Board Report - June 9

Board Reports

Board Approves Bids For Union 6^th/7^th Grade Center Renovation

The Board of Education awarded Nabholz Construction a contract for about $2.1 million for renovations at the Union 6^th/7^th Grade Center.

The work approved for Phase 4 of the project includes the purchase and installation of a modular classroom building that will be used to house teachers and students once the building interior work commences. Phase 4 also includes all associated site prep work including earth work, flat work, utilities, and temporary walkways. Subsequent amendments may be presented for approval, which follow a construction remodel sequence that allows for maximum utilization of space while the company remodels sections of the classroom area.

In a separate matter, the Board approved a job order contract, for up to $500,000, from BT Builders, LLC.

Dr. Josh Robinson, director of Operations, (pictured) explained, “This contract will allow the district to complete multiple minor renovation and small capital improvement projects throughout the district under one contract. There is a large demand for smaller projects across the district involving a variety of trades that do not warrant a sealed bid process for each specific project. In addition, the large volume of projects makes it too time consuming to package each job for individual quotes. The job order contract allows us to utilize the low bidder, BT Builders, to perform the work needed.”

In addition, the Board approved the purchase of two new special needs buses for $336,392 from Holt Truck Centers, using bond funds as approved by voters.

Board Approves EDP Rate Increases

The Board of Education approved rate increases for the Extended Day Program for the 2025-2026 School Year.

“EDP rates have not been increased since the 2017-2018 school year.  With growing labor and food costs, we are proposing a $50 increase in monthly EDP fees,” said Theresa Kiger, executive director of Elementary Education (pictured).

The Board also approved a 20 percent rate increase for The Nest, an employee childcare program housed at the Rosa Parks Early Childhood Education Center.

“Following a comprehensive review of childcare programs in neighboring school districts and local private providers, it has become evident that a rate adjustment is necessary,” Kiger explained. “This increase will ensure the program remains financially sustainable while continuing to meet high standards of care and education.”

Board Approves Administrative Appointments

The Board of Education approved several administrative appointments and assignments during its Monday meeting.

Head Athletic Trainer Dan Newman (pictured) was named associate director of Sports Medicine and Performance within Union Athletics. Newman has served as head athletic trainer at Union for 24 years, earning recognition at the state, district and national levels. Recently inducted into both the Union Athletics Hall of Fame and the Oklahoma Athletic Trainers’ Association Hall of Fame, Newman’s leadership has shaped the safety, health and success of student-athletes here and across the country.

Newman started his education in Stillwater, then finished his Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Tulsa. He went on to earn his Master of Science in Kinesiology degree from the University of Nevada in 1999.

In related action, the board approved promoting three assistant principal interns to assistant principals: Anthony Foster, 7^th Grade Center; Michael Harman, 8^th Grade Center; and Brad Sides, Boevers Elementary.

Those promotions follow an earlier announcement by Superintendent Dr. John Federline, who moved several assistant principals to new schools for the coming year, including: Kaitlyn Bueno, moving from the Union 6^th Grade Center to the High School; Celeste Catcher, moving from Jefferson to Roy Clark; Justin Vannest, moving from Roy Clark to Jarman; Ali Blankenship, moving from Jarman to Jefferson; Taya Oelze, moving from Ellen Ochoa to Rosa Parks; and Rebecca Boyer, moving from Rosa Parks to Ellen Ochoa.

In addition, Federline previously announced that Dr. Crystal Soltow will be moving from her role as assistant principal to become the associate director of Special Services; Twytinna Gardner will be moving from her role as counselor at Ellen Ochoa to become an assistant principal intern at the 6th Grade Center; and Cynthia O’Donnell will be moving from her role as a teacher at the Freshman Academy to become an assistant principal intern at the 7th Grade Center. And finally, security officer James Wingo will be moving into the role of District Security Coordinator.

Board Approves Contract for Annual Financial Audit

Board members approved the expenditure of up to $102,000 for a 2024-2025 financial audit from RSM US LLP Certified Public Accountants. The Board approved an expenditure of another $7,500 in auditing expenses having to do with federal program compliance needs.

State law requires that each school district contract with a state-approved and licensed professional auditor to perform an annual external audit on the financial records and internal controls of the district.

In other action, the Board:

• Renewed a two-year contract with Imagine Learning for software subscriptions across the district for $404,850.
• Purchased a two-year software subscription from Kickup Professional & Coaching Management to allow Union to track all professional development in the district, allow online registration and take attendance electronically.
• Approved the purchase of Microsoft Office 365 licenses for $575,881 from Softchoice for staff and student use across the district.
• Approved the purchase of $900,000 in various textbooks and software, using bond funds as approved by voters.
• Approved expenditures of up to $274,948 to purchase textbooks, supplemental curriculum and software, using rollover funds out of the general fund allocation for all grade levels.

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