We would like the Union County community to be informed about the school bonds package. On Nov. 8, residents will vote on $134,405,000 to replace two aging facilities—East Elementary and Forest Hills High. This special edition of UCPS Snapshots will help you understand what’s included and why we need this bond. Take time to watch the video below and read through the bond materials to learn more about the projects. All schools benefit when we value public schools. |
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Attend the last 2022 bond information community meeting |
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Union County Public Schools offered six bond information meetings for the community in September and October. The last meeting will be held this Thursday, Oct. 20, 6 p.m. at Forest Hills High School. As a reminder, early voting starts Oct. 20. View the schedule and locations.
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Frequently asked questions, answered |
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Q. WHY DO WE NEED BONDS TO RENOVATE SCHOOLS?
A. School renovation and construction projects are very expensive to fund at one time. Bonds spread the cost of major capital improvements over a number of years. This is similar to securing a mortgage on a home and spreading the cost of home buying over a period of years.
Q. HOW WERE THE PROJECTS SELECTED FOR THE 2022 SCHOOL BOND?
A. The Board of Education recommended several projects from the long-range capital planning list to the Union County Board of Commissioners (BOCC) to be considered for the 2022 bond referendum. These two projects were approved for this bond by the BOCC.
Q. MY CHILD’S SCHOOL IS NOT ON THIS BOND, WHY SHOULD I BE CONCERNED ABOUT THESE PROJECTS?
A. Union County Public Schools is committed to ensuring that all students receive a quality education in safe and efficient learning environments. All schools benefit when we value public schools. District improvements increase safety, support evolving educational practices, modernize aging facilities and directly improve the quality of life in Union County. With a successful bond, more projects will move up on the priority list for capital needs and future bonds.
Q. WHAT IS THE ESTIMATED TAX INCREASE?
A. According to the Board of County Commissioners, future ad valorem tax rates will need to be increased based on the County’s Debt Policy if voters approve the bond referendum. Beginning in FY2024, the estimated maximum debt service impact for the UCPS bond is $13,620,000 or the equivalent of 1.73 cents of dedicated property tax. Example: For each $100,000 in value, there would be an impact of approximately $17.30.
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Hear from a teacher at East Elementary |
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Tramaine Davis has taught at East Elementary for 18 years and is currently a fifth-grade teacher. She would like the facility to reflect the outstanding work happening within the school.
"I see the investment in learning that our teachers, students and families put in daily. A facility that would give us more space and allow us to host more events would open up more opportunities for community involvement," said Davis. "The teachers here work hard, the students here work hard, our families here work hard, so a new facility would be a representation of who we are. We are just as great as the other schools around the county."
Davis has chosen to stay at East despite the aging facility because she loves the students and the relationships she forms with them and their families. She often teaches a student's sister, brother or cousin and sees the influence she has had on families. She is doing her best with what she has, which isn't always suitable for optimal learning. Asking students to work in small groups is often difficult because of space limitations.
"Right now, I only have two places where kids can go work together. If we had a larger classroom, we could use different areas to encourage that collaboration between students. They could also get group work done or have support staff come into a designated area," said Davis. "Small group instruction is this school's magic. That's where you can often get students to speak up, clear up misconceptions and give more personalized time."
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Hear from students at Forest Hills High |
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Current seniors will not be able to use the new facility but are hopeful that future students will have that access. Due to the lack of space, Senior Even Greene said the teachers make do with what they have now by switching classrooms when needed. He'd like to see that change.
"We are proud of our school but a new one is needed. It's not uncommon for teachers to trade classrooms. It has happened multiple times in my science and drafting classes. It would be nice if students and teachers did not have to swap classrooms," said Even.
Senior Tessa Stewart has enjoyed her time in high school and learned a lot from being a representative on the Superintendent's Student Advisory Council. She would like future Forest Hills students to be able to host representatives from other schools in a state-of-the-art building.
"It's not just a new building. It's a new environment, a fresh start. There are a lot of enclosed spaces. It doesn't always feel like a high school. Other schools have been remodeled and we'd like it to be our turn," said Tessa.
The school has an AgTech Academy offering pathways in animal science and pre-vet, sustainable plant systems, agricultural mechanical skills, food systems and AgriBusiness. Emily Helms, a senior, would like to see those expanded so more students could take advantage of the program.
"Working in small spaces isn't easy. We need a bigger school to accommodate our CTE (Career and Technical Education) and AgTech classes," said Emily. "More space means more opportunities for hands-on learning."
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Become a Read with U volunteer |
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UCPS is recruiting volunteers to read with students in person for 30 minutes each week. Your time, commitment and support will help students develop a love for reading and become more confident.
To get started:
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Complete a volunteer application at https://www.ucps.k12.nc.us/domain/3700.
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If you were an approved volunteer during the 2021-2022 school year, please renew your status at https://www.ucps.k12.nc.us/domain/3700.
- Once your application is approved, the school’s volunteer coordinator will contact you with information about training, schedules, etc.
- Read with your student for at least 30 minutes once a week during the school year.
Participating schools:
- Benton Heights Elementary
- East Elementary
- Marshville Elementary
- Porter Ridge Elementary
- Rock Rest Elementary
- Rocky River Elementary
- Sardis Elementary
- Shiloh Valley Primary
- Union Elementary
- Walter Bickett Elementary
- Western Union Elementary
- Wingate Elementary
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Oct. 20 - School Bond Community Meeting, Forest Hills High, 6 p.m.
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Oct. 20 - Early Voting Starts
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Oct. 27 - Parent Education Series, Monroe High, 6:30 p.m., topic: Vaping
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Nov. 1- Board of Education Meeting, 7 p.m.
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Nov. 2 - Wolfe School Early Release Day
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Nov. 8 - Teacher Workday (No school for students on the traditional calendar)
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Nov. 8 - See you at the poll
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Nov. 11 - Veterans Day Holiday (School and district offices are closed)
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