Source: Union Public Schools
Dr. John Federline has been named superintendent of Union Public Schools after a vote of the Board of Education.
He replaces Superintendent Kirt Hartzler who announced on Feb. 26 his intention to retire effective June 30, after serving in the role for the last 11 years. Federline will assume his new role beginning July 1.
Federline has served as deputy superintendent since last August. In November 2021, he was named assistant superintendent, leading secondary education and guiding the district in the development of Union’s new 5-year strategic plan for 2023-2028, which was adopted by the board last July.
“Dr. John Federline is an extremely capable individual who has the leadership skills and familiarity with our culture necessary to drive Union Public Schools into the future,” said Superintendent Kirt Hartzler in a statement.
“As a Union lifer, he has personally experienced the growth, challenges and changes that have shaped the trajectory of Union Public Schools. He is an ethical and outstanding educator who is respectful of teachers and the profession and will continue to lead the district in its mission of ‘100% graduation, college and career-ready,’ I can think of no person better equipped to elevate Union’s performance in service to our students.”
A lifelong student at Union, Federline graduated from Union High School and obtained a bachelor’s degree in secondary education from Oklahoma State University. He earned his master’s degree in curriculum and instruction and his Doctor of Education in school administration from Oklahoma State University.
“This is such a meaningful moment for me, as so much of my life has taken place at Union Public Schools, as a student, an educator and also as a parent,” said Federline in the district’s announcement.
“It is a distinct privilege and an honor to be named the superintendent of Union Public Schools. I look forward to working with our staff, community, and the Board as we continue to expand the college and career pathways and opportunities available to all our students.”
Federline’s career in education began at Bixby High School where he spent 12 years as a teacher and a coach. He came to Union as an assistant principal at the Intermediate High School in 2005 and moved to the High School in 2007.
In 2011, he was named as the principal of the 9th Grade Center (now called the Union High School Freshman Academy), a position he held through spring 2018.
Federline is a member of AASA, The School Superintendents Association; the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP); and the Cooperative Council for Oklahoma School Administration (CCOSA).
In 2007, he was named CCOSA Assistant Principal of the Year runner-up. In 2019, Federline was inducted into Bixby Public Schools’ Athletic Hall of Fame, having led the golf team to two 5A state championships as the golf coach in 2003 and 2004.
He and his wife, Christina, have three children, Julia, Katie, and Jack.
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