Union County Public Schools (UCPS) is committed to ensuring that every student in our community has access to a high-quality education in safe, modern learning spaces. On Nov. 5, Union County residents will vote on a $39.4 million bond to fund critical upgrades at Parkwood High School and East Union Middle School—schools steeped in history but in need of modernization to meet the evolving demands of education today.

While these schools carry decades of tradition, the facilities, built in the 1950s and 1960s, have become outdated. The bond will assist in upgrading the schools to align with modern education needs. Things such as new flexible and larger classrooms, technology for student use, and outdoor areas for learning provide all students with a better learning experience.

Assistant Superintendent for Administration and Operations Colon Moore notes, “It’s more than just new or updated buildings. It’s about morale. People take pride in their schools, and updating these spaces will help our students and community feel that pride.”

The vision for Parkwood High

If approved, Parkwood High will receive $10.7 million from the bond funding for pre-construction work to lay the groundwork for a brand-new campus. This process ensures the new building meets the community's future needs.

Principal Dr. Tracy Strickland shares, “Our students are doing amazing things despite the limitations of our facilities. Imagine what they could achieve with spaces designed for collaboration, growth, and innovation. Our classrooms are packed—some with over 30 students. A new facility will allow us to offer small group instruction and give teachers the flexibility to meet students in new ways.”

Dr. Strickland emphasizes the importance of future-proofing the design, especially as Parkwood expands its Sustainable Energy Academy.

“We need spaces that prepare students for what’s next, not just for what’s happening today,” she explains. These programs will help students build essential skills for the future workforce, including careers in sustainable energy, an area seeing substantial growth. “Sustainability is employing 10 percent of workers hired right now. We must give our students the chance to be part of that future.”

The need for upgraded facilities extends to more than just core academic programs. Strickland shares how the outdated culinary kitchen limits the scope of skills students can develop.

“Our culinary arts students, led by Carolyn Hoobler, are doing incredible work with the resources they have, but the current kitchen setup is behind the times,” she explains. “A modern space would allow them to explore more advanced techniques and prepare for real-world careers in the hospitality industry. This is just one example of how new facilities will open up more opportunities for our students.”

Superintendent Dr. Andrew Houlihan also highlights the critical importance of the pre-construction phase, explaining that thorough planning is fundamental to a successful, long-lasting school design.

“This is about ensuring the new school is built on a solid foundation,” he said. “Much like building a home, we assess everything from soil conditions to traffic flow to ensure the site is perfect for a new, innovative campus.”

With this bond investment, the future of Parkwood High will reflect the evolving needs of students and staff, providing the resources and environment necessary to thrive in a changing world.

East Union Middle’s new beginning

If approved, East Union Middle School will receive $27.5 million from the bond for a major transformation—relocating to the Forest Hills High School campus and adapting that building for middle school students. This move will provide students with updated classrooms, expanded outdoor spaces, and enhanced resources, particularly for the school’s AgTech program.

Moore also pointed out that the existing Forest Hills building has solid structural elements like the roof and foundations, but the HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems are outdated and require upgrades. With these enhancements, he emphasized how the campus layout can serve both schools effectively.

"We have acquired sufficient land on the Forest Hills campus for the new high school while retaining the current one. By having both schools on the same campus, they could share facilities like the gym and athletic fields," Moore said.

Houlihan is particularly excited about the potential collaboration between middle and high school AgTech programs.

“Imagine high school and middle school students working side by side on projects, learning from one another, and preparing for the future together,” he said. “Currently, if we want to facilitate that interaction, we would have to transport students by bus between the two locations. Having both schools on the same campus would make it easier to combine classes and engage in innovative projects. We also hope to construct additional facilities, such as an AgTech barn, and we would love to, eventually, have a small animal farm on the property.”

Principal Jared Gatewood is also looking forward to the opportunities it would bring for students and staff.

“Our AgTech program is a key part of who we are, but right now, space is limited. This bond will allow us to grow our program, turning it into a cornerstone of the school.”

What the bond covers

Parkwood High pre-construction work:

• Design services for a new building
• Environmental studies, land surveys, and traffic impact analysis
• Geotechnical testing and soil assessments
• Site development and necessary permits

East Union Middle relocation and renovation:

• Renovating and repurposing the current Forest Hills High building for middle school use
• Expanding classrooms, common areas, and outdoor spaces
• Upgrading systems (HVAC, electrical, plumbing)
• Enhancing outdoor facilities to support the AgTech program

The future awaits

By investing in these schools, Union County will create spaces serving students for decades to come, creating pride, growth and opportunity across the community.

“This isn’t just about building schools—it’s about creating spaces where students can grow into leaders and innovators. It’s about ensuring every zip code in Union County has access to a great school,” said Houlihan.

10/15/2024