By Fox23.com News Staff
TULSA, Okla. — Union Public Schools is asking for the public’s opinion on several items set to be included in a proposed 2027 five-year series bond issue.
The Thought Exchange survey will be available from April 27 to May 8 and is open to those who live within the Union Public Schools district. To access the survey, click here.
Some of the things being considered in the bond proposal include:
- Elementary school renovations
- Major HVAC replacements
- Safety and security
- Technology upgrades
Within the survey, the public will be asked to also prioritize items.
“Bond funds are essential to the financial health of our schools. Without them, capital investments would have to be funded through our general budget — the same budget we depend on to pay our teachers and support our students,” said Union Superintendent Dr. John Federline. “In Oklahoma, bond funds are designated specifically for capital improvements, technology, transportation, and other qualifying essential services, ensuring that every dollar goes exactly where it’s needed most.”
The proposed items hope to address certain issues. Elementary school renovations would focus on the interiors, roof replacements, and updating mechanical systems.
School buildings will be prioritized based on where growth happens, age of the buildings, amongst other factors.
HVAC replacements will center on outdated and heating and cooling systems across the Union school district.
“Outdated heating and cooling systems throughout the district are nearing the crisis point,” the school district said. “Some of the current systems are over fifty years old and in need of replacement.”
As for technology, the district said, “as technology continues to evolve investments will need to be made to prepare Union students for the future.”
Depending on the need, new devices and software may need to be purchased.
“We greatly appreciate the generous support our previous bond proposals have received from our patrons,” said Federline. “We look forward to collaborating with our constituents as we prioritize projects for this next bond, so we can achieve our district’s mission of ‘100% graduation, college and career ready.’”
The Thought Exchange survey is anonymous. The results will be shared publicly once all data has been collected.
