Voters Overwhelmingly Approve Union's 5-Year Bond Issue

Thank you to the voters of Union Public Schools’ two bond propositions, both of which overwhelmingly passed in Tuesday's election with nearly 80 percent voting in favor.

According to unofficial numbers, Proposition 1 passed with 1,700 voters in favor or about 78.5 percent approval, while Proposition II passed with 1,716 in favor or about 79.5 percent in favor.

Proposition I asked voters to consider approval of $146,540,000 to provide funds for the purpose of constructing, equipping, repairing and remodeling school buildings, acquiring school furniture, fixtures and equipment and acquiring and improving school sites.

Within this proposition, $51.6 million will be set aside for a major redesign of the Union 6th/7th Grade Center.

Proposition II asked voters to consider approval of $5.46 million for the purchase of vehicles, including regular student route buses.

Under state law, a supermajority of 60 percent approval of the voters is required for passage of EACH proposition.

In total both propositions amount to $152 million in improvements as part of a five-year general obligation bond.

Message from the Superintendent

Dear Union Patrons:  

REACHING – ENGAGING – INSPIRING.  That is what we aspire to do every day when teaching and relating to students in our quest for “100% Graduation, College and Career Ready.” While this proved to be a good theme for this year’s Teacher Kick-Off, it’s equally descriptive of the physical spaces, technology and learning environments that are necessary if we are to effectively connect with our students.  

I think you will agree: Our physical structures are second to none, and for that we make no apology. Our kids are worth it.  Look no further than Union Collegiate Academy, the Performing Arts Center, the UMAC and, of course, our gorgeous new Union Tuttle Stadium.  All these public investments are more than dollars spent just on bricks and mortar, computers, and technology licenses. In choosing to support Union’s bond initiatives, we recognize your vote is an investment in our children’s future. 

We greatly appreciate our students, staff, and patrons in these challenging times. I appreciate their strength, fortitude, and grace as we’ve kept our focus on educating students while keeping them and our staff safe. Together, we have much to celebrate this last year: 

• In March, we honored the first class of Union graduates of the EDGE (Earn a Degree, Graduate Early) pilot program, as they received an associate degree along with their high school diploma. 
• The completion of Phase I of our new stadium, nicknamed “The Big House” by Coach Kirk Fridrich. 
• Eleven Union High School seniors were named National Merit Semifinalists and 14 were awarded with Academic Honors from the College Board National Recognition Programs. 
• The completion of a new esports arena in the former orchestra room at Union High School Freshman Academy to accommodate a team of 150 students. 
• The selection of a new mascot for our district, the UNION REDHAWKS, by more than 80 percent of our students in grades 6-12. 
• The Renegade Regiment Marching Band performed in the 95th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in November, after being delayed the previous year due to the pandemic. 

I hope you enjoy this progress report covering Year 4 of our five-year bond. We are nearing completion of this $128.6 million multi-year bond that passed by a wide margin in 2018.  Thankfully, we have bold leadership at the board level and a supportive community that is deeply invested in our work. 

Please enjoy this progress report of the work done this year and the many great things to come. If there is one thing of which I am certain, it is that Union students and staff will continue to reach for the stars. 

Sincerely,
Kirt Hartzler, Ed.D., Superintendent

Download a PDF of The Communicator – 2022 Special Bond Edition

5-Year Series Bond (2018 – 2022)
$128.6-Million Proposition at a Glance*

Generously approved by Union’s patrons, 2018's historic five-year bond proposal has provided $128.6 million for the following projects through 2022.  

*Note:  The numbers presented in the table above are estimates.