Board Report - November 10

Board Reports

Board Of Education To Consider Revising School Policies

In a first reading, the Board of Education considered several revisions to school policies on Monday, November 10. The Board will consider approval of the changes at its December 8 meeting. View proposed policy revisions.

The public may direct comments to board@unionps.org.

Long-Range Planning Examines Enrollment Trends

Associate Superintendent Charlie Bushyhead provided a report from the Long-Range Planning Committee, which has met three times over the past few months to discuss significant changes in Union’s enrollment numbers and what these changes might mean for the future. 

“Over the past 11 years, our enrollment has declined from about 16,000 students to around 14,500,” said Bushyhead. “We know that conversations about enrollment and facilities can be sensitive and complex. The committee approached this work with care, understanding that any long-term decisions have an impact on students, families and neighborhoods.”

Bushyhead said the group’s discussions focused on whether the district should act now —such as exploring a possible school closure and redistricting — or whether it would be better to wait and see if enrollment begins to stabilize or improve. “After reviewing the data and engaging in thoughtful conversation, the group agreed that it’s best to take more time before making any major decisions,” Bushyhead said. “We do not anticipate any school closures or redistricting for the 2026-27 school year.”     

He said the Long-Range Planning Committee will continue to review enrollment trends and gather more input from families and staff.

“An important topic for future discussions will be the possible future use of a vacant building,” said Bushyhead. “The committee agreed before any recommendations are made, it’s important that we listen carefully to our families, staff and community partners. We plan to hold additional opportunities for feedback and conversation so that our decisions reflect the values and priorities of our Union community.”  

Bushyhead said the committee’s goal is to ensure that any decision made is well-informed, carefully considered and in the best long-term interest of our students, schools and community. “This process is really about stewardship—making sure we’re using our facilities and resources wisely while continuing to provide the best possible opportunities for our students.”

Bushyhead said he is pleased with the quality of the work of the committee. “Their commitment to making the best decision possible for the entire district, both now and for the future, is our end goal. A big ‘thank you’ to them and to the board for selecting such a great group of caring and thoughtful people to serve.” 

The Long-Range Planning Committee includes community members from each of the five board zones, UCTA and USPA representation [the district’s teacher and support employee unions] and district leaders.

The next meeting of the Long-Range Planning committee is scheduled for Thursday, January 8, 2026. 

High School Assistant Principal Leads Effort To Increase Completion Rates

Rebekah Boyer, in her new role as assistant principal of Student Engagement at the High School, provided the Board with an update on an initiative called “100%, One Student at a Time.” The goal of the initiative is to improve high school completion rates of students, many of whom are just a few credits short of graduating.

“Usually, I come with data charts and graphs and an ability to show growth, but we’re not there yet,” said Boyer. “I spent years at the High School before and was very aware that chronic absenteeism was quite a mountain to overcome.”

When she returned to the High School after a stint in elementary, chronic absenteeism was at 41 percent -- compared with a districtwide rate of 27 percent -- and there were 268 students of the Class of 2025 who did not meet the requirements to graduate.

Boyer teamed with attendance secretary Norma Estrada to go out into the community, knock on doors and meet with families to track down students.

“Our initial goal for these non-graduates was to get them across the finish line,” said Boyer. “But what we found is these families were seeking connection. We were sitting at tables and helping students find motivation and creating opportunities and pathways. With each conversation, I would learn a great deal from these families. I was starting to better understand the foundational issues. I was learning from their stories, and we were building trust.”

Boyer said she and other members of the team slowly chipped away at the list and they made progress. “Clearly, we lost a few students along the way in our push toward 100 percent. All of them were offered an opportunity. While we lost a few, more than 1,100 students from Union High School received a diploma this year, which is a significant number.”  

Looking ahead to 2026, Boyer and the leadership team are concerned about current attendance trends at the High School: 

• 469 students (14 percent of the total) who have a chronic absenteeism rate of 20 percent or higher.
• 1,062 students (31 percent) with a chronic absenteeism rate of 10 percent; and
• About 30 students have been dropped for non-attendance.

Boyer said they continue their approach of “one student at a time,” as they make home visits. They are finding parents who mistakenly believe their students are at school. “There is still a gap in communication,” said Boyer. She said they have started focus groups, as “much of what’s happening, we don’t have an answer for right now.”

Among the many reasons they hear from parents and students about absenteeism:

• A father: “The older boys are working. This country is expensive, and they must work.”  
• A parent: “I don’t have any ability to control what [my student] does.”
• A student: “I want to graduate, but I’m not motivated to be here every day.”

While there are no easy answers, Boyer said the work continues. They are considering all options as they move forward, one student at a time.

Superintendent Dr. John Federline praised Boyer and the team for their work. “You are the right person for this position. When we say 100 percent, we mean 100 percent. It is life-changing for those students we are able to reach, and it’s life-changing for their families. Rebekah, what you and Norma are doing is just incredible. Thank you!:

Board Approves Work To Upgrade Tennis Complex

Board members approved a bid of $419,000 from Magnum Construction to make improvements to the Union Tennis Complex by the Union Freshman Academy.

This project will provide new playing surfaces, striping, and some fencing at the tennis complex, according to Josh Robinson, director of Operations. The existing surface is faded, oxidized, and there is spaulding in major areas. The new surface will provide a fresh new look and continued use by all.

Board Approves 2026 Meeting dates

The Board approved regular Board meeting dates for the 2026 calendar year:

• Tuesday, January 20, 2026 (*MLK Holiday – Monday, January 19, 2026)
• Monday, February 9, 2026
• Monday, March 9, 2026
• Monday, April 20,2026
• Monday, May 11, 2026
• Monday, June 8, 2026
• Monday, July 13, 2026
• Monday, August l0,2026
• Monday, September l4, 2026
• Monday, October 12, 2026
• Monday, November 9, 2026
• Monday, December 14, 2026

All regularly scheduled meetings will be at the Union Public Schools Education Service Center Board Room, 8506 E. 61st Street, Tulsa, Oklahoma and will begin at 7 p.m.

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