Union City, Tenn.–With the beginning of the 2018-19 school year just a couple of weeks away, workers are putting the finishing touches on a number of summer projects within the infrastructure of the Union City School System.
A workforce headed by Director of Schools Wes Kennedy and made up of several teachers, coaches and student laborers has upgraded both the interior and exterior of campus buildings at UC Elementary, the middle school and Union City High School while also maintaining and improving the grounds around each of those structures.
Kennedy estimated more than $250,000 had been saved this year alone in construction/maintenance costs by the efforts of his crew, which numbered more than two dozen workers in all this spring/summer.
“In addition to the money we’ve saved by not contracting the work out and doing it ourselves, it gives those who’ve helped a sense of ownership and pride in the buildings and their appearances on our campuses,” said the UC Schools Director, who’s completed similar summer projects for 10 years now.
“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.”
The many improvements include:
• A new pre-K classroom and nine new interactive panels have been installed at UCES. A covered area was built in the playground area, and numerous offices were painted. Several floors were also stripped and waxed, and multiple tiles were replaced and/or repaired.
• Seven new interactive panels have been added at Union City Middle School. There has been extensive updating with painting of bathrooms, several classrooms and the tiles in the hallways. New tile has also been laid in the front lobby of the school.
• All classrooms, bathrooms, halls and the gymnasium have been painted at UCHS. Three new interactive panels have been installed as well.
• Renovation of the old police department area at City Hall to provide for expansion of school board offices is also close to completion. The added space will house Kennedy and his administrative and support staff.
The girls’ basketball locker room and team meeting area at the high school has also been renovated, while general maintenance and upkeep has been performed on the practice and band fields.
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. 7.
The first day for students is Aug. 9.
Menu
