Union superintendent outlines plans for new school year

Union Superintendent Dr. John Federline says the district is ready to start the new school year with expanded robotics programs, new high school academies, ongoing renovations and a focus on strong staff culture.

Tuesday, August 12th 2025, 10:14 am

By: Brooke Cox

Students at Union Public Schools are making the most of the final days of summer break before returning to class on Thursday. Superintendent Dr. John Federline said the district is ready to start the 2025-26 school year.

"We're so excited about this upcoming school year," Federline said. "Our elementary schools have partnered with the Opportunity Project to increase our robotics opportunities. We are in the middle of a huge renovation at the 6th and 7th-grade Grade Center…and then our Academy model at the high school is going great."

The high school academies include construction, aerospace, medical and a future teachers program led by former National Teacher of the Year Rebecka Peterson.

Federline also noted the excitement for football season, saying, "There's no place like Union for football. We got the best stadium in the state and we open up on the 29th."

Enrollment Numbers Steady

Union's enrollment is just under 15,000 students, with nearly 3,300 at the high school. "We're holding steady at that number," Federline said.

State Testing Debate

When asked about State Superintendent Ryan Walters' call to end standardized testing, Federline said many educators share concerns about the current system.

"Nobody really thinks that state mandating testing is a great idea," he said. "The main one [issue] being that we don't get the results for months and we can't adjust instruction because the kids have already gone."

However, he noted that changes must comply with federal and state requirements and will take time.

"Ending testing is a process," Federline said. "It's one that several legislators are in favor of. It's one that I think a lot of parents and educators are in favor of, but it's a slow process."

School Lunches

In July, the Oklahoma State Department of Education announced that schools will be required to provide free lunches to all students with no new funding. Federline said Union is not making changes to its child nutrition program this year.

"Our budgets are set months and months in advance and so it's impossible for us to just change on a dime like that," he said.

Bibles In Classrooms

Regarding state guidance on religious texts, Federline said, "All of our students have access to the Bible and other religious and historical text through their computer…Teachers have access to it as well."

He went on to say, "We trust our educators to make sure that they use the Bible or any other historical or religious texts in an appropriate manner, depending on their age level and subject area."

Staff Retention

Federline said Union's culture is a major factor in keeping employees. "We have an incredible culture at Union. It's like no other," he said. "We make sure that our directors understand that the culture that they build within their departments … is really what keeps people around."