Union Public Schools looks forward to upcoming bond vote, hopes to expand the middle school center

TULSA, Okla. — Union Public Schools is looking toward an upcoming bond vote and the possibility of one of the proposed projects being focused on expanding the Sixth and Seventh Grade Center.

Assistant Superintendent of Union School District John Federline told FOX23 there are currently 2,200 students at the center.

He said they’re looking to change things structurally and procedurally, if the bond vote permits.

“A lot of issues at [the center] stem from our transition times,” Federline explained. “We have kids that have to go from downstairs to upstairs and vice versa.”

He continued, “Everyone shares the same fine arts wing. Everyone shares the same cafeteria. There’s limited entrance to those places so there are times where things are chaotic. We want to make sure the instruction is our priority and the transitions go smoothly.”

This task wouldn’t mean small class sizes even though Federline said that’s the overall goal. Right now, structure is important too.

“To cafeteria serving lines, to the bathroom situations, to the hallways ... we want it to be shorter for kids, and they don’t have to go as far to go when they have to transition and makes it easier for students, parents and administrators as well,” he said.

Federline also told FOX23 the district met this week about the project and will meet again after Easter.

The next five-year bond is expected to be voted on in Feb. 2023. The district is looking for parents’ staff and student’s ideas in the meantime. Federline wants to hear from everyone in the district. You can email him at federlinejohn@ups.org.

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