December 12, 2016 at 6:30 PM - Omaha Public Schools Board of Education and Educational Service Unit 19 Board Meeting

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Notice to visitors: If you wish to speak, please obtain a “Request to be Heard” form from the entry table and return the completed form to the table attendant or the Board of Education Director.

The agenda will be kept current and available for public inspection in the office of the Secretary of the Board of Education at the Administrative Building during regular working hours. 

Board members may request specific agenda item(s) be moved to a different place on the agenda.  Please attend the entire meeting to ensure you hear discussion on a particular agenda item.

Pursuant to Section 84-1412 of the Nebraska Statutes, the public is hereby informed that a current copy of the Nebraska Open Meetings Act is posted in the Board meeting room on the north wall.

Agenda items are subject to reordering at discretion of the board president, please attend the entire meeting to ensure you're able to hear any discussion. If you would like to rehear any discussion, please listen to our podcast located on the District Web Page, district.ops.org.

Rationale:  Led by Cub Scouts from Mid-America Council, Pack 308 - Den 4 and Den 7.

Rationale:  The Vision:  Every Student.  Every Day.  Prepared for Success.

The Mission:  Omaha Public Schools prepares all students to excel in college, career, and life.

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Madam President, members of the board, our School Spotlight is on Central High, Burke High and North High Magnet School.

Congratulations to seven OPS high school seniors who were selected as National Merit Semifinalists for the 2017 National Merit Scholarship Program.  We’d like to recognize Darrel Chew from Omaha North, Luke Keller and Fern Thaisetthawatkul from Omaha Burke, and Jacob Curley, Christopher Sheridan, Miles Kay, and Lucy Cordes from Central High School.

These academically talented students now have the opportunity to qualify as finalists of the National Merit Scholarship competition by meeting high academic standards and other application requirements. Finalists will be notified sometime in February 2017.

We salute these students for their academic achievements thus far and welcome Dr. Bennett, Mr. Haynes and Dr. Scraggs to the podium.

Rationale:  At this time, any Board member may request that any item in the consent agenda be removed from the consent agenda and be considered and voted on separately. 

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It is recommended that the claims for the School District of Omaha be approved as presented by the central administrative staff.

A.  CLAIMS REPORT A

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It is recommended that the claims for the School District of Omaha be approved as presented by the central administrative staff.

A.  CLAIMS REPORT B

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It is recommended that the claims for the School District of Omaha be approved as presented by the central administrative staff.

A.  CLAIMS REPORT C

Rationale:  It is recommended that the claims for Educational Service Unite No. 19 be approved as presented by the central administrative staff.

Rationale:  The Committee on Claims met on 12/12/2016 and approved the audit of claims conducted by the Secretary to the Board of Education. 

Rationale:  Representatives of Northwest High School will be present to request that the school’s auxiliary gymnasium, weight room, training room, and concession areas being renovated as a part of the 2014 Bond Issue be named in honor of Jack Hallstrom.

Rationale:  The Board President will provide an update on the Superintendent Search. 

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Presentation of 2015-2016 Audits

Staff and representatives from Seim Johnson L.L.P. will present for review and acceptance the 2015-2016 Annual Audits Reports of the Omaha Public School District, Educational Service Unit No. 19, KIOS-FM Radio Station, and Omaha, School Employees Retirement System.

Rationale:  The Omaha Board of Education is authorized by state statute to hold closed sessions.  Closed sessions may be held when clearly necessary for the protection of the public interest or for the prevention of needless injury to the reputation of an individual.  Reasons that meet this standard include but are not limited to:  (a) strategy sessions with respect to collective bargaining, real estate matters, pending litigation, or litigation which is imminent as evidenced by communication of a claim or threat of litigation to or by the public body; (b) discussion regarding deployment of security personnel or devices; (c) investigative proceedings regarding allegations of criminal misconduct; (d) evaluation of the job performance of a person when necessary to prevent needless injury to the reputation of a person and if such person has not requested a public meeting; and (e) legal advice.