Dec. 13, 2022

Following each Board of Education meeting, the Office of District Communications recaps the board meeting in the Board Digest.

The #OPSProud Spotlight celebrates Omaha Public Schools students selected for Nebraska All-State High School Ensembles. To see the complete list of winners, check out our staff and student accomplishments from Nov. 14.

College & Career Academies and Pathways Update from North High

North High staff and students provided an update on their implementation of College & Career Academies and Pathways. The team shared an overview of each of their academies and student opportunities. In addition, they shared their experience in obtaining national model status recognition of their Engineering and Design Academy through the National Career Academy Coalition (NCAC) in spring 2022.

Prior to College & Career Academies and Pathways, North High had one academy which only a few students could participate. Through expanding access, North is now a wall-to-wall academy school. North High offers three academies plus Freshman Academy. All students participate in the small learning communities, experiential learning and capstone projects.

North High staff continue to use the lessons learned from the Engineering and Design Academy to build on the success of all academies.

Approval of Annual Audit Reports for Douglas County School District #0001, Educational Service Unit No. 19, and KIOS-FM Radio

A representative from Eide Bailly presented for review and acceptance the 2021-2022 Annual Audit Reports for Douglas County School District #0001, Educational Service Unit No. 19, and KIOS-FM Radio. The Board approved the audits.

To view the presentation, click here.

The following documents were shared with the Board.

• ESU 19 Financial Statements
• ESU 19 Report
• KIOS Financial Statements
• KIOS Report
• Omaha Public Schools Financial Statements
• Omaha Public Schools Report

Approval of Recommended Changes to Transportation Eligibility 

Our district's priority is to provide reliable transportation to and from school. Staff recommended adjustments to transportation eligibility beginning with the 2023-24 school year to meet that goal. The Board approved the recommended changes to transportation eligibility.

Beginning with the 2023-24 school year, the following updates will be implemented:

• Adjusting the home-to-school distance to be eligible for transportation:
• Elementary: from one mile to 1.5 miles
• Middle: from 1.5 miles to two miles
• Expanding the home-to-bus stop distance by two blocks at each grade level:
• Elementary: from two to four blocks 
• Middle: from four to six blocks 
• High: from six to eight blocks 
• Maximizing efficiency through the number of students scheduled per bus.  
• The plan also creates transportation hubs for Wilson Focus Elementary families.

For more information, visit the transportation updates family information website.

First Reading of Policies 5421, 5422, 5427, 5503, 5506, 5601, and 5700

Board of Education Policy Committee recommends changes to the following district policies:

5421 - Use of Restraint and Seclusion 

5422 - Service Animals

5427 - Therapy Animals

5503 - Use of School Buses

5506 - Safe Pupil Transportation Plan

5601 - Asthma and Allergic Reaction Protocol

5700 - Do Not Resuscitate/Do Not Intubate (DNR/DNI) Requests

Policy updates will come before the Board at a future meeting for a second reading.

Next Omaha Public Schools Board of Education Meeting

The next regularly scheduled Board Meeting is tentatively scheduled for Jan. 5, 2023. It is tentatively scheduled to start at 6 p.m.

Board of Education Agenda

To review previous Board of Education agendas, click here. If you have trouble accessing direct links, please access the entire Board of Education Agenda to view presentations and other documents.

How Can I Watch a Previous Board of Education Meeting?

The video from the meeting will be available by Wednesday at noon following the meeting. The video can be viewed by clicking here.