Board Report - May 14, 2024

Board Reports

Superintendent Dr. Kirt Hartzler congratulates past Board of Education member Ken Kinnear, seen next to his wife Melyssa, for his years of service to Union Public Schools.

Ken Kinnear Recognized For His Service On Board Of Education

Ken Kinnear, who resigned from the Board of Education last month, was recognized for his years of service on the Board and his dedication to Union Public Schools.

“I want to take a moment to thank someone who has been such a fantastic Board member,” Superintendent Dr. Kirt Hartzler said. “For the last 10 years, Ken Kinnear has been all about us. When he started as a board member, he and his wife, Melissa, had no grandkids. Today, they have 5, with one more on the way. As we know, grandkids change things.

“Ken and Melyssa have been part of the Union district for more than 30 years. He started off serving on the long-range planning committee. He has also been a booster club president. Ken is the quintessential servant leader. When I think of Mr. Kinnear, he is always keenly aware of the needs of those around him. During his tenure, we’ve had some issues that our board has had to grapple with and work through. I will also tell you that Ken is one of those who will text and say, ‘Are you doing okay?’ Of course, that makes the day so much better, knowing that people are looking out for you. Ken, I consider you a colleague and a very close friend. You are the quintessential leader.”

In response, Ken said, “I see this as the completion of a 40-year legacy. In my district going back 40 years ago, Steve Zenthoefer held this office. Before him was Bill Bruner and Ed Payton. When I started with this, it was the idea of taking it forward another 10 years.”

The Board accepted Kinnear’s resignation as Zone 5 representative and declared his seat vacant at a special meeting last month. Zone 5 covers the southwestern portion of Union’s attendance area, including Darnaby Elementary School.

Union is soliciting applications from Zone 5 as the Board seeks to refill the vacancy for the remainder of his term." If you are interested in serving on the Board of Education, Zone 5, email board@unionps.org.

Board Members Approve Technology Purchases for Students, Teachers

The Union Board of Education approved laptops purchases for about $2.4 million from the Information Technology Department for students and teachers across the district.

Executive Director of Information Technology Todd Borland requested approval of the purchase of 3,300 laptops and accessories from Trafera for a total cost of $2,009,700, which was approved. Borland said funds will pay for new laptops for students at the High School, including a four-year warranty; each unit is estimated to cost about $609.

In separate action, the Board approved Borland’s request to purchase 325 teacher laptops from Eastern Data for $357,093. Borland said the teacher computers and docking stations will provide 34 units at Andersen, 43 units at both Jarman and Jefferson, 412 at McAuliffe, 150 at the Union 6^th and 7^th Grade Centers and 12 at Union Alternative School. The computers being replaced will be repurposed, he said.

Board Approves Bid for Baseball/Softball Complex Improvements

The Board approved a bid for exterior improvements at the Union Baseball & Softball Complex at the Freshman Academy from The Watts Co. for $199,311.

The existing veneer siding of the baseball/softball complex is delaminating and falling off the building due to moisture migration, according to Fred Isaacs, director of Construction Services. “This project will provide for the removal and replacement of the exterior siding with a metal panel system completed with moisture barrier,” he stated. Also included in the cost is repainting the metal awnings on the building.

Board Members Extend Contract for Substitute Services

The Board approved a contract with ESS South Central, LLC., for substitute services, based upon a recommendation made by Executive Director of Human Resources Jay Loegering.

The fee for ESS's services will be a mark-up of just over 30 percent on our substitute daily rates, he said, adding, however, that the district saves on payroll taxes, workers compensation and ACA tracking as these substitutes are employees of ESS and not of Union Public Schools. The total cost to the district is estimated to be 5 percent higher than current expenses.

In another matter concerning employees, Board members approved a memorandum of understanding between the district and the Union Classroom Teacher Association, amending the minimum time of employment of certified employees from 15 years to just 10 for reimbursement of unused sick leave. The agreement also allows Union to remain consistent with its Early Retirement Incentive program.

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