisture levels in the existing flooring concrete. Moisture mitigation may need to be done in specific areas of the school to enable the flooring products to adhere properly to the floor.
• Accepting a bid of $113,500 from T&S Taylor Enterprises, Inc. for new flooring in the locker room at the Union Freshman Academy.

Crystal Soltow Named Associate Director of Special Services

The Board of Education named Dr. Crystal Soltow the new associate director of Special Services for Union Public Schools, effective June 1.

Soltow will replace Cathy Damen, who has announced her retirement.

Soltow, who is currently serving as an assistant principal at the Union 7^th Grade Center, has been with Union since 2012. She has served as assistant principal at the school since 2018.  During her time at Union, she has completed the Union Leadership Cadre, been a Site Teacher of the Year, and been a presenter during professional development sessions.

Prior to coming to Union, Soltow taught math and science at Tulsa Public Schools and science and social studies at Monte Cassino Schools.  Soltow has a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of Tulsa and a master’s degree in school administration from Northeastern State University. She received her doctorate in December 2024.

During its annual reorganization of the Union Board of Education, Joey Reyes was named president. Dr. Chris McNeil was named bice president; Heather McAdams was named Board Clerk and Stacey Roemerman was named Board Deputy Clerk. Steve Nguyen is serving as a member of the Board. All Board members will remain on the same subcommittees.

In other action, the Board:

• Revised Board policy to include wording regarding the display of the United States flag at each school building and asking students to recite the Pledge of Allegiance at least once a week as part of Board Policy 5026.
•  Approved purchasing $115,847 in custodial supplies from Brady Industries.
• Approved the purchase of a two-year license from eDynamic Learning for curriculum content aimed at grades 6-12.
• Approved the purchase of a two-year license from FlexPoint Education Cloud for $204,490 for virtual learning content.

 

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