Hello,
As we began a new chapter together last week, I shared with our Omaha Public Schools staff how thankful I am to serve.
As a parent of three Omaha Public Schools graduates, I know we offer one-of-a-kind opportunities in Nebraska’s largest school district. We have a committed, professional staff of 9,000 people. We’re stronger because of Omaha’s community support. Even in summer, we’re serving 15,000 students through Next Level Learning.
Thank you to our Board of Education for this opportunity, to Dr. Logan for her service and the strong transition, and to you for being on our team. Every one of us contributes to the instruction of 52,000 students. We count on our families and community as partners.
I’ve been lucky to spend my entire career with the Omaha Public Schools. All 27 years, from student teaching to beginning as your interim superintendent. It is an honor.
Even in a new chapter, we know the work ahead of us. We’re ready for the 2023-24 school year. I’m excited to see what we can accomplish together.
Matthew Ray
Interim Superintendent
Omaha Public Schools
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Omaha Public Schools Delivers on New, Improved Learning Spaces for Students |
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Hundreds of students will fill classrooms at Bluestem Middle in a few weeks. It’s Omaha Public Schools last of five new schools to open in two years. Several miles away, students and staff at Spring Lake Elementary will start the school year with new and improved classrooms and other upgrades.
“There are a lot of little details that enhance our building and just make it ready for the next 15 or 20 years of students,” said Spring Lake Principal Katy Cattlett. “When the environment around you feels bright, welcoming and fresh, it really is going to set the stage for a wonderful school year to come.”
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“Everything we did, as far as improvements in the buildings, help staff and students,” said Brad Boganowski, who managed the projects for Omaha Public Schools. “Making sure the infrastructure works for each one of the buildings is important.”
Since 2018 alone, our district has completed nearly 25 projects, including five new schools and upgrades to existing buildings.
“The environment for our students is much better,” said Charles Wakefield, Omaha Public Schools chief officer of operations and talent services. “More consistent air conditioning and heating, more consistent lighting, a better foundation within our buildings to support our students.”
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At Morton Middle, our district updated heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems that were initially installed more than 60 years ago.
“We have new windows that open now and air-conditioning in the gym,” said Matthew Williams, Ed.D, Morton Middle principal. “It was fun to see how they seamlessly put together the 1960s into the 2020s.”
The Morton Middle project included 13 new classrooms designed with collaboration and flexibility in mind.
“You can do a lot with these spaces. One classroom can be a math or a science room,” said Dr. Williams. “You’re not stuck where you are anymore.”
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“I hear comments about Bluestem Middle, Westview High, Buena Vista High, Forest Station Elementary and Pine Elementary and staff are very proud to be there. Students love it. It’s a great environment for our kids,” said Wakefield.
Omaha Public Schools responsible fiscal management of the 2018 plan created an opportunity to invest nearly $4 million in additional commitments. Projects are expected to finish on time and within budget this fall.
“It’s exciting that we’re wrapping up this project and that the community trusts us to do this well,” said Wakefield. “I believe we have done it well and that the community is getting value for their investment.”
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Small and Emerging Businesses Benefit from Bond Program |
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Big Muddy Workshop has served Omaha for more than 30 years. In 2018, the landscaping business took on a new venture through the Omaha Public Schools Bond Economic Inclusion Program.
"It's helped us grow our business," said John Royster, president and CEO of Big Muddy Workshop. "It was a great way to
help build small businesses and let them grow. And, more importantly, share their expertise in Omaha."
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After voters approved the 2018 Bond Program, our district invited small and emerging businesses to participate. This allowed them to contribute to the development and improvement of schools in their community.
“It’s important to us that our community be involved in the bond project,” said Charles Wakefield, Omaha Public Schools chief officer of operations and talent services. “We wanted to give back to the community, our own families and help them in their small businesses as they’ve helped us.”
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Big Muddy Workshop’s expertise helped create beautiful and functional outdoor spaces for students and staff. Their team completed 15 projects for our district, including sidewalks, parking areas and landscaping.
“It’s been an interesting process, but in a positive way,” said Royster. “We were very fortunate to get to work on three of the brand-new schools.”
Since completing bond-related projects, Big Muddy Workshop has returned for additional jobs at Omaha Public Schools.
“It’s great to actually see something you worked on get built,” said Royster. “We’re very proud of all the projects we did.”
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School Improvement Projects Provide Valuable Experiences for Students |
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Buena Vista High’s library media center now features unique wall art one year after opening. Handcrafted tiles fill several large frames. Each tile showcases the work of Omaha Public Schools students.
“It was a collaboration project within the community,” said Carrie Carr, Ed.D., Buena Vista High principal. “I have worked with McCarthy on two projects now, and they have always worked to be connected with us. They want to know what's going on, they want to help, and ultimately want the best product for our kids."
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The tile project is among the thousands of learning experiences students enjoyed during the 2018 Bond Program.
“We enjoy the interaction with students when performing real-world experiences, as it provides a tangible learning experience,” said Jim Francois, McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. project director.
Alley Poyner Macchietto architects worked with Lewis and Clark Middle students on a community service project to fight homelessness. The project included designing tiny homes. DLR Group and Morrissey Engineering, Inc. collaborated to teach students mechanical and electrical engineering fundamentals.
Our district and construction and design partners have offered more than 7,400 student engagement opportunities since 2019. They included presentations, internships, field trips, classroom lessons and more.
“It generated a relationship where students were building their knowledge directly from subject matter experts,” said Ayanna Boykins, Omaha Public Schools economic inclusion and workforce development administrator.
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Several firms continue to play a vital role through service on high school academy and pathway advisory boards and committees. Some are assisting with mentoring programs.
“These examples outline how we can enhance career awareness, exploration, and experience by incorporating the expertise of community partners into daily coursework,” Boykins said.
While student engagement projects allowed students to learn from industry experts, they also offered a chance to explore future careers. Boykins hopes establishing these relationships now will benefit our students and community for many years.
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“The intention is that our partners will remain engaged and hold a vested interest in the success of Omaha Public Schools students and schools,” she said. |
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Matthew Ray Begins New Role as Interim Superintendent |
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On July 1, Matthew Ray began his role as the Omaha Public Schools interim superintendent. From student teaching to deputy superintendent, Mr. Ray has served in the Omaha Public Schools for his entire 27-year career.
To learn more about the ongoing superintendent search, visit www.ops.org/superintendentsearch. The latest information will always be posted directly there for our community.
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Check out this month's Community Opportunities. Our Community Opportunities section provides a one-stop shop for youth and family events.
Omaha Public Schools does not endorse any business, product or service.
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… to Chuol Chuol, Joey DeSantiago, Henry Gregor and Dontel McNeil of Marrs Middle for winning first place in the Junior Division of the National African American History Challenge Competition.
… to Sierra Thomas and McKenzie James of South High for placing second in the Senior Division of the National African American History Challenge Competition.
… to all Omaha Public Schools students for surpassing their goal of 2,000,000 minutes in our Summer Reading Challenge.
… to all Omaha Public Schools students who placed in the 2023 Educators Rising National Conference.
- Zackary Bursh, Northwest High
- Itzel Montoya Hernandez, Bryan High
- Vincent Minard, North High
… to District Communications staff for earning digital and publication awards from the National School Public Relations Association for:
- Inside OPS Newsletter
- Social Media Campaign
- Video
- District Communications also received a Golden Achievement award for the 2022-23 Comprehensive Communications Plan.
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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. |
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