June 22, 2023 at 6:00 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:  The Vision:  Every Student.  Every Day.  Prepared for Success.

The Mission:  To prepare all students for success in college, career, and life.

Rationale:  The Treasurer's Report for April 2023 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. 

Rationale:  Pursuant to Policy 7000, VII A., Administration requests approval of Amendment No. 001 to the existing Option and Lease Agreement with T-Mobile Central LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, for the communications tower at 12200 Burke Boulevard (Burke High School). Under Amendment No. 001, T-Mobile will conduct modifications to its communication tower shown on the exhibits to allow the cell company to install a new microwave dish, two (2) odu-radio units, and install four (4) 3/8" diameter hybrid coaxial cable lines connecting to existing base equipment. There is no cost to the District for these modifications.

Rationale:  FUND:     42 - 2018 Bond Program Proceeds Fund
PROGRAM:  2591 - Building & Grounds
DEPT:     0400020 - Adams Elementary School Facilities
PROJECT:  321520 - Adams Elementary School Project
SUPPLIER: The Weitz Company, LLC
POLICY:   7003, F.3.
AMOUNT:   $134,991.00

Pursuant to Policy 7003, F.3., Administration, Jacobs, and KPE Consulting Engineers, Inc. recommend approval of Amendment No. 004, which includes the addition of a secure front entry vestibule and associated interior building modifications for Adams Elementary School. This additional work is needed to improve the building’s safety and security operations. This work is being added for a guaranteed maximum price (GMP) of $134,991.00.

The Board approved the CMR Agreement with The Weitz Company, LLC on December 14, 2020, GMP Amendment No. 001 on March 15, 2021, GMP Amendment No. 002 on May 17, 2021, GMP Amendment No. 003 on July 14, 2022, and Change Order No. 001 on February 23, 2023. The addition of GMP Amendment No. 004 brings the current value of the CMR Agreement to a total amount of $1,914,174.12.
 

Rationale:  FUND:    4005 Nutrition Services Fund
PROGRAM: 2199 Other Student Support Services
DEPT:    7165000 Nutrition Services
SUPPLIER: Performance Foodservice - Omaha
POLICIES: 5417, 7000, IV.C.
AMOUNT: $18,409,000.00      
                
Administration recommends approval to award Bid No. 23-041 to enter into the attached contract with Performance Foodservice - Omaha for the purchase of Food and Paper Products for the 2023-2024 school year as a part of the District's healthy school breakfast and lunch program for all students under Board Policy 5417.  Performance Foodservice - Omaha, the only respondent, will provide selected food items and paper products used by students in the school lunch and breakfast programs. The total amount awarded to Performance Foodservice - Omaha is $18,409,000.00 for the 2023-2024 school year.

As part of the contract with Performance Foodservice - Omaha, Administration recommends approval of the attached agreement with NPPGOV.com for the 2023-2024 school year.  Performance Foodservice - Omaha requires Omaha Public Schools to join this food buying group in order to obtain the best possible pricing for food and supplies.
 

VENDOR	BID
Performance Foodservice - Omaha *	$18,409,000.00*

* Awarded low priced items meeting specifications from a compliant bidder.
Complete documentation is available in the office of District Operational Services.

Rationale:  Administration recommends approval to award Bid No. 23-043 to SprinTurf, LLC., the lowest compliant bidder, for synthetic turf replacement at North High School’s football field. This work includes all labor and materials for the removal of the existing artificial turf and the installation of new artificial turf, including rubber infill, striping for multiple sports, center field logo, and end zone text wording (NORTH). The existing field turf has reached the end of its service life and is due for replacement according to the District's track and turf replacement master plan.  The total price of the bid is $419,345.00.

Bids received were:

Contractor	Base Bid
SpinTurf, LLC.	*$419,345.00
Mid America Sports Const.	$555,896.00
ACT Global Americas Inc.	$428,515.00
Midwest Field Turf	$492,600.00

*Awarded low priced item meeting specifications from a compliant bidder.
                                                                 
For complete bid documentation, contact Philip.Connatser@ops.org.

Rationale:  FUND:       31 Special Building Fund
PROGRAM:    2591 Building and Sites
DEPT:       7166600 Schoolhouse Planning 
SUPPLIER:   Midwest Tennis and Track Co.
POLICIES:   7000, III.K, 7000, VII.A.
AMOUNT:     $241,750.00

Administration recommends approval to award Bid No. 23-044 to Midwest Tennis and Track Co., the lowest compliant bidder, for the replacement of the track surfacing at Bryan High School’s track. This work includes all labor and materials for the removal of the existing surface, preparation of the sub-surface, and installation of new surfacing, including striping to District standard. The existing track surface is no longer safe for competitive events and has reached the end of its service life.  
The contract will be presented at a future Board of Education meeting for approval. The total price of the bid is $241.750.00.

Bids received were:

Contractor	Base Bid
Midwest Tennis and Track Co.	*$241.750.00
Hellas	$406,171.00

*Awarded low priced item meeting specifications from a compliant bidder.                                                                        
For complete bid documentation, contact Philip.Connatser@ops.org.

Rationale:  FUND:       31 Special Building Fund
PROGRAM:    2591 Building and Sites
DEPT:       7166600 Schoolhouse Planning 
SUPPLIER:   Elk Ridge Construction Services LLC.
POLICIES:   7000, III.K, 7000, VII.A.
AMOUNT:     $104,509.70

Administration recommends approval to award Bid No. 23-045 to Elk Ridge Construction Services LLC., the lowest compliant bidder, for painting of the walls and ceiling at Bryan High School’s gym. This work includes all labor and materials for the preparation and painting of the wall and ceiling surfaces according to the specifications. The existing gym wall and ceiling paint is dated, inconsistent, and failing in locations. The gym flooring will be replaced soon, and it is recommended that the painting be completed before the new floor installation. The total price of the bid is $104,509.70.

Bids received were:

Contractor	Base Bid
Elk Ridge Construction Services LLC.	*$104,509.70
Royal Painting Group Inc.	$180,000.00
Rutalkn Construction	$118,750.00

*Awarded low priced item meeting specifications from a compliant bidder.
                                                                            
For complete bid documentation, contact Philip.Connatser@ops.org.

Rationale:  FUND:     1 & 175 General Fund reimbursed by Covid Federal Grants
PROGRAM:  2620 Maintenance School/District Buildings
DEPT. ID: 7166600 Schoolhouse Planning         
SUPPLIER: Hausmann Construction, Inc.
POLICIES: 7000, III.K, 7000, VII.A, 7000, VII.D
AMOUNT:   $ 6,981,300.00

Administration recommends approval to award bid No. 23-060 to Hausmann Construction, Inc. for the construction of a new addition at Benson High School. The design was approved by the Board of Education on November 28, 2022. The new addition will provide a new main entry into the building and clinical space which community partners will provide various health services to area students and provide healthcare education opportunities to the District. This project will be funded in part by ESSERS funds under Pillar 3 (Infrastructure for the Future).

Administration recommends awarding the base bid of $6,939,000.00 to Hausmann Construction, Inc., the low-compliant bidder, for approval.  Additionally, Administration recommends accepting alternate #3, which incorporates the installation of a large format projector in the entry atrium space in lieu of fixed graphics for the additional cost of $42,300.00. The request for and funding of alternate #3 has been secured by the Benson Alumni Foundation. There is no funding at this time to proceed with alternates #1 and #2, which were additional improvements requested by the School’s Foundation. The total cost of the project is $6,981,300.00.

Bids received were:

Vendor	Base Bid	Alt.#1	Alt.#2	Alt.#3
DR Anderson Const.	$7,101,124.00	$161,166.00	$44,385.00	$39,350.00
*Hausmann Const. Inc.	*$6,939,000.00	$121,300.00	$47,100.00	*$42,300.00
Kingery Construction	$6,960,000.00	$92,000.00	$45,000.00	$47,000.00
Midwest DCM	$7,415,000.00	$18,830.00	$53,648.00	$63,100.00

Rationale:  FUND:     31 Special Building Fund
PROGRAM:  2510 Business Support Services   
DEPT:     7166600 Schoolhouse Planning
POLICY:   7000, IV., C
SUPPLIER: 7er Construction
AMOUNT:   $1,812,241.00

Administration recommends awarding Bid No. 23-066 to 7er Construction, the only bidder, for the renovation, will convert existing industrial tech labs, athletic training, and storage space to provide a new weight and strength training facility at Northwest High School. Administration also recommends accepting alternate #1, which incorporates the installation of ceiling fans in the weight training room, for an additional $6,209.00 and alternate #2, which incorporates the installation of vinyl wall graphics on the walls in the CTE Labs, for an additional cost of $8,032.00. Administration recommends rejecting Alternate #3, for the addition of a window between the CTE lab and vestibule due to being outside of the existing budget. The weight room will be used instructionally for physical education classes as well as for student-athletes.   

The total price of the bid award is $1,812,241.00

Bids received were:

Supplier	Base Bid	Alt #1	Alt #2	Alt #3
*7er Construction	*$1,798,000.00	*$6,209.00	*$8,032.00	$52,158.00

Rationale:  FUND:      4005   Nutrition Services Fund
PROGRAM:   2510   Business Support Services
DEPT:      7165000  Nutrition Services Admin.
SUPPLIER:  The Brenmar Company.
POLICIES: 7000, III.C., 7000, VII.A.
AMOUNT: $56,896.00                       

Administration recommends approval to award Bid No. 23-068 to The Brenmar Company for two thousand eight hundred (2,800) cases of T-Shirt Style Bags.
Brenmar Company was the low bidder at $20.32 per case. These bags are used for the Nutrition Services breakfast and lunch programs, field trips, and Grab-N-Go breakfast for students.  The total cost for the bags is $56,896.00.
 

Supplier	Price per Case                (1000 bags per case)	Total
*The Brenmar Company	$20.32	$56,896.00
Carpenter Paper Company	$30.01	$84,028.00
Fyre Marketing	$28.99	$81,172.00
Nitsom Promotional Manufacturing	$25.90	$72,520.00
RTI	$100.00	$280,000.00
Unipak	$89.50	$250,600.00

*awarded low-priced item meeting specifications from a compliant bidder 

For complete bid documentation, contact Eduardo.Acosta@ops.org.

Rationale:  FUND:     31 Special Building Fund
PROGRAM:  2510 Business Support Services
DEPT:     7166600 Schoolhouse Planning              
SUPPLIER: Commercial Flooring Systems
POLICY:   7000, IV., C
AMOUNT:   $175,940.00

Administration recommends approval to Award Bid No. 23-069 to Commercial Flooring Systems for the purchase and installation of carpet and floor tile at Indian Hill Elementary. This project will replace flooring in all classrooms, common learning spaces, administrative and health offices, which have reached the end of their service life. The project does not include the replacement of specialty and hard surfaces such as flooring at the gym, multiuse rooms, storage rooms, restrooms, stairwells, and corridors which are still maintainable.
 
Commercial Flooring Systems was the only bidder. The total price of the contract is $175,940.00.

Bids received were:

Vendor	Base Bid
*Commercial Flooring Systems	*$175,940.00

Rationale:  FUND:     31 Special Building Fund
PROGRAM:  2510 Business Support Services   
DEPT:     7166600 Schoolhouse Planning
SUPPLIER: Commercial Flooring Systems
POLICY:   7000, IV.C
AMOUNT:   $150,925.00

Administration recommends approval to Award Bid No. 23-070 to Commercial Flooring Systems, the low bidder, to purchase and install carpet and floor tile at Miller Park Elementary. This project will replace flooring in classrooms, common learning spaces, administrative, Media Center, storage rooms, corridors, and health offices, which have reached the end of their service life. The replacement does not include specialty and hard surface flooring found in the gym, multi-use rooms, and restrooms which are still within their useful life. Additionally, Administration recommends approval of bid alternate #1 of $20,975.00, which adds the replacement of rubber tread in the two main stairwells.
 
The total price of the bid award is $150,925.00.

Bids received were:

Vendor	Base Bid	Alternate #1
*Commercial Flooring Systems	*$129,950.00	*$20,975.00
Workspace Flooring	$158,943.00	$19,342.00

Rationale:  FUND:     31 Special Building Fund
PROGRAM:  2510 Business Support Services
DEPT:     7166600 Schoolhouse Planning         
SUPPLIER: Downs Electric, Inc.
POLICY:   7000, IV.C
AMOUNT:   $2,536,512.00

Administration recommends approval to Award Bid No. 23-081 to Downs Electric, Inc. for the renovation and improvement project of the Board/Training Room at the Teacher Administrative Center. This project includes the renovation of the floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, HVAC system, and the installation of a new audio-visual production and presentation system for the Board/Training Room. These improvements will replace out-of-date lighting, finishes, production, and display systems, as well as improve the room’s versatility to be used in District staff training, student events and community meetings. Administration does not recommend proceeding with Alternate #1, which would extend the time allowed to meet substantial completion, causing the relocation of the Board of Education for an additional 2 meetings.   
 
The total price of the bid award is $2,536,512.00.

Bids received were:

Vendor	Base Bid	Alternate #1
*Downs Electric Inc.	*$2,536,512.00	-$16,000.00
Midwest DCM	$2,600,000.00	$0

Rationale:  FUND: 1 General
PROGRAM: 2150 Student Safety
DEPARTMENT: 7105700 School Safety
SUPPLIER: American Security LLC and Lions Gate Security Solutions Inc
Policy: 7000
Amount: $646,458.56 (estimated) (American Security for School and Facility Security Services)
              $90,000.00 (estimated) (Lions Gate Security Solutions Inc. for Contracted Security Screening Services)

Administration recommends approval to award RFP PO12-23 and enter into an agreement with American Security, LLC for school and facility security services for substitute contracted security officers. Three companies presented bids for this service. Aquila was the lowest bidder, but Administration cannot recommend them as they do not currently have a presence in Nebraska nor any hired security officers already under contract. Administration does not believe that they can recruit, hire, and train the appropriate number of staff in time to provide support in August. American Security was the next lowest bidder at $42.71 per hour per contracted security officer provided during the 2023-2024 school year. Based on current usage, the projected total cost for 2023-2024 is $646,458.56 for eleven daily contracted security officers. The contract will be for one year with two successive one-year options to extend the term at the sole discretion of the District.  If the District chooses to extend the term of the Agreement, the rates increase in 2024-2025 to $43.80 per hour and in 2025-2026 to $44.86 per hour. 

Administration recommends approval to award RFP PO12-23 and enter into agreement with Lions Gate Security Solutions Inc. for contracted security screening services. Aquila was the lowest bidder, but Administration cannot recommend them as they do not currently have a presence in Nebraska nor any hired security officers already under contract. Administration does not believe that they can recruit, hire, and train the appropriate number of staff in time to provide support in August. Based on approximately 45 events, the projected total cost for 2023-2024 is $90,000. This is at a rate of $2000.00 per event. The contract will be for one year with two successive one-year options to extend the term at the sole discretion of the District.  If the District chooses to extend the term of the Agreement, the rates increase to $2050.00 per event for both the 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 school years.

Contracts with both American Security and Lions Gate Security Solutions Inc. will be recommended for approval at a future Board meeting.
 

School and Facility Security Services
Firm:				23/24:	24/25:	25/26:
Aquila Security Corporation				$31.30/hour	$32.24/hour	$33.21/hour
*American Security LLC				$42.71/hour	$43.80/hour	$44.68/hour
Lions Gate Security Solutions Inc				$75/hour	$75/hour	$75/hour

 

Metal Detector Services
Firm:				23/24:	24/25:	25/26:
Aquila Security Corporation				$36.84/hour/officer	$37.95/hour/officer	$39.04/hour/officer
*Lions Gate Security Solutions Inc				$2000/event	$2050/event	$2050/event

Rationale:  FUND:  1    General Fund
PROGRAM:  2750 Student Transportation Regular (1%)
2760 Transportation SPED School Age (73%)
3102 Early Childhood SPED Trans (26%)
DEPT:  7162800 Transportation Services
SUPPLIER:  Northend Teleservices, LLC.
POLICY:  7000, VII., D
AMOUNT:  Approximately $1,500,000.00

Administration recommends approval to award RFP P026-23 for Call Center Services to Northend Teleservices, LLC. Three vendors who submitted proposals did not meet all specifications. Ethos I Q, did not complete the addendum notification sheet and did not meet the requirements per the RFP regarding references. CSAA, did not meet the requirements per the RFP regarding references. EMS, Inc., did not meet the requirements per the RFP regarding references. This service agreement provides phone representatives who will staff the student transportation call center 12 hours daily for the 2023-2024 school term. Phone representatives will assist staff, students, and parents with questions and concerns related to transportation services. Staff for the call center will be solely provided by Northend Teleservices, LLC.  Actual cost will be based on needed staffing levels, time of year, and call volume. The projected cost of RFP P026-23 will be $1,500.000.00.
 

Supplier	*Northend Teleservices, LLC.	EMS, Inc	CSAA	Ethos IQ
Specification Description
Basic FTE Cost	*$32.30 per hour	$31.00 per hour	$32.50 per hour	$21.48 per hour
Compatible Phone System	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Approved References	Yes	No	No	No
Completed RFP Application	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
RFP Specifications Met	Yes	No	No	No

Rationale:  The Board of Education is required by State Statute 79-584 to approve all expenditures of District funds.  Expenditures are presented to the Board for approval in the form of a Claims Report.  Claims Report A is a listing of all District expenditures and are organized and presented to the Board by which fund the expenditure is being made from (e.g. General Fund, Bond Fund, etc.).

Rationale:  The Board of Education is required by State Statute 79-584 to approve all expenditures of funds for which the District serves as custodian.  Expenditures are presented to the Board for approval in the form of a Claims Report.  Claims Report B is a listing of expenditures from the various Student Activity Funds for which the Board serves as custodian.

Rationale:  Board Members are prohibited by Nebraska law from voting on items which may personally benefit them.  Expenditures which may personally benefit individual Board Members are presented to the Board for approval in the form of a separate Claims Report in order to permit those Board Members to abstain from voting on items which may personally benefit them.  The Board of Education is required by State Statute 79-584 to approve all expenditures of District funds.  Claims Report C is a listing of expenditures that may relate to individual Board Members or Organizations that employ them.

Rationale:  The Board of Education is required by State Statute 79-584 to approve all expenditures of District funds.  Payroll expenditures are presented to the Board for ratification in the form of a Claims Report.  Claims Report D is a summary of payrolls processed and is presented by payroll and pay date.

Rationale:  In keeping with the provisions of Nebraska Revised Statute section 79-981, the Board of Education is responsible for the transaction of OSERS’ business, including approval of expenditures of OSERS’ funds.   The Administration recommends approval of the attached claims to be paid from OSERS’ funds.

Rationale:  The Board of Education serves as the Board of Educational Service Unit 19.  The Board of Educational Service Unit 19 is required to approve all expenditures of District funds as well as funds for which the District serves as custodian.  Expenditures are presented to the Board for approval in the form of a Claims Report.  Educational Service Unit No. 19 Claims Report is a listing of all expenditures to be paid from the Education Service Unit's funds.

Rationale:  The Board of Education is required by State Statute 79-584 to approve all expenditures of District funds.  Payroll expenditures are presented to the Board for ratification in the form of a Claims Report.  Claims Report E is an estimation of payrolls to be processed prior to the next Board meeting and is presented by payroll and pay date.  Board authorization is requested for amounts not to exceed totals in the Claims Report

Rationale:  State Statue 79-584 requires the Secretary to the Board of Education to audit all accounts of the Class V school district and to submit that audit to the Board of Education Audit Committee for review and approval.   The objective of the audit is to obtain and review sufficient claim documentation to determine the risk of material misstatement.   The audit methodology is set forth on the Claims Audit Report.

Rationale:  Fund: 1 and 153, General and Special Education - IDEA
Program: 1241, Elementary Resource
                1210, SPED I Academic Achievement Center
Department: 7194010, Special Education Administration
Project: 460023 and 460024,IDEA - Base/EP 6408
Supplier: Solution Tree
Policy: 7000 III.K, 7000 VII.A
Amount: $181,000.00

Administration recommends approval of a consulting agreement with Solution Tree to provide professional learning opportunities for school staff regarding serving special education students as well as providing coaching to special education teachers in the 2023-2024 school year. These are allowable special education expenditures. The total cost to the District is $181,000.00.

Rationale:  SUPPLIER: American Alliance for Innovative Systems 
POLICY: 7000 III.K, VII.A. 
AMOUNT:  $206,400.00 
 
Administration recommends approval of the attached contract with American Alliance for Innovative Systems (AAIS) for professional learning supporting school improvement in consultation with Curriculum and Instruction Support.  This contract provides for multiple on-site training sessions for Bryan, Central, Northwest, and South High Schools. AAIS will provide support for Professional Learning Community support, Academy development, or professional development related to school improvement plans for the schools based on the area targeted by each school. Collaboration for planning has been inclusive of schools, the Department of Curriculum and Instruction Support, and the Department of Accountability and School Improvement. The total amount of this contract is $206,400.00 and will be paid for by the supported high schools.

Rationale:  FUND: 1, General Fund
PROGRAM: 2241, Library Services
DEPT: 7193010, Secondary Education Admin.
SUPPLIER: Britannica School
POLICIES: 7000, V. A.
AMOUNT: $30,775.00

Administration recommends renewing the licensing subscriptions for Britannica School and Britannica Spanish online databases. Britannica School and Britannica Spanish online databases allow all OPS students to research using high quality, up-to-date materials that have been professionally reviewed. 

To align the subscription dates of Britannica Schools and Britannica Spanish, Britannica Schools subscription period will be 16 months, June 2023 - September 2024. Britannica Spanish subscription period will be 12 months, September 2023 - September 2024. The cost of this purchase means the District will have spent over $50,000 on Britannica School and therefore brings this purchase to the Board for approval. 

Britannica Schools (16 months)	$27,125.00
Britannica Spanish (12 months)	$3,650.00
Total	$30,775.00

In keeping with the provisions of Policy 7000, V.A., no bid was required for this purchase because it falls under the exception to bidding procedures as academic prerogative.

Rationale:  Administration recommends the approval of the Fifth Amendment to lease the premises at 5402 and 5218 L Street, Omaha, to Student Transportation of America through May 31, 2024.  The District assumed this existing lease as part of the purchase of approximately 7.43 acres of land adjacent to Buena Vista High School from Mitchell Auto Auction, LLC. on May 17, 2021.  As a condition of this renewal, Student Transportation of America will pay Omaha Public Schools $26,491.13 each month through May 31, 2024, for the use of this property as a bus lot. 

Rationale:  In keeping with 42 U.S.C. 9837 (also known as Section 642 of the Head Start Act), the Board of Education serves as the Governing Body for Head Start.  Under the Head Start Act, the Board of Education has legal and fiscal responsibility for the Head Start program and is required to review and approve all applications for funding.  Moreover, in accordance with Policy 3570, it is the policy of the District to comply with federal grant programs in which the District participates.  Head Start is one such program.  As such, the Administration recommends approval of the Head Start Fiscal Year 2023 Continuation Grant narrative and budget.  This application will allow the District-operated Head Start program to support 747 Head Start students and 152 Early Head Start students.  

Rationale:  Policy 4001 and 4035 require that the election of employees shall be by action of the Board of Education upon recommendation of the Superintendent or designee.  Additionally, Policy 4008 requires that the Chief Human Resources Officer process all retirements, resignations, cancellations, contract amendments and terminations of employment making a recommendation for appropriate action to the Superintendent and Board of Education.  Therefore, the District recommends the approval of the attached Staffing Adjustments.  

Rationale:  FUND:       158         Sherwood Foundation Grants   
PROGRAM:    2199        Other Student Support Services
DEPT:       7198136     Music
VENDOR:     3201        Wenger Corporation        ($33,331.46)   
VENDOR:     2872        Woodwind & Brasswind Inc. ($11,079.74)
VENDOR:     21386       School Outfitters          ($2,889.60)
VENDOR:     30086       Sweetwater Sound Inc.      ($2,525.25)
VENDOR:     25338       Steve Weiss Music           ($915.00)
GRANT:      435819      Sherwood Foundation Music Grant    
POLICIES:   7000, V.A.; 7000, VII.A. 
AMOUNT:     $50,741.05

Staff recommends approval to purchase music furniture from Wenger Corporation, Woodwind & Brasswind Inc., School Outfitters, Sweetwater Sound Inc., and Steve Weiss Music. State contract pricing was used to purchase from Wenger Corporation and School Outfitters. All other purchases used quote procedures. The purchase will provide additional storage for new musical instruments and music stands. These items will be used by teachers and students in OPS elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools.  All music furniture items are purchased using funds from the Sherwood Foundation Music Grant and are 100% reimbursable. The amount of purchase by the supplier is listed below:
 

Supplier	Total Cost
Wenger Corporation	$     33,331.46
Woodwind & Brasswind Inc	$     11,079.74
School Outfitters	$      2,889.60
Sweetwater Sound Inc	$      2,525.25
Steve Weiss Music	$        915.00
Total Cost	$     50,741.05

Items Purchased:

Supplier	Item	Quantity	Item Cost
Wenger Corporation	Violin/Viola Rack - Fusion Maple	1	$   808.00
Wenger Corporation	Stand Rack	6	$   521.00
Wenger Corporation	Chair Rack	19	$   428.00
Wenger Corporation	Wenger 4 Bass Rack	1	$   797.00
Wenger Corporation	Wenger Cello Rack (6-unit)	2	$   823.00
Wenger Corporation	Percussion Workstation - Basic Model	3	$ 1,822.00
Wenger Corporation	Wenger Percussion Workstation - Deluxe Model	2	$ 2,025.00
Wenger Corporation	Tuba/Sousaphone Wall Bracket	9	$   275.00
Wenger Corporation	Wenger Bass Rack (4-unit)	1	$   797.00
Wenger Corporation	Tall Band/Orchestra Folio Cabinet	1	$ 1,432.00
Wenger Corporation	Shipping Cost		$ 4,602.46
Woodwind & Brasswind Inc	Guitar Storage Rack	5	$ 1,065.00
Woodwind & Brasswind Inc	Music Stands	173	$    33.26
Sweetwater Sound Inc	Music stand rack	7	$   360.75
School Outfitters	Storage Cabinet:  48" W X 84"H X 29"D	1	$   963.20
School Outfitters	Instrument Storage	2	$   963.20
Steve Weiss Music	Titan Concert Bass Field Frame	1	$   915.00

 

School	Elementary Schools
Item	Benson West	Beveridge	Columbian	Field Club	Fontenelle	Harrison	Highland	Joslyn	Miller Park	Pawnee
Stand Rack		3	1					1
Chair Rack		3
Music Stands	12			12	12		6		6
Music stand rack	1			1	1		1		1	2
Storage Cabinet:                  48" W X 84"H X 29"D						1
Instrument Storage							1			1

 

School	Middle Schools			High Schools
Item	Bluestem	Davis	King Science	Norris	Bryan High School	Buena Vista	Burke	South	Westview
Violin/Viola Rack - Fusion Maple		1
Stand Rack								1
Chair Rack			3			4		3	6
Wenger 4 Bass Rack			1
Wenger Cello Rack (6-unit)			1						1
Percussion Workstation - Basic Model						1			2
Wenger Percussion Workstation - Deluxe Model	1				1
Tuba/Sousaphone Wall Bracket					3				6
Wenger Bass Rack (4-unit)									1
Tall Band/Orchestra Folio Cabinet			1
Guitar Storage Rack				5
Music Stands				100			25
Titan Concert Bass Field Frame								1

This purchase is 100% reimbursable grant.

For complete documentation contact Yvonne.Schuster@ops.org.

Rationale:  FUND: 1 General Fund (the cost has already been budgeted at a per pupil rate out of each school’s budget)
PROGRAM:  2110 Student and Community Services
DEPT:  7105800 Student and Community Services
SUPPLIER:  Powerschool
POLICIES:  6121, 7000
AMOUNT:  $203,523.17

Administration recommends purchase of Naviance by Powerschool. This is a renewal of this product which has been implemented for more than ten years in the District's middle and high schools.

Students in grades 6-11 use Naviance by Powerschool to explore careers and learn about post-secondary options. Twelfth graders use the program to access college information, apply to colleges, submit and learn about scholarships, request transcripts, and access Common App. Schools use Naviance by Powerschool for all facets of the college application and scholarship process. 

This purchase is subject to the same terms and conditions that were previously agreed to in the Powerschool Main Services Agreement signed by the Board of Education on November 14, 2022.  The total cost of this purchase is $203,523.17.

Rationale:  FUND: 1, General Fund
PROGRAM: 2241, Library Services
DEPT: 7193010, Secondary Education Admin.
SUPPLIER: CENGAGE Learning
POLICIES: 7000, V. A.
AMOUNT: $64,912.52

Administration recommends renewing the licensing subscription for the Gale In Context Online Database from Cengage Learning. Gale In Context is a 6-12 online database that allows all OPS students to research using high quality, up-to-date materials, that have been professionally reviewed. The Gale In Context subscription price includes access to Gale In Context Opposing Viewpoints, Gale In Context Global Issues, Gale In Context High School, and Gale In Context Middle School. The total price is $64,912.54.

In keeping with the provisions of Policy 7000, V.A., no bid was required for this purchase because it falls under the exception to bidding procedures as academic prerogative.

Rationale:  Fund:  1 
Program:  1100, Regular Instruction
Dept:  7192010, Elementary Education Administration
Supplier:  Savvas
Policies:  7000 V.A., 6121
Amount:  $85,125.00

Administration recommends approval to purchase a one-year extension of Savvas Elevate Science K-5 instructional materials for implementation in the 2023-2024 school year. These instructional materials include online texts and resources as well as additional dual language textbooks and are the core curriculum used in all elementary schools throughout the District. In keeping with the bid exceptions contained within Policy 7000, V.A., no bid was required for this purchase. This item is being presented to the Board for approval in keeping with the provisions of Policy 6121 which require approval by the Board of curricular materials. The total cost of the purchase is $85,125.00. The Data Protection Agreement with Savvas is on file and does not require approval.

Rationale:  Pursuant to Policy 3090, Administration recommends approval to surplus and auction the attached lists of items which include vehicles and miscellaneous surplus items.  The auction will be held online by The Auction Mill L.L.C., as a public auction on July 18, 2023 through August 6, 2023. The District is selling the surplus items "AS IS" since they are no longer usable by the District.

The District will pay 10% of the gross proceeds of sale for any vehicles sold. The title transfer fee of $25.00 will be charged to the individual purchasing the vehicle. Auction Mill L.L.C., will receive 20% of the gross proceeds of the sale for any property, other than vehicles, furniture, or miscellaneous equipment.

The Administration further requests that the Board of Education authorize the Superintendent or designee to sign all necessary transfer documents upon payment in full by the purchasers.

Rationale:  Per Policy 4430 Payment of Accumulated Sick Leave, the Administration recommends transferring funds from the current HRA plan investment account held by Annuity Investors Life Insurance to the Life Insurance Company of the Southwest.  The HRA investment account is part of the accumulated sick leave plan, which allows for payment of unused accumulated sick leave for employees who retire or terminate with 18 to 20 years of service. 

The District has an agreement with Pelion Benefits to administer the Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) which is an underlying benefit of the Accumulated Sick Leave plan.  The balance of the Funds is held with Annuity Investors Life Insurance Company.  This account is an interest-bearing account earning 1%.  This is the current and guaranteed minimum interest rate.  The rate will not go below 1%, but also will never increase.  Pelion has offered to move the funds to Life Insurance Company of Southwest, Addison, TX.  Since the interest rates have increased recently, the new investment feature has a current rate of 2.25% and a minimum Interest rate of 1%.    There are no fees or upfront charges to OPS or their members.  The transfer will not have an impact on any administrative services Pelion is providing.  The interest earned is used by OPS to offset any expenses paid to Pelion Benefit to administer the plan.

Since the transfer of assets does not contain any upfront or deferred sales charge and would not affect the participants in the plan, this was not bid under Policy 7000.  The plan has a 10-year surrender charge if OPS transfers funds to another provider. 

Rationale:  The Chair of the Policy Committee will provide an update.

Rationale:  Policy 8120 stipulates the Board of Education shall cause policies and regulations  to be revised as necessary.  Administration will provide recommended changes to Policies 5102, 6020, 6112, 6213 and the 2023-2024 Code of Conduct.

5102 - Academic Eligibility for High School Students Who Participate in Any Sanctioned Activities Sponsored by the NSAA
6020 - The Program of Instruction
6112 - School Day for Students
2023-2024 Code of Conduct

Rationale:  This document provides the Board of Education with monthly Head Start information regarding attendance and enrollment, meal counts, in-kind amounts, health requirements, policy council minutes, delegate reports, and program information summaries to maintain a communication structure to support oversight responsibilities as stated in Head Start Performance Standard 1301.2. 

Rationale:  Attached please find updates from Citizen’s Bond Oversight Committee (CBOC).

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.