July 24, 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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Madam President, members of the board, our #OPSProud Spotlight is on students who participated in the 2017 International Thespian Festival in Lincoln this summer. "Every summer, thousands of middle school and high school Thespians bring their love of all things theatre to the International Thespian Festival, a celebration of student achievement in the performing arts." The Festival is a one-of-a-kind, weeklong immersion experience in singing, dancing, acting, designing, directing, creating, and writing. Tonight, we’re recognizing Benson and Burke High School students who qualified to participate in the festival in June. First, we’d like to welcome to the podium Burke High School English teacher Emily Mokrycki, Dr. Walters and Betsy Foy. Following them three Benson students, Mr. Wagner and Benson High School’s drama teacher Erienne Wredt will take the podium.  

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The Treasurer's Report for June 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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The Committee on Claims met on 7/24/2017 and approved the audit of claims conducted by the Secretary to the Board of Education. 

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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

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Contract  for Communication Support:  This contract agreement provides for the full service communication support on an as needed basis throughout the school year. 

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Central administration staff recommends the District enter into 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 attached.

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In December 2016, the National School Public Relations Association conducted an audit of communications across the district. OPS board members, district staff, families and community members participated in focus groups to share their input. NSPRA will present the findings of their audit to the Board of Education. The final report includes a synopsis of findings, as well as a set of recommendations on how the district can improve and enhance communication protocols, practices and programs.

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The attached policies have been reviewed by the Policy Committee. The Policy Committee voted 3 to 1 to forward the attached policies to the full Board for information.   Policy changes will be brought forth at a future Board of Education Meeting for first reading. 

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The District is exercising option year one to renew the Educational Products and Services Agreement with K12 Classroom LLC.

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Staff recommends the approval of the School Resource Officer Program Memorandum of Understanding with the City of Bellevue to assign one uniformed Police Officer to Bryan Middle School and one uniformed Police Officer to Bryan High School as the School Resource Officers from August 1, 2016 to July 31, 2019.

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.