Ed Tackett has served as Director of Fine Arts for Union Public Schools since 1980. As Fine Arts Director, Mr. Tackett coordinates an active and extensive K-12 visual and performing arts program which includes bands, choirs, orchestras, visual arts, drama and competitive speech. Under Mr. Tackett’s leadership unique opportunities have been made available to the district’s arts classes including a digital imaging lab, photography labs, piano labs, a MIDI lab and AP level Music Theory and Studio Art programs. Union Schools Fine Arts program has grown to include more than 80% of the district’s 14,000 students. As part of his current assignment, Mr. Tackett also manages the 2,000 seat Union Performing Arts Center in south Tulsa.

For eight years prior to his administrative appointment, Mr. Tackett served as a high school choral director. Throughout his career he has also held various church music positions. He currently serves as choirmaster at Kirk of the Hills.

In 1979 Mr. Tackett founded the Union YOUTHARTS! Festival. This annual festival showcases the talents of thousands of students during 15 days of concerts, plays, art exhibitions and demonstrations. This unique arts celebration enjoys very strong support from students and patrons.

Mr. Tackett was a charter member of the Tulsa Summerarts Steering Committee. He has served on education committees for a variety of local arts organizations and has been a member of numerous arts committees for the Oklahoma Department of Education.