March 7, 2023

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

The #OPSProud Spotlight recognized Marrs Middle and South High students who won the local 2023 African American History Challenge, sponsored by 100 Black Men of Omaha. Both teams will compete at nationals this summer.

Approval of Fifth Amendment to Contract for Bus Transportation with Student Transportation of America to Exercise the Option Year for the 2023-2024 School Year ($13,999,982.30)

In April 2019, the Board approved the current contract for transportation services. Last night, Charles Wakefield, chief officer of operations and talent, presented to the Board regarding extending the Student Transportation of America (STA) contract for one year.

Our district believes that exercising the option year and the additional supports implemented will provide families with the best possible service in 2023-24.

The approved amendment calls for changes to the previously approved contract and amendments. The changes include:

• The original contract allows for an optional two-year extension. The optional extension will be reduced to one-year.
• The one-year extension will allow our district to make changes for next year and bid full services at that time.
• Omaha Public Schools will waive fleet age requirements.
• Our district will move call support to one location to handle Omaha Public Schools and STA transportation calls. Our district will take on this service to provide more consistent service to our families.
• STA agrees to waive the surcharge for decreased buses needed due to their inability to cover all routes.
• STA agrees to fill the STA Liaison position by Aug. 1 or reimburse Omaha Public Schools.
• Omaha Public Schools and STA agree to raise STA driver pay to at least $23 per hour beginning Aug. 2023 and include an approximately five percent increase in service rate that will be charged to our district.

Approval of Curriculum Alignment for Elementary, Middle and High School Computer Science and Technology Requirements for all Nebraska Schools

Curriculum and Instruction Support staff recommended to our Board the alignment of elementary, middle and high school computer science and technology courses and sequence to align with state content standards. 

Last year, the Nebraska Legislature passed LB1112, which requires schools to offer computer science and technology courses at elementary and middle schools by 2024-25. In fall 2025, all districts will begin providing annual computer science and technology education status reports to the Nebraska Department of Education. By 2026-27, all high school students must take a one-semester course for graduation.

Omaha Public Schools offers computer science classes at all levels and will continue expanding to meet all requirements. 

The Board approved the recommendation. Staff will work to select resources that align with the standards, inventory and purchase any necessary devices, update curriculum guides and provide professional learning.

Approval of the Report of the Legislative Committee Including Recommended Legislative Positions

The Board Legislative Committee updated the Board regarding where bills are currently in the Nebraska Legislature.

The committee provided recommendations for bills based on their potential impact on Omaha Public Schools. The Board approved the recommended positions.

The Board Legislative Committee will continue to monitor bills and will review any adjustments. As adjustments to bills are made, the Omaha Public Schools position may also change.

Approval of Agreement and Superintendent Pay Transparency Notice for Matthew Ray to Serve as Interim Superintendent

Our Board of Education approved an agreement with Mr. Matthew Ray to serve as interim superintendent of Omaha Public Schools. Mr. Ray will begin in the role on July 1.

Mr. Ray shared, "I want to thank Dr. Logan for her ongoing support as we work towards a successful transition. She is committed; I am committed. We speak daily. There is no doubt this will be a success."

It is Omaha Public Schools priority to keep you informed through the search process. We value the voices of our students, staff and families. As we plan the search timeline, look for regular updates and opportunities to engage. The latest news and information will always be posted to ops.org/superintendentsearch. Omaha Public Schools will also share updates in direct emails, Inside OPS, staff newsletters, social media and news media.

Approval of Transition Services Agreement with Matthew Ray

Previous leadership transitions called on leaders to have days within our district to ensure a smooth transition. The transition responsibilities will occur daily with Mr. Ray already working for Omaha Public Schools. The Board of Education approved an additional agreement with Mr. Ray for his expanded role and work through the transition. The agreement covers the additional transition responsibilities and lasts from April 1 through June 30. 

College & Career Academies and Pathways Update from South High

South High staff and a student representative provided an update on their implementation of College & Career Academies and Pathways. The team shared an overview of each of their pathways and student opportunities.

Freshman Academy

Each student at South High begins their high school career in Freshman Academy. Students are grouped into four teams based on the components of their academic seal. Freshman Academy offers unique opportunities like Packer Partners, parent jumpstart and service learning projects. Students in Freshman Academy also learn about our district's Portrait of a Graduate and social-emotional learning.

During Freshman Academy, students choose a pathway among these overarching areas of study:

• Media Arts
• Performing & Fine Arts, or
• Technology & Data

In addition to the pathways, South High also offers the only high school dual language program in the state. Last year, 41 students earned the Seal of Biliteracy. South High staff hope this number grows year over year. In the fall of 2023, they will also begin implementing Cambridge. Cambridge is an advanced academic offering that helps prepare students for the next phase of life with a global focus. 

Next Omaha Public Schools Board of Education Meeting

The next regularly scheduled Board Meeting is tentatively scheduled for March 20, 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.