Board Report - January 20

Board Reports

Union Students See Significant Gains in Elementary Math

“When it comes to student learning, we have many things to celebrate,” said Todd Nelson, senior executive director of Research, Design and Assessment, in a presentation to Union’s Board of Education. One of those reasons is a significant change in math proficiency among Union’s elementary students.

“We received our scores in June,” said Nelson, “and 3^rd through 8^th grade math went through changes in the scoring standards, which led to uncertainty in how to interpret them. Cut scores changed from 2024 to 2025, so the best comparison is with 2023 test scores. When we make that comparison, most of our district average scores went up compared with 2023, so we have a lot to celebrate.” 

When compared with 17 of the largest districts across the state, Union experienced the highest percentage point increase in math scores. Third grade math scores increased 5 percentage points; 4^th grade by 6 points; and 5^th grade by 5 points. 

“We have been committed over the last few years to a systematic approach in improving elementary scores,” said Nelson. He attributed the improved scores to teachers setting clear learning targets, along with clear and supported instructional pathways. “Ultimately, this was accomplished through the outstanding work our teachers did in classrooms with their students and their responding to the learning process.”

Board Approves Capital Improvement Projects

The Board of Education approved a few capital improvement projects around the district, including an HVAC replacement for the High School and work at the 8^th Grade Center and the UMAC.

Board members approved construction management services with Flintco, LLC., to replace the High School’s HVAC for $5.68 million, using bond funds as approved by voters. The project will consist of replacing the HVAC system, ceiling grid and tiles, and lights in the east central portion of the High School, explained Dr. Josh Robinson, director of Operations. In addition, he said nine air handlers will be replaced with the new modern systems. The system will provide better air quality, temperature and humidity control, and better efficiency.

In addition, the Board approved the purchase and installation of BAS Controls at the High School for a cost of $449,474. Robinson said this project includes thermostats, controllers, process control programs, and complete up-to-date automation for the new HVAC system.

Concerning the Union 8^th Grade Center, the Board approved replacing the fire alarm system, awarding the contract to Lighthouse Electric & Integrated Systems for $325,436. The current system does not meet current fire codes and the Broken Arrow fire marshal had asked for an upgrade.

The Board also approved a contract with Miller-Tippens Construction to replace the old elevator at the UMAC for $1.02 million. Robinson stated this elevator project will provide for a new traction/ cable type elevator for the UMAC. “The existing elevator fails frequently, creates safety concerns by failing, and is beyond its service life,” Robinson stated. The elevator cab and controls will also be updated.

In other action, the Board:

• Approved a contract with LightStream to provide Wide Area Network services for 22 locations within the district at a cost of $315,480.
•  the purchase of 300 teacher laptops and accessories from Trafera for $317,700.
• Approved the purchase of 1,200 student laptops and accessories from Trafera for $799,188, providing new laptops for all students at the sophomore level.

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