May 8, 2026
At April’s BOE meeting, the Board of Education approved the 2026–2027 district budget after one of the most challenging fiscal planning seasons in recent memory. A shortfall of nearly $14 million, driven largely by sharply rising health benefit costs and reductions in state aid, required us to make difficult decisions, including eliminating positions held by valued staff members. We are deeply grateful for their service and recognize the real impact these changes have on our school community.
Through thoughtful reorganization, we have also created a structure that expands opportunities for students at every grade level, including a dedicated Pre-K center that will support a K–5 configuration in all elementary schools and eliminate a transition during students’ foundational years. Despite budget constraints, the district is moving forward with program growth and improvements:
● Union High School is introducing new Advanced Placement courses, including AP Cybersecurity, AP Environmental Science, and AP Business with Personal Finance. These additions are designed to reflect the evolving needs of a 21st-century workforce.
● The ESL program is expanding through a push-in instructional model.
● The Bilingual program will add Bilingual Geometry to its course offerings.
● Existing programs, including Gifted and Talented, Honors, and AP courses, will continue without interruption.
● Financial literacy content will now be embedded across middle school instruction rather than offered as a standalone course.
● The Library program will transition to a classroom-based service model under the supervision of a districtwide certified Library Media Specialist.
● Information Literacy standards will be integrated and taught across multiple subjects and grade levels.
● K–5 Spanish instruction will be modified to improve consistency and better match students’ language readiness through an online Spanish program.
● The K–5 Music program will be streamlined, with each elementary school maintaining a dedicated music teacher with expertise in both vocal and instrumental music.
● At the high school level, a new music-focused vocal and movement program will be introduced, replacing the current Musical Theater format.
● School concerts and UHSPAC productions will continue.
Looking ahead, we will implement a unified elementary instructional schedule, strengthen our three-tier MTSS framework, expand Standards-Based Grading to grades K–2, and deepen the work of our Professional Learning Communities. Instructional coaches will continue to support staff, and we will closely examine Chromebook use to ensure that technology is used intentionally and has a measurable, positive impact on student learning.
