April 3, 2017 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

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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The video celebrates the district successes. The video highlights what it means for our students, teachers and staff to be OPSProud. From rising test scores, to community partnerships, athletic achievements and 21^st century technology in the classrooms; this video shows how students are learning and thriving in and outside of the classroom. You'll also witness the passion and commitment from our teachers and staff to ensure every student, every day, prepared for success. 

 

The video is broken into 8 parts:

-Test scores

-Partnerships

-Technology

-Arts

-Athletics

-IB World School

-Scholarships

-What Makes You OPSProud? 

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

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

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April 3, 2017

 

 

 

 

 

Board of Education

Omaha, Nebraska

 

Members of the Board of Education:

It is recommended that the probationary staff whose names appear on the attached list be re-elected for teaching, nursing and administrative services respectively in the Omaha Public Schools for the school year 2017-2018, subject to the provisions of the salary schedules in force for the school year 2017-2018 and the Policies and Regulations of Douglas County School District No. 001.

Respectfully Submitted,

 

 

 

 

Charles Wakefield

Chief Human Resource Officer

Rationale:  The Committee on Claims met on 4/03/2017 and approved the audit of claims conducted by the Secretary to the Board of Education. 

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Agenda Item for the April 3, 2017, Board meeting

Sale of Property at 307 N 33rd Street.  Staff recommends approval of the Purchase Offer submitted by Robert Linden for BOR Incorporated for purchase of the real property and improvements owned by the District at 307 North 33rd Street, Omaha, Nebraska, and legally described as follows:

Lot 13, Block 1, Hawthorne Addition, an Addition to the City of Omaha, as surveyed platted and recorded in Douglas County, Nebraska.

This property was declared surplus and authorized for sale by the Board of Education at its meeting on December 12, 2016, and was listed for sale with RE/MAX Results.  Multiple purchase offers were received and evaluated by legal counsel and other District staff in making this recommendation.

It is further recommended that the Secretary to the Board of Education, Matthew Ray, and the President of the Board of Education, Lacey Merica, be authorized to sign, on behalf of the District, the Purchase Offer and all other documents required in connection with the purchase of the property.

The Purchase Offer has been approved for legal sufficiency by legal counsel. 

Rationale:  Kindergarten materials are requested for purchase for summer of 2017.

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Appointment to Omaha Public Schools Foundation Board of Directors:

Herman Colvin

Antonio Espejo

Nancy M. Oberst

Theresa Barron-McKeagney

Tiffanie T. McCowin

Alberto Varas

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Central Office recommends an overall 1% increase in 2017-18 insurance coverage premiums.  Negotiated property limits increased by $42 million with a flat premium.   Property coverages effective 5-1-17 will remain at the current $250,000 deductible leaving the loss limit at $550 million for the same annual premium.  This represents an actual rate reduction of 2% and no premium increase.  Crime Insurance premiums increased by 2.7% due to adding social engineering coverage, an increase in employee count and a small rate increase.  General Liability, Auto Liability, Medical Malpractice & Broadcasters Liability premiums increased by 2.5% due to student count, employee count and exposure increases.  Cyber & Network Security Liability premiums decreased by 14.7% due to a rate reduction and risk reduction due to proactive IT security.

Rationale:  Central Office Staff will provided a recommendation for the 32nd & Burt Elementary Attendance Area. 

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The following polices are being provided as Information out of the Policy Committee.   The polices will be brought as first reading at the April 17th Board Meeting. 

2150 – School Year
3011 – Fund Balance Reporting
4029 – Absence from Meetings
4030 – Calls to 911 Emergency Service
4031 – Dates of Payment of Salaries
4390 – Group Term Life Insurance
4400 – Long-Term Disability Program
5407 – Student Interviews
5426 – Student Data
5700 – Do Not Resuscitate/Do Not Intubate (DNR/DNI) Requests
7000 – Purchasing and Contracting Policies
7003- Construction Manager at Risk Policies
7004 – Care of School Property and Assets

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.

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The Accountability Committee will lead a discussion and possible action related to next steps in the search for an Interim Superintendent.

 

Option A:   Attempt to hire a superintendent for the 2017-18 school year.

Option B:  Proceed to hire an Interim Superintendent for the 2017-18 school year.

Interim Superintendent Search

Submit Application by:  (Possible dates April 10  or April 17)

1. Resume

2. Cover letter

3. References/Reference Letter

Applications go the Board of Education

Information and Action taken to the Board to select Interim Superintendent.  (Possible dates April 17 or May 1)

Option C:  Discuss other potential options. 

 

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.