Union Public Schools Releases Safe Return To School Plan As Union Public Schools prepares to start a new school year, district administration is once again having to plan school in the midst of a pandemic. "We really were hoping for a return to normal but with the delta variant of course we're having to make a few alterations in that plan," said Chris Payne, Chief Communications Officer for Union. On Wednesday, the district released a "Safe Return" plan ahead of school starting on August 16th. Payne said like last year, they'll step up cleaning practices, encourage physical distancing and offer virtual learning to those who want to stay at home.