January 11, 2024 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:  Benson High School's JROTC will present the Colors and lead the Pledge of Allegiance.

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 November 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:  The District and the Omaha Education Association (OEA) are currently parties to a Collective Bargaining Agreement, which is silent regarding payment of Head and Assistant Wrestling Coaches for combined girls' and boys' teams.   As the Nebraska School Activities Association (NSAA) added girls wrestling during the 2022-2023 school year, the District would like to appropriately compensate wrestling coaches supervising both girls and boys wrestling simultaneously.  In order to accomplish that goal, the Administration recommends approval of the attached Agreement, which the OEA has already approved, that makes the below addition to Appendix D.

High School Athletics Coaches & Assistant Coaches	2023-2024	2024-2025	2025-2026
Wrestling Head (B&G) Combined (Dual)	$7,200	$7,200	$7,350
Wrestling Assistant (B&G) Combined (Dual)	$4,700	$4,700	$4,810

Rationale:  FUND: 1 &175 General Fund reimbursed by COVID federal Grants  
PROGRAM: 2110 STUDENT AND COMMUNITY SERVICES
DEPARTMENT: 7105800 STUDENT AND COMMUNITY SERVICES
PROJECT: 499250 ATTENDANCE AND ACADEMIC SUPPORT
SUPPLIER: METRO AREA TRANSIT
POLICY: 7000
AMOUNT:  $258,000.00

Student and Community Services recommends approval of the purchase of 27,216 student bus passes for middle and high school students from Regional Metropolitan Transit Authority of Omaha, (Doing Business As Metro) from January 1, 2024 through July 31, 2025. ESSER III funds will be used to provide equitable access to secondary extracurricular activities. Students who show proof of school identification will be able to access the bus to get to and from school to include school-related activities via the K-12 Rides Free Program. The Board of Education previously approved a similar agreement for January 1, 2023 through December 31, 2023 at the meeting on November 12, 2022.  The purchase of student transportation passes through Regional Metropolitan Transit Authority of Omaha is a single source provider since there is no other city-wide mass transit in Omaha. This project is funded from Fund 01 and reimbursed by COVID-19 Federal Grants. 

Rationale:  Administration recommends approval of the attached Agreement with Omaha Education Association (OEA) to increase the additional variance paid to special education teachers to attend meetings and complete paperwork outside of the standard duty day from 7% of teaching salary to 10% of teaching salary.  This agreement would be retroactive to August 1, 2023, and remain in effect through the 2025-2026 school year.   Administration is proposing this amendment to the existing contract with OEA in recognition of the ongoing special education teacher shortage in an effort to continue to retain and recruit outstanding teachers for our students.
 

Rationale:  FUND:     01 General Fund         
DEPT. ID: 7166600 Schoolhouse Planning
PROGRAM:  2510 Business Support Services
ACCOUNT:  53180   Contracted Repair Services
SUPPLIER: Elkhorn West Construction Inc.
POLICY:   7000, IV., C.
AMOUNT:   $ 48,850.00  

Administration recommends approval to Award Bid No. 23-040 and Contract to Elkhorn West Construction Inc. for the purchase and installation of new first responder key boxes at multiple schools and District buildings. This final project will complete all Omaha Public School buildings that have not already received key boxes as part of Bond or other project work. The work for this project will occur at; Ashland Park/Robbins Elementary, Bancroft Elementary, Beals Elementary, Belvedere Elementary, Blackburn Alternative High School, Castelar Elementary, Catlin Elementary, Central High School, Central Park Elementary, Druid Hill Elementary, Dundee Elementary, Field Club Elementary, Fontenelle Elementary, Fullerton Magnet Elementary, Gomez Heritage Elementary, Harrison Elementary, Jackson Elementary, Jefferson Elementary, Kellom Elementary, Kennedy Elementary, King Science Center, Liberty Elementary, Marrs Middle School, Masters Elementary, McMillian Middle, Miller Park Elementary, Minne Lusa Elementary, Monroe Middle School, Morton Middle School, Mount View Elementary, North High School, Picotte Elementary, Prairie Wind Elementary, Rose Hill Elementary, Saddlebrook Elementary, Saratoga Elementary, Sherman Elementary, Skinner Magnet Elementary, South High School, Spring Lake Elementary, Springville Elementary, Standing Bear Elementary, Transition Program South, Wakonda Elementary, Walnut Hill Elementary, Washington Elementary, and Wilson Focus School.
  
Additionally, Administration recommends the attached contract to complete this project with Elkhorn West Construction Inc. for approval. The total price of the contract is $48,850.00.

Bids received were:

Vendor	Base Bid
Downs Electric Inc.	$79,045.00
*Elkhorn West Construction Inc.	*$48,850.00
Rife Construction Inc.	$54,269.00

*Apparent Low Bidder meeting the specifications.
                                                                            
For complete bid documentation contact philip.connatser@ops.org.

Rationale:  FUND:     31 Special Building Fund
DEPT:     7166600 Schoolhouse Planning
PROGRAM:  2510 Business Support Services       
ACCOUNT:  53180   Contracted Repair Services      
SUPPLIER: Cheever Construction Company
POLICY:   7000, IV. C.
AMOUNT:   $3,314,000.00

Administration recommends the awarding of Bid No. 24-017 to Cheever Construction Company for the Mills Printing and Publishing Remodel. This project includes renovating the floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, HVAC system, skylights, and site improvements at the Mills Building. The remodeled space will accommodate the equipment and functions of the Printing and Publishing Department, expanding the capabilities of this department to support school needs better.

Administration recommends awarding the base bid of $2,681,000.00 to Cheever Construction Company, the lowest compliant bidder. Additionally, Administration recommends accepting alternates #1, #5, and #6. Alternate #1 changes the floor finish in the production area from sealed concrete to epoxy coating for a savings of $4,000.00. Alternate #5 incorporates the replacement of the fire suppression system of the area designated Zone 1 on the plans and the mezzanines for the additional cost of $191,000.00. Alternate #6 incorporates the replacement of the fire suppression system of the area designated Zone 2 on the plans and all areas not incorporated in alternate #5 for the additional cost of $446,000.00. Alternates #5 and #6 will bring the sprinkler system of all spaces within the building up to current NFPA code. Acceptance of alternates #2, #3, and #4 will be determined at a later time as they are contingent upon existing conditions discovered during the demolition and structural scanning to be performed by the contractor.
 
The total price of the bid award is $3,314,000.00

Bids received were:

Vendor	Base Bid	Alternate 1	Alternate 2	Alternate 3	Alternate 4	Alternate 5	Alternate 6
7er Construction	$3,308,000.00	$87,301.00	$62.00	$7,236.00	$11,815.00	$166,482.00	$466,149.00
BKM Construction LLC	$3,453,852.00	$77,215.00	$40.00	$6,500.00	$5,500.00	$210,000.00	$450,000.00
*Cheever Construction Co.	*$2,681,000.00	-$4,000.00	$6.36	$5,800.00	$6,700.00	*$191,000.00	*$446,000.00
Downs Electric Inc.	$2,930,770.00	$36,500.00	$52.50	$17,470.00	$20,275.00	$147,000.00	$399,000.00
DR Anderson Construction Co.	$2,780,527.00	$19,547.00	$7.00	$5,432.00	$2,957.00	$158,414.00	$433,000.00
Elkhorn West Construction, Inc	$3,355,000.00	$5,300.00	$29.25	$7,125.00	$3,350.00	$190,000.00	$445,300.00
Meco-Henne Contracting, Inc.	$2,730,000.00	$7,000.00	$40.00	$8,500.00	$10,000.00	$160,000.00	$430,000.00
Midwest DCM	$3,040,000.00	$16,768.00	$32.00	$12,510.00	$28,815.00	$170,000.00	$450,000.00

*Apparent Low Bidder meeting the specifications.
                                                                            
For complete bid documentation, contact Philip.connatser@ops.org.

Rationale:  FUND: 001, General
DEPARTMENT:  7196010 Career and Tech Ed
PROGRAM:  2211 Career and Tech Ed Support
SUPPLIER:  SchooLinks
POLICIES:  6121, 7000
AMOUNT: $27,500.00

Cost for Yearlong Term:
FUND: 001, General
DEPARTMENT:  7105800 Student and Community Services
PROGRAM:  2110 Student and Community Services
SUPPLIER:  SchooLinks
POLICIES:  6121, 7000
AMOUNT: $124,715.00

Administration recommends approval to award RFP No. P017-23 and enter into an agreement with SchooLinks for their online career and college access platform to be used in the District’s middle and high schools for the 2024-2025 School Year. Initially, six proposals were received on May 5, 2023. After the review committee narrowed and reviewed the proposals to four options, committee members reviewed the online platform, sample staff logins, sample student logins, and virtual demonstrations from each vendor. The reviews and testing occurred in August and September 2023. After review and testing, each committee member scored the platform using a rubric. The scores submitted clearly determined SchoolLinks best met the stated requirements of the RFP.

Beginning in Fall 2024, students in middle and high school will use SchooLinks to explore careers and learn about post-secondary options. Twelfth graders will use the program to access college information, apply to colleges, submit and learn about scholarships, request transcripts, and access Common App. Schools will use SchooLinks for all facets of the college application and scholarship process. In addition to work that has been traditionally done via our previous online career and college platform, SchooLinks will also allow schools and students to build portfolios of student coursework, offer and collect information about work-based learning, and communicate with parents/guardians about students’ personal learning plans.  The total cost for the 2024-2025 agreement is $152,215.00.  The District may, at its option, extend the term of this agreement for up to six (6) additional term(s) of one (1) year each.

Rationale:  FUND:       31 Special Building Fund
PROGRAM:    2510 Business Support Services
DEPT.:      7166600 Schoolhouse Planning 
SUPPLIER:   7er Construction
POLICIES:   7000, IV.C., 7000, IV.E., 7000, VII.A., 7000, VII.D.
AMOUNT:     $12,158.68

Administration recommends approval of change order No. 001 to the renovation of the weight room and CTE space at Northwest High School through Bid No. 23-066, which the Board approved on June 22, 2023.

PCO	Type	Description	Type	Amount
002	Mech.	Revised mechanical work to include transfer duct and grilles on return air ducts in team planning room.	Add	$ 862.69
003	Arch.	Change of interior door and window frame material from aluminum to hollow metal, to match existing frames in building.	Add	$ 1,214.45
008	Arch.	Changing plastic laminate colors of backpack storage cabinet bases to reduce future cleaning needs.	Add	$ 1,160.00
009	Arch.	Change of exterior window system from storefront system to curtain walls system due to unforeseen structural conditions.	Add	$3,773.89
010	Arch.	Addition of horizontal mullion at interior windows to reduce size of glass panes.	Add	$3,140.45
011	Arch.	Painting of structural columns and Tectum sound panels not called out on plans.	Add	$1,926.00

The proposed changes did not affect the substantial completion date of September 12, 2023 for room 134 and October 9th for additional areas. 

Total Amount of Change Order No. 001 - Add   $   12,158.68

Original Contract Amount:                    $  1,812,241.00
Previously Approved Changes:                 $          0.00
Change Order No. 001 - Add                   $     12,158.68
Total Revised Contract Amount:               $  1,824,399.68

Rationale:  FUND:     42 - 2018 Bond Program Proceeds Fund
PROGRAM:  2591 - Buildings & Grounds
DEPT. ID: 8780020 - Morton 
PROJECT:  321522 - Morton Middle School Project      
SUPPLIER: MCL Construction
POLICY:   7000, IV.G.
AMOUNT:  ($548,004.01)

Pursuant to Policies 7000, IV. G., Administration, Jacobs, and BVH Architecture recommend that the following change order agreement be submitted for approval:

Project: Morton Middle School: Capital Improvements and Renovation Project
Architect/Engineer: BVH Architecture/Alvine Engineering
Contractor: MCL Construction
Fund: 42 2018 Bond Program   

RFP#	Type	Description	Type	Amount
CO #001	Arch.	Final deductive change order, providing credit for buyout savings and unused allowances for the project included through GMP Amendment No. 001 and 002.	Deduct	($548,004.01)

 

Total Amount of Change Order No. 001 - Deduct	($548,004.01)
Original Contract Amount	$11,008,412.55
Previously Approved Changes	$0.00
Change Order No. 001 - Deduct	($548,004.01)
Total Revised Contract Amount	$10,460,408.54
Amount Paid to Date	$10,419,904.32
Amount Remaining	$40,504.22

Rationale:  FUND:       31 Special Building Fund
PROGRAM:    2510 Business Support Services
DEPT.:      7166600 Schoolhouse Planning 
SUPPLIER:   7er Construction
POLICIES:   7000, IV.C., 7000, IV.E., 7000, VII.A., 7000, VII.D.
AMOUNT:     $38,238.28

Administration recommends approval of change order No. 002 to the renovation of the weight room and CTE space a Northwest High School awarded through Bid No. 23-066 which was approved by the Board on June 22, 2023:

PCO	Type	Description	Type	Amount
013	Mech.	Cut and cap gas pipe that was not on plans but discovered in room.	Add	$ 271.78
016	Arch.	Repair and replacement of ceiling in hallway resulting from asbestos abatement work identified during construction.	Add	$ 7,229.99
015	Arch.	Installation of drywall and graphic wrap at location that exposed brick columns could not be patched back.	Add	$ 2,663.23
016	Arch.	Painting ceiling and ductwork in CAD lab not called out on finish plan.	Add	$6,647.91
017	Arch.	Furnishing and installation of mounting brackets for owner furnished televisions.	Add	$924.48
018	Arch.	Cutting and lowering of concrete blocks supporting lockers to set them to a more accessible height.	Add	$4,184.77
019	Elect.	Identifying and correcting fire alarm issues at locations outside of project area including providing temporary lighting at locker room and providing an additional 30amp breaker not called out on plans due to unforeseen conditions.	Add	$9,148.19
020	Arch.	Removal of owner-installed wall partitions and purchase of door hardware not called out on plans.	Add	$4,850.31
021	Arch.	Installation of new weather stripping at existing exterior doors not called out on plans.	Add	$980.12

The proposed changes increased the substantial completion date by (60) days.  The new substantial completion date of the project will be December 08, 2023
Total Amount of Change Order No. 002 - Add   $   38,238.28

Original Contract Amount:                    $  1,812,241.00
Previously Approved Changes:                 $     12,158.68
Change Order No. 002 - Add                   $     38,238.28
Total Revised Contract Amount:               $  1,862,637.96

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:  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 the totals in the Claims Report.

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:  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:  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 & 175 General Fund reimbursed by COVID Federal Grants
PROGRAM:  2110 Student and Community Services
DEPT:  7105800 Student and Community Services
SUPPLIER:  Project Wayfinder
POLICIES:  6121, 7000
AMOUNT:  $407,150.00

Administration recommends Approval of Contract, Agreements, and Data Protection Agreement for Project Wayfinder for Advisement/Social, Emotional, and Life Readiness curriculum and resources to be used in the District’s Middle and High Schools. Project Wayfinder was initially selected via RFP No. P022-22 and approved by the Board of Education on July 14, 2022, following the process outlined in policy 6121. The curriculum was taught in high schools during the 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 school years. Due to positive feedback from students and staff, in accordance with the language of RFP P022-22, Administration recommends expansion of Project Wayfinder curriculum for use with students in both Middle and High Schools effective August 1, 2024.  This project is funded from Fund 01 and reimbursed by COVID Federal Grants Fund 175. 

Rationale:  FUND: 1 & 175 General Fund reimbursed by COVID Federal Grants  
PROGRAM:  2110 Student and Community Services
DEPT:  7105800 Student and Community Services
SUPPLIER:  RethinkEd
POLICIES:  6121, 7000
AMOUNT:  $163,775.00

Administration recommends Approval of Contract, Agreements, and Data Protection Agreement for RethinkEd for school counseling curriculum and resources to be used in the District’s Elementary Schools. RethinkEd was initially selected via RFP No. P022-22 and approved by the Board of Education on July 14, 2022, following the process outlined in policy 6121. The curriculum was taught in elementary schools during the 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 school years. Due to positive feedback from students and staff, in accordance with the language of RFP P022-22, Administration recommends use of RethinkEd curriculum for use in Elementary Schools effective August 1, 2024.  This project is funded from Fund 01 and reimbursed by COVID Federal Grants Fund 175. 

Rationale:  FUND: 1 & 175 General Fund reimbursed by COVID Federal Grants
PROGRAM:  2610 Maintenance School/District Buildings  
DEPT. ID: 7166600 Schoolhouse Planning
PROJECT:  499271 ESSER III       
SUPPLIER:   Downs Electric, Inc.
POLICIES: 7000, III.K, 7000, VII.A, 7000, VII.D
AMOUNT:   $ 320,545.00

Administration recommends approval of the attached contract with Downs Electric Inc., the low bidder for Bid No. 24-006 OPS Hydration Stations -  Project IV. Downs Electric, Inc. is the responsible offeror whose proposal is most advantageous to the District with price and other factors considered.

The Board of Education approved the award Bid No. 24-006 on November 13, 2023, for this project. The contract purchases and installs new refrigerated drinking fountains, bottle filling stations, and associated electrical, plumbing, and architectural work. This project will address Pawnee Elementary, Rose Hill Elementary, Saddlebrook Elementary, Sherman Elementary, Skinner Elementary, Jefferson Elementary, Spring Lake Elementary, Springville Elementary, Standing Bear Elementary, Walnut Hill Elementary, Washington Elementary, Blackburn, J.P.Lord, Omaha Public Schools Career Center, and Parrish Schools. This project is scheduled to be completed in September 2024.

The cost of this contract is $320,545.00.  This project is funded from Fund 01 and reimbursed by COVID-19 Federal Grants.

Rationale:  FUND:     1 & 175 General Fund reimbursed by COVID Federal Grants
PROGRAM:  2620 Maintenance School/District Buildings
DEPT. ID: 7166600 Schoolhouse Planning
SUPPLIER: Elkhorn West Construction, Inc.
POLICIES: 7000, III.K, 7000, VII.A, 7000, VII.D
AMOUNT:   $840,300.00

Jacobs and Administration recommend approval of the attached contract with Elkhorn West Construction, Inc., the only bidder for Bid No. 24-008 Blackburn Access Control System & Exterior Door Upgrades.
The Board of Education previously approved the award of the base bid on November 27, 2023. The work includes the installation of electronic hardware and access controls (card readers) on all exterior doors and interior doors between programs at Blackburn School. The work also includes the removal and replacement of the door assembly at 15 door openings, as required for new controls and hardware to be installed. The building does not currently have full access control. Elkhorn West Construction, Inc. is the responsible offeror whose proposal is most advantageous to the District with price and other factors considered.  
The price of this contract is $840,300.00. This project is funded from Fund 01 and reimbursed by COVID Federal Grants Fund 175.
 

Rationale:  FUND:     1 & 175 General Fund reimbursed by COVID Federal Grants PROGRAM:  2610 Maintenance School/District Buildings  
DEPT. ID: 7166600 Schoolhouse Planning
PROJECT:  499271 ESSER III       
SUPPLIER: Ray Martin, Inc.
POLICIES: 7000, III.K, 7000, VII.A, 7000, VII.D
AMOUNT:   $ 244,400.00

Administration recommends approval of the attached contract with Downs Electric Inc. the low bidder for Bid No. 24-004 OPS Benson West Boiler Replacement Project.  This purchase is in alignment with Pillar 3-Infrastructure for the Future. Ray Martin, Inc. is the responsible offeror whose proposal is most advantageous to the District with price and other factors considered.

The Board of Education previously approved the award of the base bid and alternates on December 13, 2023, for this project. Administration recommends that the District enter into an agreement for the base bid and alternate #1 to ensure the completion of the work by September 2024. The contract work includes the replacement of three existing boilers, which have reached the end of their service life and need replacement prior to the next heating season. Alternate #1 includes the installation of VFD’s (variable frequency drives) to the three pumps servicing the hydronic system, which will extend the efficiency and lifespan of the system.  This project is scheduled to be completed in September 2024.

The price of this contract is $244,400.00.  This project is funded from Fund 01 and reimbursed by COVID Federal Grants Fund 175.

Rationale:  Administration recommends approval of the attached Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Service Employees International Union Local 226 (Local 226).  The District remains short of substitute teachers and would like to incentivize paraprofessionals who hold their local substitute permit to serve as local subs.  The parties agree that this increase in pay will help the District fill vacant substitute positions.  As such, the MOU will permit the District to pay Paraprofessionals who deliver their Local Substitute Permit for the remainder of the 2023-2024 school year and the 2024-2025 school year an additional $9.65 per hour and for the 2025-2026 school year an additional $10.40 per hour over the individual’s hourly wage for either half or whole days on which they are asked to substitute for the teacher in a classroom when a substitute teacher is not available.

Rationale:  FUND: 1, TBD   General Fund, Grant Funding             
PROGRAM:  2330   Executive Admin Services
DEPT:  7072002  School Improvement
PROJECT: TBD Grant Funding
VENDOR: Leading Educators
POLICIES: 7000, V., G.
AMOUNT: $18, 215.00

Administration recommends approval of the attached agreement with Leading Educators. The purpose of the agreement is to establish a Networked Implementation and Improvement Team made up of classroom teachers from each secondary school and curriculum specialists. This group will develop the staged implementation and professional learning plan for 2024-2025, when the newly adopted secondary ELA curriculum will be adopted. The District is currently engaged in a strategic partnership with Leading Educators (LE) to build teacher efficacy and agency around grade level literacy instruction for its 14 elementary Comprehensive Support for Improvement (CSI) schools. This proposal looks to extend and deepen the partnership with LE to include technical assistance in the upcoming planning and field-testing year. The funding will be split between the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) grant ($15,000.00) and general funds ($3,215.00). The original agreement with the Leading Educators was approved by the Board of Education on June 5, 2023. The District has previously spent over $50,000 on Leading Educators and therefore brings this contract to the Board for approval.

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:     1    General Fund
PROGRAM:  2510 Business Support Services       
DEPT:     3630020 Buena Vista High School Facility
SUPPLIER: Krueger International Inc.
POLICY:   7000, IV. C
AMOUNT:   $50,452.92

Administration recommends approval to purchase 240 student chairs and 60 stools to be used in classrooms. Additional furniture is needed to support classrooms for anticipated growth in enrollment. This purchase utilizes pricing from Bid. No. 21-028 which the Board of Education approved on May 3, 2021. This is a one-time purchase in the amount of $50,452.92.
 

VENDOR	Item	Additional quantity	Bid Price
Krueger International Inc.	CH-10A Student desk chair	180	$175.37
Krueger International Inc.	CH-7A Industrial Stool 18"	20	$62.68
Krueger International Inc.	CH-10C Student stool with back	16	$207.31
Krueger International Inc.	CH-7C Industrial Stool 30"	24	$68.24
Krueger International Inc.	CH-10D Student rolling desk chair	60	$211.30

For complete bid documentation, contact abby.peters@ops.org.

Rationale:  FUND:     1 General Fund
PROGRAM:  2510 Business Support Services         
DEPT:     3691136 Westview High School Facility
VENDOR:   Sheppard’s Business Interiors
POLICY:   7000, IV.C
AMOUNT:   $50,465.28

Administration recommends approval to purchase 42 tables to be used in classrooms. Additional furniture is needed to support classrooms for anticipated growth in enrollment. This purchase utilizes pricing from Bid. No. 22-011 which the Board of Education approved on October 18, 2021. This is a one-time purchase in the amount of $50,465.28.
 

VENDOR	Item	Additional quantity	Bid Price
Sheppard’s Business Interiors	TBL-8A Science Table. 6ft   24"D x 72"W	39	$1,170.66
Sheppard’s Business Interiors	TBL-9B Art Table  Rectangle, 42"D x 72"W x 42"H	3	$1,603.18

For complete bid documentation, contact abby.peters@ops.org.

Rationale:  Supplier:  Walsworth Yearbooks
Policies:  7000 III.K., VII.A.
Amount:  $2,850.00

Administration recommends approval of the attached contract with Walsworth Publishing Company, Inc. for a yearbook agreement with Morton Middle for the 2024-2025 school year.  As the total of this contract and previously approved contracts together is over $50,000, the attached contract is being presented to the Board for approval pursuant to Board policy 7000, III.K. and 7000, VII. A. The total amount of the agreement is $2,850.00
 

Rationale:  It is recommended that the grant fund budget be amended to include the receipts and expenditures of the attached grant awards.

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

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.  The Policy Committee Chair will provide recommended changes to Policy 6213.

6213 - Acceptance of Credits

Rationale:  The Legislative Committee, in keeping with the provisions of Policy 8150, recommends approval of its findings and recommendations as set forth in the attached summary of bills introduced before the Nebraska Legislature.  The summary has been prepared with the assistance of Kissel Kohout ES Associates and generally includes legislation which may affect the District.  The Committee continuously monitors legislative activity and may, from time to time, recommend that the Board take or update a position on a particular bill, resolution or amendment.  Committee recommendations typically include one of the following: Support, Oppose, or Monitor with Research.  In the absence of one of those recommendations, the Committee is recommending that the District take no position.  Given the fluid nature of the legislature, the Committee may need to present new bills, resolutions or amendments, including some that may not have appeared on the bill summary, to the Board for consideration.  In addition to the bill summary, the Committee, on occasion, recommends Board approval of position statements to guide the Board President and/or Superintendent when dealing with legislative debate on issues particular concern to the District that arise between Board Meetings.  The Committee is recommending that the Board adopt the following new positions with this report:

LB 964 - Senator Dungan - Adopt the Special Education Teacher Forgivable Loan Program Act and provide for scholarships under the Nebraska Career Scholarship Act - Support with testimony

Rationale:  Reporting of financial results from the October 9, 2023 District Surplus Online Auction
 

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:  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.
 

Rationale: 

The OPS Board of Education shall first elect its President and then elect its Vice President.  Any member of the Board may self-nominate or be nominated by another Board Member.  Nominating speeches are not permitted.  However, nominees shall have up to five minutes to speak following the close of nominations and prior to the distribution of ballots.   Nominee speeches shall be in order of nomination.   Election of officers of the Board of Education shall be kept by secret ballot.  Election shall require a majority of all members of the board.   (Policy 8130)