February 22, 2017 at 6:30 PM - Omaha Public Schools Board of Education and Educational Service Unit 19 Board Meeting

Rationale: 

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:  New Board Member, Shavonna Holman, took the Oath of Office on Monday, February 13, 2017.   The Oath was witnessed by: Neiles-Brasch, Ray. 

Rationale:  Led by

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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Board of Education School Spotlight – February 22, 2017

Madam President, members of the Board, our School Spotlight is on Beveridge Magnet Middle School and Burke High School.  

On February 4, middle school and high school students across the Omaha area competed in the 17^th Annual African American History Challenge. We’re happy to announce that in the junior division the Beveridge Magnet Middle School team placed first and in the senior division the Burke High School team placed first. 

We also recognize the other OPS teams who competed. In the junior division Davis Middle School placed 2^nd and Nathan Hale Magnet came in 3^rd place. In the senior division, Benson High School placed 2^nd. We congratulate all of the students for their accomplishments.

We now welcome assistant principal Michaela Jackson representing Beveridge and Dr. Walters, coach and assistant principal representing Burke High.

Rationale:  The Treasurer's Report for January 2017 is attached for review

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 Educational Service Unit No. 19 be approved as presented by the central administrative staff.

 

Rationale:  The Committee on Claims met on 2/22/2017 and approved the audit of claims conducted by the Secretary to the Board of Education. 

Rationale:  The Omaha Public Schools recognize that teachers require support as they face the challenge of effectively teaching diverse students in their classrooms. Various methods of cultural competency/proficiency have been offered to assist teachers as they work in a culturally diverse district.  The Minnesota Humanities Center Education Initiative offers a number of programs which align with OPS' Strategic Plan.  OPS desires to enter into an Affiliation Agreement with the Minnesota Humanities Center to outline the processes to be followed as well as the rights and responsibilities of the parties when scheduling such educational programs.

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Approval of the 2017-2019 Audit Contract with Seim Johnson

Central administration staff recommends the District enter external audit contract with Seim Johnson for the 2017-2019 fiscal years.  The audit will be scheduled for completion by November 5^th each year.  The contract costs are as follows:

                                                                                     2017              2018                2019

Douglas County School District                                   $124,000          124,000          124,000

Educational Service Unit No. 19                                      11,600            11,600            11,600

KIOS-FM Radio Station                                                    7,500              7,500              7,500

Total Estimated Fees                                                  $143,100          143,100          143,100

Annual Change                                                                   0%                0%                  0%

Out of pocket expenses, primarily printing,
postage and computer charges not to exceed                      $500                500                500

                                                                                 $143,600          143,600         143,600
                                                                   

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OPS and Jacobs staff will be available to present an information update on the 2016-17 Omaha ACE Mentor Program, the Jacobs Bond Economic Inclusion Program, and District In-house Buildings & Grounds Economic Inclusion Program achievements.

Rationale:  To report on the collaboration of the OEA and Curriculum and Instruction Support to address assessment and plan time priority issues for early childhood teachers.

Rationale:  OPS and Jacobs staff will present an historical review of the development of the 2014 capital facilities bond issue and procedures in the consideration of a next capital facilities bond.

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

Rationale:  Committees of the Board of Education will provide a brief update.

Committees:
Accountability - Scheduled to meet on February 23, 2017
Budget and Audit - February 16, 2017
Communications
Policy - Scheduled to meet March 21, 2017
Americanism
Student Assignment Plan - Scheduled to meet on February 28, 2017
Legislative - February 10, 2017 and February 17, 2017
Construction Manager at Risk (CM@R)
Citizen Bond Oversight Committee (CBOC) - Met today, February 22, 2017
Code of Conduct - Scheduled to meet on February 27, 2017

Rationale:  The Board may vote on any items presented by the District Lobbyist, John Lindsay, and any bill currently in front of the Nebraska Legislature.

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.