A collection of workers is putting the finishing touches on various summer projects in and around Union City Schools in preparation for the 2024-25 school year.
School Communications Director Mike Hutchens said crews comprised of school employees and youth labor have been the backbone of much of the work done on all three schools’ campuses over the past couple of months.
Some skilled professionals have contributed their services as well with contract work on earlier identified needs, and the school’s maintenance and custodial departments have continued to go the extra mile while meeting their respective responsibilities.
Director of Schools Wes Kennedy said the in-house efforts of workers saved the school system an estimated “$200,000” in outside construction/maintenance costs.
“It’s something we’ve done the last several summers, and it’s had multiple purposes,” insisted the top Union City Schools administrator, who has put the summertime practice in place for more than a decade. “The money we’ve saved with the general labor and without having to bid everything out is obviously a positive. The more money we save, the more projects we can take on. And we’re blessed with people who are both capable and willing to work.
“The other thing we’ve learned is that it gives our people a sense of ownership when they do things themselves. There’s the pride of doing a good job, and it looks good to others.”
Workers have upgraded both the interior and exterior of campus buildings at Union City Elementary, the middle school and Union City High School while also maintaining and improving the grounds around each of those structures.
“We have three buildings that are in various stages of age, and because of the work our people have put in with these projects, they all look much newer, modernized, and cleaner. It’s something we’re all very proud of,” Kennedy added.
The painting of classrooms, attention (striping, cleaning, waxing) to all building floors, and some minor remodeling have been included in the summertime renovations/upkeep.
General maintenance has been performed on all practice and band fields, in addition to the school’s fleet of buses and transportation vehicles.
Among other building/grounds improvements has been the installation of entry-resistant security tape over the windows of each school entrance at a cost of $40,000 and lot paving at various spots on all three campuses that came with a price tag of more than $150,000.
In-service, teacher prep and other professional development for Union City Schools personnel will begin later this month and stretch into the first week of August, with registration set for Aug. 6.
The first day for students is August 8th.
(photos: Mike Hutchens – School Communications Director)
