The Omaha Public Schools prepares all students to excel in college, career and life.
Dear OPS Community Members:

Positive things are happening around the district and the hashtag #OPSProud reflects the spirit that is felt in classrooms and hallways throughout our schools. Community partnerships, parent participation and dedicated, caring staff are making a difference in the lives of our students. We’re proud of the progress we’ve made and we’re on track to continue the momentum.
 
We are grateful to the Omaha voters for passing the 2014 $421 million bond issue that authorized the district to renovate fire, life safety, security and technology in our schools, replace four existing schools, build a new school at 32nd and Burt Streets and add additions at twelve schools to address capacity issues. While the bond has made a significant dent in the district’s needs, it only addressed half of the work identified in the 2014 Facilities Capital Plan.
 
To fulfill our promise to staff, students, parents and the Omaha voters, the district now needs to complete capital improvements at nine elementary schools, two middle schools, all seven high schools and two alternative programs. Additionally, to alleviate capacity issues in northwest and south Omaha, five new schools need to be built, four in south Omaha and one in northwest Omaha.

Also included in the Phase 2 plan, are additions to five elementary schools and two middle schools to reduce and/or eliminate portable classrooms. The capital improvement work at existing schools identified in the Phase 2 plan has been rated as critical, potentially critical and/or necessary. Building the new schools and completing the work will require the approval of a $409.9 million bond by the taxpayers. 
 
To help the Board of Education reach its decision to place a referendum before the voters, a Steering Committee comprised of community leaders and OPS staff began meeting in August 2017 to reassess the Phase 2 needs of the district and to make recommendations. Community information sessions were held at North, Northwest and South High Magnet Schools and community members were offered an opportunity to address the Board during its regularly scheduled meetings.
 
On Feb. 5, the Board of Education voted to move forward with securing the approval of taxpayers of the approved Phase 2 Recommended Facilities Capital Plan. Next, the Board of Education will consider, for approval, the ballot language that would be placed on the May 15, 2018 primary ballot for public vote.
 
I encourage you to read the following material to learn more about the details. Thank you for your support in providing the $421 million bond, and for your continued support of the Omaha Public Schools!
 
Sincerely,
Mark Evans, Superintendent
Omaha Public Schools
Capital Improvements and Renovations to Existing Facilities
Elementary Schools
Capital improvements and renovations at Adams, Catlin, Conestoga, Edison, Highland, King, Masters, Pinewood and Spring Lake Magnet Elementary Schools.

Additions at Edison, Highland, Masters, Pinewood and Spring Lake Magnet.

Projected estimated cost: $41.3 million
Middle Schools
Capital improvements and additions at Morton Magnet Middle School and Lewis & Clark Middle School.

Projected estimated cost: $29.6 million
High School & Alternative Programs
Capital improvements at all seven OPS high schools and Blackburn Alternative Program.

Projected estimated cost: $69.2 million
Relocate the OPS
Transition Program
Relocate the OPS Transition Program from the Paralyzed Veterans of America Program and the Career Center to a new location.

Projected estimated cost: $2.4 million
(Note: this cost is included in the $69.2 million dollar amount listed above.)
Specific Scope of Work at Each Building
Elementary Buildings

Adams Elementary - Key Items to be Addressed - Built in 1954
  1. Energy management system update
  2. Replacement of the roofing, flooring, air handling unit, fan coil unit, chiller, boiler and exterior paving
  3. Interior and exterior lighting
  4. Supplementary capital improvements

Catlin Magnet Elementary - Key Items to be Addressed - Built in 1966
  1. Energy management system update
  2. Replacement of the roofing, air handling unit, fan coil unit, chiller, boiler, cooling tower and exterior paving
  3. Interior and exterior lighting
  4. Supplementary capital improvements

Conestoga Magnet Elementary - Key Items to be Addressed - Built in 1965
  1. Energy management system update
  2. Replacement of the roofing, air handling unit, fan coil unit, water heater, cooling tower and piping
  3. Fire alarm system
  4. Interior and exterior lighting
  5. Supplementary capital improvements

Edison Elementary - Key Items to be Addressed - Built in 1965
  1. Finish safe area into two classrooms
  2. Three classroom addition
  3. Energy management system update
  4. Replacement of the roofing, air handling unit, fan coil unit, chiller, boiler, cooling tower, water heater and exterior paving
  5. Interior and exterior lighting
  6. Supplementary capital improvements

Highland Elementary - Key Items to be Addressed - Built in 1982
  1. Eleven classroom addition
  2. Energy management system update
  3. Replacement of the roofing, air handling unit, chiller, boiler and exterior paving
  4. Interior and exterior lighting
  5. Supplementary capital improvements

King Elementary - Key Items to be Addressed - Built in 1973
  1. Energy management system update
  2. Replacement of the roofing, air handling unit, fan coil unit, chiller, cooling tower and boiler
  3. Interior and exterior lighting
  4. Supplementary capital improvements

Masters Elementary - Key Items to be Addressed - Built in 1970
  1. Finish safe area into two classrooms
  2. Four classroom addition
  3. Energy management system update
  4. Replacement of the roofing, flooring, air handling unit and exterior paving
  5. Interior and exterior lighting
  6. Supplementary capital improvements

Pinewood Elementary - Key Items to be Addressed - Built in 1974
  1. Three classroom addition
  2. 'Open concept' design re-configuration
  3. Energy management system update
  4. Replacement of the roofing, flooring, air handling unit, boiler, cooling tower and exterior paving
  5. Interior and exterior lighting
  6. Supplementary capital improvements

Spring Lake Magnet Elementary - Key Items to be Addressed - Built in 1975
  1. Ten classroom addition
  2. Energy management system update
  3. Replacement of the roofing, air handling unit and boiler
  4. Interior and exterior lighting
  5. Supplementary capital improvements
Middle Schools

Lewis & Clark Middle School - Key Items to be Addressed - Built in 1960
  1. Fifteen classroom addition
  2. Energy management system update
  3. Replacement of the air handling unit, fan coil unit, chiller, boiler and cooling tower
  4. Interior and exterior lighting
  5. Auditorium lights/rigging/sound
  6. Supplementary capital improvements

Morton Magnet Middle School - Key Items to be Addressed - Built in 1965
  1. Nine classroom addition
  2. Energy management system update
  3. Replacement of roofing, air handling unit, chiller and cooling tower
  4. Auditorium lights/rigging/sound
  5. Interior and exterior lighting
  6. Supplementary capital improvements
High Schools

Benson High Magnet School - Key Items to be Addressed - Built in 1926
  1. Energy management system update
  2. Replacement of the roofing, air handling unit, chiller and cooling tower
  3. Auditorium lights/rigging/sound
  4. Interior and exterior lighting
  5. Supplementary capital improvements

Bryan High School - Key Items to be Addressed - Built in 1971
  1. Energy management system update
  2. Replacement of the roofing, air handling unit, boiler and exterior paving
  3. Interior lighting
  4. Auditorium lights/rigging/sound
  5. Supplementary capital improvements

Burke High School - Key Items to be Addressed - Built in 1967
  1. Energy management system update
  2. Replacement of chiller, boiler, cooling tower and exterior paving
  3. Interior and exterior lighting
  4. Auditorium lights/rigging/sound
  5. Supplementary capital improvements

Central High School - Key Items to be Addressed - Built in 1900
  1. Energy management system update
  2. Replacement of the air handling system, windows, water heater and exterior paving
  3. Interior and exterior lighting
  4. Auditorium lights/rigging/sound
  5. Supplementary capital improvements

North High Magnet School - Key Items to be Addressed - Built in 1924
  1. Energy management system update
  2. Replacement of the roofing, air handling unit, flooring, water heater and exterior paving
  3. Interior and exterior lighting
  4. Auditorium lights/rigging/sound
  5. Supplementary capital improvements

Northwest High Magnet School - Key Items to be Addressed - Built in 1971
  1. Energy management system update
  2. Replacement of the roofing, air handling unit, boiler and exterior paving
  3. Interior and exterior lighting
  4. Auditorium lights/rigging/sound
  5. Supplementary capital improvements

South High Magnet School - Key Items to be Addressed - Built in 1925
  1. Energy management system update
  2. Replacement of the air handling unit, boiler, chiller, fan coil and roofing.
  3. Interior and exterior lighting
  4. Auditorium lights/rigging
  5. Supplementary capital improvements
Blackburn Alternative Program

Key Items to be Addressed - Built in 1923
  1. Replacement of the air handling unit, fan coil unit, chiller, boiler and exterior paving
  2. Auditorium lights/rigging/sound
  3. Interior and exterior lighting
  4. Supplementary capital replacements
Increase Capacity in High Growth Areas
New Elementary Schools
Two 600-student capacity elementary schools would be built in south Omaha.

1000 North Fort Crook Road

10th and Pine Streets


Projected estimated project cost for both schools: $42.9 million

New Middle School



A 1,000-student capacity middle school would be built in south Omaha.

42nd and U Streets

Projected estimated cost: $42.3 million
New High Schools
Two 1,500-student capacity high schools would
be built - one in south Omaha and one in northwest Omaha.

156th and Ida Streets
(A letter of intent was sent to the YMCA of Greater Omaha by the Board of Education to negotiate and enter into a written agreement to construct a shared facility, which would include a 6-lane pool at 156th and Ida Streets. The agreement is contingent upon the passing of the Phase 2 2018 bond referendum.)

60th and L Streets

Projected estimated cost for both schools:
$184.5 million
Why is a second bond necessary?
The 2014 bond issue addressed fire, life safety, security, technology upgrades, additions to some
some existing buildings to address capacity issues and replacement of existing buildings that
would have been too costly to renovate. This bond will help address continued growth the
district is experiencing in northwest and south Omaha and complete capital improvements needed at
nine elementary schools, two middle schools, the seven high schools and Blackburn Alternative
School. It would also allow the district to move the OPS Transition Program from its current
locations at the Paralyzed Veterans Program and the OPS Career Center to a new location.
Additionally, five new schools - two elementary, one middle and two high schools would be built.

What demographics were taken into consideration to help the Board of Education make their
decisions?
E lementary school demographic considerations:
  1. The 2017-2018 kindergarten class size is the largest since 1970
  2. K-5 growth is up 2.2 percent over the last seven years
  3. K-5 neighborhood population attending regular school over the last seven years has increased more than 4 percent in south Omaha and 3 percent in north Omaha. It has decreased over 3 percent in west Omaha.
  4. K-5 growth is projected to increase 3 to 4 percent over the next five to seven years

Middle school demographic considerations:
  1. 6-8 enrollment is up 11.6 percent over the last seven years
  2. 6-8 neighborhood population attending regular school over the last seven years has increased nearly 17 percent in south Omaha, 13 percent in north Omaha and 4 percent in west Omaha
  3. 6-8 growth is projected to increase by 3 to 4 percent over the next five years

High school demographic considerations:
  1. 9-12 enrollment is up 6.6 percent over the last seven years
  2. 9-12 neighborhood population attending regular schools over the last seven years has increased by 19 percent in south Omaha, 2 percent in north Omaha and 9 percent in west Omaha
  3. 9-12 population is projected to increase by 7 percent over the next five years

How much will this bond referendum raise property taxes?
The owner of a $150,000 home would see their OPS share of property taxes go up $105 a year,
which equates to $2.01 per week - less than the cost of a gallon of milk.

When will voters decide whether to approve the bond referendum?
During the May 15, 2018 primary election. A simple majority is required to pass it.

Who will oversee the district's second bond program to make certain the work is being completed on time and on budget?
The Citizens' Oversight Committee will continue to oversee the work being completed and ensure
the district remains within the budget.

Will completion of the second bond issue eliminate the need for portables?
The first bond issue eliminated 60 elementary portable, 23 middle school portables and 12 high
school portables. The second bond issue will also help eliminate additional portables at each
grade level, but will not completely eliminate all portables.

How long will it take to complete the work?
Bond work typically spans a five year period.
The OPS 2014 bond program continues to be on schedule and on budget. Jacobs Engineering Group recently upgraded to a new software - Tableau - to make navigating through information easier. To view the progress of the full bond program, please visit http://bond.ops.org/.
New J.P. Lord School

The new J.P. Lord Alternative School is moving forward on schedule and is set to be complete by April of 2018. Anticipated move into the building will take place in May.

The 45,000 square-foot building sits on 10-acres and will have eight classrooms, art, music and physical education rooms, a library, a multi-sensory room and an 8 by 12-foot hydrotherapy pool donated by the Omaha Volunteers for Handicapped Children. Additional features will include a ceiling-mounted lift system to assist staff in transferring students and a covered drop-off canopy to protect students from inclement weather as they arrive at school.

$3.4 million of the project was funded by the OPS 2014 bond program and $6.6 million from a relocation agreement with the University of Nebraska Medical Center and Nebraska Medicine.

This state-of-the-art facility is the first of its kind in the nation and will likely be a model for other districts that serve students with disabilities in the years to come.
Gilder Elementary Renovations

The Gilder scope of work includes fire, life safety, security and technology upgrades, capital improvements and an addition to increase capacity by 12 classrooms. The plan provides air conditioning to the entire building.

Key items to be addressed:
  • Key card access system installation
  • Improve bus/parent drop-off locations
  • Fire alarm system replacement
  • Safe area construction
  • Interior door and hardware replacement
  • Fire sprinkler installation
  • Emergency lighting system replacement
  • Video intercom system installation
  • Security alarm system installation
  • Damaged carpet replacement
  • Roofing replacement
  • Exterior aluminum window replacements

Currently, work is being completed to convert the library into classrooms, renovate the gym, complete a new library/media center and add new administrative offices in the new front entry.

Estimated projected cost: $9.5 million
Hartman Elementary
Renovations

The scope of work includes fire, life safety, security and technology upgrades, capital improvements and central air conditioning to the entire building.

Key items that will be addressed include:
  • Four classroom addition
  • Installation of a key card access system, video intercom system, media retrieval system, fire sprinkler system and an energy management system
  • Replacement of emergency lighting, emergency generator, exterior metal doors, exterior windows, interior door and hardware and roof
  • Bus/parent drop-off area improvements

Construction is set to begin in the spring of 2018 and expected to be completed in the fall of 2019.

Estimated projected cost: $9.2 million

Laura Dodge Elementary
Renovations

The scope of work includes fire, life safety, security and technology upgrades, capital improvements and central air conditioning to the entire building.

Key items that will be addressed include:
  • Safe area construction
  • Installation of a fire alarm system, security alarm, key card access system, energy management system and fire sprinkler system
  • Replacement of interior doors and hardware, interior lights, exterior metal doors, emergency generator, damaged carpeting and built-up roofing

Construction is set to begin in the spring of 2018 and is expected to be completed in the fall of 2019.

Estimated projected cost: $7.6 million 
Beveridge Magnet to Hold Dedication/Ribbon
Cutting Ceremony
Beveridge Magnet Middle School (1616 S. 120th St.) will celebrate the completion of its 2014 bond project with a dedication/ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday, April 19 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Please mark your calendars for this important event!
Inclement Weather Announcements
District Communications Office
2018 Early Childhood Application Days
Curriculum and Instruction Support
For a complete list of dates, locations and times click here .

Parents should bring a legal birth certificate, proof of family income for the previous 12 months
(TAN/ADC, SSI, Child Support, 1040, W-2s, 8453, Self-Declaration, 12 month of check stubs,
employment letter, etc. Child should accompany parents to the registration.

For questions regarding the Early Childhood program, please click here or call the Early Childhood
Office at (531) 299-9661.

We look forward to seeing you!
2018 Kindergarten Roundup  
Curriculum and Instruction Support

For parents who missed kindergarten roundup, you may still register your child at their home school or at the Student Placement Office located on the third floor of the Teacher Administrative Center (3215 Cuming St.).

Parents should bring a legal birth certificate, complete immunization records, proof of address and
a social security card, if their child has one. To find your neighborhood school, click here

For questions regarding the District's Partner Plan, please contact the Student Placement Office at
(531) 299-0302, or visit the website at http://sap.ops.org/ 

We look forward to seeing you!
Gifted and Talented Events Schedule
Curriculum and Instruction Support

Middle School Book Blasters - Wednesday, Feb. 28 at UNO
Elementary Golden Sower Competition Play-offs - Friday, March 23 at Girls Inc
Middle School Quiz Bowl Championship - Tuesday, March 27 at UNO
Middle School Academic Pentathlon Super Quiz and State Awards, Thursday, April 12 at TAC
Middle School Spring Poetry Slam - Tuesday, April 24 (Venue TBD)
Title I Events
Curriculum and Instruction Support

Parent University: Leadership and Academic Success
Gomez Heritage Elementary, April 3, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Omaha South High Magnet, May 1, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
THIRD QUARTER

Middle/High School Conferences - No school for middle and high school students
Feb. 15, 2018

Middle/High School Teacher Work Day - No school for middle and high school students
Feb. 16, 2018

President's Day - Non-student Day
Feb. 19, 2018
Teacher Administrative Center Closed

Board of Education Meeting (This is a Wednesday meeting due to President's Day.)
Feb. 21, 2018
6:30 p.m.
Teacher Administrative Center

Elementary TEAM Planning Day/Conferences - No school for elementary students
March 8, 2018

Elementary Teacher Work Day - No school for elementary students
March 9, 2018

Third Quarter Ends
March 9, 2018

Spring Recess
March 12 - 16, 2018

To see the complete calendar, please click here .

OPS 2018-2019 School Calendar

The 2018-2019 school calendar is now available. To see it, please click here .
The Omaha Public Schools' Community Opportunities is a monthly publication where businesses and non-profit organizations can post advertisements for our parents to let them know of student and family opportunities taking place in the Metro area. The publications goes live on our website the first school day of each month. If you would like to see this month's ads, please click on the link below:

Omaha Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), marital status, sexual orientation, disability, age, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation or economic status in its programs, activities and employment and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following individual has been designated to accept allegations regarding non-discrimination policies: Superintendent of Schools, 3215 Cuming Street, Omaha, NE 68131 (531) 299-9822. The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Director for the Office of Equity and Diversity, 3215 Cuming St, Omaha, NE 68131 (531) 299-0307.