April 1, 2024 at 6:00 PM - Omaha Public Schools Board of Education and Educational Service Unit 19 Board Meeting
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A. OPS Board Of Education Information
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. |
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B. Call to Order
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C. Pledge of Allegiance
Rationale:
Burke High School's JROTC will present the Colors and lead the Pledge.
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D. OPS Vision and Mission Statement
Rationale:
The Vision: Every Student. Every Day. Prepared for Success.
The Mission: To prepare all students for success in college, career, and life. |
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E. Roll Call
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E.1. Excused/Unexcused Absence
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F. School Spotlight
Rationale:
The #OPSProud Spotlight recognizes 2024 State Champion Wrestlers from Omaha Public Schools.
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G. Board and Superintendent Communications
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G.1. Treasurer
Rationale:
The Treasurer's Report for February 2024 is attached for review
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G.2. Superintendent
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G.3. Board Members
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H. Public Comment and Recognition
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I. Consent Agenda
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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I.1. Reading of Minutes
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I.1.a. Monday, March 18, 2024 - Regular Meeting Minutes
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I.2. Approval of Appointments of Avery Brown, Channing Bunch, Craig Christiansen, James Freeman, Jennifer Rodriguez to the Omaha Public Schools Foundation Board of Directors
Rationale:
Section III of the Omaha Public Schools Foundation (OPSF) Bylaws requires the Omaha Public Schools Board of Education to approve, by a majority vote, the appointment of new OPSF members. On March 21, 2024, the Omaha Public Schools Foundation's Board of Directors unanimously approved the nomination of the following for a three-year term on the board beginning in June of 2024 through March of 2027. Their resumes are attached:
Avery Brown Channing Bunch Craig Christiansen James Freeman Jennifer Rodriguez Finally, the OPS Foundation Board of Directors approved a second term for the following board members (three year term) from June of 2024 through March of 2027. Art Brown Alexander Kinkead Marcos Mora Kari O'Neill Potts
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I.3. Approval to Award Bid No. 24-022 to Parco Scientific Inc. for the Purchase of (972) Nine Hundred and Seventy-Two Microscopes for the District’s Secondary Science Education Labs ($161,052.00)
Rationale:
FUND: 1 & 175 General Fund and COVID Federal Grants
PROGRAM: 1100, Regular Instruction DEPT ID: 7193010, Secondary Education Administration SUPPLIER: Parco Scientific Inc. PROJECT: 499232, Instructional Materials for Teaching and Learning POLICIES: 7000, III.K, 7000, VII.A AMOUNT: $161,052.00 Administration recommends approval to award Bid 24-022 to Parco Scientific Inc. for Three Hundred and Twelve (312) Microscopes MIC-1 Walter Products, Model BMT-402D-RC which will be used in the District’s Thirteen (13) Middle School Science rooms and Six Hundred and Sixty (660) Microscopes MIC-2 Walter Products, Model LTM-403-RC that will be used in the District's (9) Nine High School Science Labs. This purchase is part of our Academic Recovery and Acceleration Support initiative under Pillar I, using ESSER funds. The District received 4 bids of which Parco Scientific was the lowest bidder. The price of the Microscope MIC-1 Walter Products, Model BMT-402D-RC for the Middle Schools is $135.68 each and Microscope MIC-2 Walter Products, Model LTM-403-RC for the District’s High Schools is $179.88 each. These Microscopes will be used for the Life Science courses in the Secondary schools. Each Microscope includes two (2) Alkaline AA Batteries and (1) charging cord. These units include a 5-year warranty. Parco Scientific Inc. is the responsible offeror whose proposal is most advantageous to the District with price and other factors considered. The bid will hold pricing for one (1) year beginning April 1, 2024, through March 31, 2025. The bid includes the option of two (2), one (1) year term extensions at the set price on the purchase of additional units. The total amount of this purchase is $161,052.00 for the 2023-2024 school year and will be reimbursed with Fund 175 Covid Federal Grants.
* Awarded low priced items meeting bid specifications. For complete bid information contact Gina.Jessick@ops.org.
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I.4. Approval of Claims Report A - District Expenditure
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.).
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I.5. Approval of Claims Report B - Expenditures from Various Student Activity Funds for which the Board Serves as Custodian
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.
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I.6. Approval of Claims Report C - Expenditures on behalf of Board Members or their Related Organizations
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.
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I.7. Approval of Claims Report D - Payroll Expenditures
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.
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I.8. Approval of Claims Report E - Payroll Estimated Expenditures
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.
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I.9. Approval of Educational Service Unit No. 19 Claims - Expenditures to be Paid from Education Service Unit's 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.
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I.10. Approval of Omaha School Employees Retirement System Claims - Expenditures to be paid from the OSERS'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.
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I.11. Committee on Claims Audit Approval 4/1/2024
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.
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I.12. Approval of a Contract with Boys Town for Common Sense Parenting for the English Learner Family Involvement Program from April 19 through May 21, 2024 ($1,500)
Rationale:
FUND: 176, Misc. Federal Grants
PROGRAM: 1170, English Language Learners DEPT: 7198170, English as a Second Language GRANT: 472424, Afghan Refugee School Impact POLICIES: 7000 Amount: $1,500.00 Administration recommends approval of a contract with Boys Town to provide Common Sense Parenting Cafés for the English Learner, Dual Language, Refugee, and Migrant Education Program for parents of school-age children. Six two-hour programs, each with different focus topics, will be provided between April 19 and May 21, 2024. Twenty families will be able to register for each of the Parent Cafés and receive corresponding materials. The Cafés are funded through the Afghan Refugee School Impact grant and the target audience for these forums are new Afghan refugee families. Families can register for one or more sessions and registrations will be accepted until each session is full. The District has previously spent over $50,000 on contracts with Boys Town and therefore brings this contract to the Board for approval.
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I.13. Approval of Contract with Woodman Electrical Contractors (Doing Business As Woodman Controls Company) for Bid No. 24-035 OPS Niagara N4 Supervisor Software Integration at Multiple Buildings, Summer of 2024 ($106,852.00)
Rationale:
FUND: 1 & 175 General Fund reimbursed by COVID Federal Grants
PROGRAM: 2620 Maintenance School/District Buildings DEPT. ID: 7166600 Schoolhouse Planning SUPPLIER: Woodman Electrical Contractors, dba Woodman Controls Company POLICIES: 7000, III.K, 7000, VII.A, 7000, VII.D AMOUNT: $106,852.00 Administration and Jacobs recommend approval of the attached contract with Woodman Electrical Contractors, the low bidder for Bid No. 24-035 OPS Niagara N4 Supervisor Software Integration at Ashland-Park Robbins Elementary, Bancroft Elementary, Central Park Elementary, Dundee Elementary, Minne Lusa Elementary, Pawnee Elementary, Prairie Wind Elementary, Skinner Elementary, and Monroe Middle Schools. Woodman Electrical Contractors 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 for the base bid on March 18, 2024. The work will include the integration of all Tridium Niagara Jace hardware that was installed under the OPS Multiple Sites HVAC Controls Modernization OPS project also funded by ESSERS, into the OPS Niagara N4 Front End Server. Integration shall follow the District’s N4 software platform standards, including all required graphics, controls mapping, status, and set points for a complete operational system. The price of this contract is $106,852.00. This project is funded through Fund 01, and reimbursed by Fund 175, COVID-19 Federal Grants.
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I.14. Approval of Proposed Staffing Adjustments
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.
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I.15. Approval to Purchase Anatomage Table Convertible from Anatomage, Inc. for Northwest High School Health Science Themes and Pathways ($83,450.00)
Rationale:
FUND: 176, Misc. Federal Grants
PROGRAM: 2211, Career and Tech Ed Support DEPT: 7196010, Career & Technical Education Grant/Project : 471824, Perkins Basic Grant SUPPLIER: Anatomage Inc. POLICIES : 7000, III.K., 7000, V.A., 7000, VII.A AMOUNT: $83,450.00 Administration recommends approval to purchase Anatomage Table Convertible for Health Science themes and pathways at Northwest High School. The Anatomage Table purchase includes a convertible interactive table, table hardcover, medical design studio interactives, 1-year warranty, software upgrade, tech support and training. The same product is used for curriculum/instructional delivery at the University level and aligns with instructional needs and dual enrollment opportunities. Digital models and human anatomy re-creations are more realistic and interactive than static classroom science models. The simulated body and components go beyond dissection with the table and provide various hands-on experiences utilizing life-size digital cadavers to deepen the level of learning for whole body systems. The design of the table itself allows for small group collaboration and station work that is not possible with stand-alone individualized virtual software. Within Policy 7000, Section V.A., no bid was required for this purchase. The cost of the purchase is $83,450.00.
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I.16. Approval to Purchase One Hundred (100) Electronic Thermometers from School Health Inc. for All District Elementary, Secondary, and Alternate School Sites ($27,506.00)
Rationale:
FUND: 1 & 175 General Fund and COVID Federal Grants
PROGRAM: 2130 Student and Community Services DEPT ID: 7105800 Student and Community Services SUPPLIER: School Health Inc. PROJECT: 499250 Student Well Being POLICIES: 7000, III.D, 7000, VII.A AMOUNT: $27,506.00 Administration recommends the purchase of one hundred (100) Electronic Thermometers for all elementary schools, all secondary schools, ESL Teen Literacy/Independent Study, Omaha Virtual School, Integrated Learning Program, Secondary Success Program, JP Lord, Accelere, Blackburn, Career Center, Parrish, Transition North, Transition South, and Head Start. This is part of our Well-Being of Students and Staff initiative under Pillar II using ESSER funds. These Electronic Thermometers are needed to supplement the eight units already purchased for the District after Board approval of Bid No. 22-085 for Medical Supplies on August 15, 2022. These additional electronic thermometers will be used by health office staff to determine the student’s body temperature when conducting a health assessment. The electronic thermometer allows health office staff to quickly and accurately determine whether a student’s body temperature is within normal range and recommend a course of action for addressing the child's needs. The Bid 22-085, approved on August 11, 2022, included terms that pricing be held until the end of the bid extension, July 31, 2024, on purchasing additional units, and the Board of Education approve all additional purchases. School Health Inc. is the responsible offeror whose proposal is most advantageous to the District with price and other factors considered. The additional purchase is $27,506.00 and will be reimbursed with Fund 175, COVID Federal Grants.
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I.17. Approval of Non-Tenured or Continuing Contracts for Probationary Certified Employees
Rationale:
Per Board Policy 4120, the District annually seeks approval from the Board the Education to renew the contracts of probationary certificated employees for the next school year. As such, the District recommends that the probationary certificated 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 2024-2025 school year. Employees completing their first or second year will be offered a probationary contract for the 2024-2025 school year. Certificated employees completing their third year will be offered a tenured contract with the District.
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I.18. Grant Fund Budget Awards
Rationale:
It is recommended that the grant fund budget be amended to include the receipts and expenditures of the attached grant awards.
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J. Discussion and/or Action Items
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J.1. Information Item(s)
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J.1.a. Policy Committee Update
Rationale:
The Chair of the Policy Committee will provide an update.
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J.1.b. Recommended Code of Conduct Revisions for 2024-2025
Rationale:
Administration will provide information regarding recommended changes to the Code of Conduct for the 2024-2025 school year.
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J.1.c. Update to Policies
Rationale:
Policy 8120 stipulates the Board of Education shall cause policies and regulations to be revised as necessary. Administration will provide recommended changes to the following policies:
4007 - Leave Policy 4046 - Use of Public Resources by and Employees 8110 - Rules of Order 8120 -Duties and Functions of the Board of Education 8150 - Committees and Committee Functions 8151 - Standing Committee on American Civics 8152 - Committee on Claims (New) 8160 - Policy Application 8210 - Orientation for Newly-Elected Members of the Board of Education 8230 - Board Member Attendance at Educational Workshops, Conferences, Training Programs, Official Functions, Hearings, and Meetings 8232 - Use of Public Resources 8240 - Membership in School Board Associations 8260 - Conflict of Interest/Contracts 8261 - Conflict of Interest - Employment of Family Member of Board Member or Supervisor and Employment of Board Member 8270 - Conflict of Interest - Other Than Contracts or Employment 8271 - Reporting Procedures 8272 - Board Code of Ethics 8273 - Conflicts Ledger 8274 - Communication to the Media 8300 - Methods of Operation 8310 - Formulation of Policies 8320 - Amendment or Suspension of Policies 8330 - Formulation of Administrative Regulations 8340 - Meetings 8341 - Types of Meetings 8342 - Designated Method of Giving Notice of Meetings 8343 - Agenda Construction and Control 8344 - Location of School Board Meetings 8345 - Procedures During Meetings 8346 - Public Participation at Board Meetings 8347 - Teacher-Administrator-Board of Education Relationships 8348 - Recognition
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J.2. Action Item(s)
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J.2.a. Approval of the Report of the Legislative Committee Including Recommended Legislative Positions
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:
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J.2.b. Approval to Purchase Textbooks and Digital Resources for Non-Public Schools for the 2024-2025 School Year ($238,947.79)
Rationale:
FUND: 155 Reimbursable Grants
PROGRAM: 1100 Regular Instruction DEPT: 7192010 Elementary Education GRANT: 473124 Textbook Loan Program SUPPLIER: 7734 Savvas Learning Company, LLC SUPPLIER: 34055 Houghton Mifflin Harcourt SUPPLIER: 20334 Holtzbrinck Publishers, LLC SUPPLIER: 8934 McGraw Hill Companies SUPPLIER: 2192 Greenwood Publishing Group, Inc SUPPLIER: 6179 Cengage Learning SUPPLIER: 15646 Gibbs Smith Publisher SUPPLIER: 2103 Davis Publications, Inc SUPPLIER: 13760 Textbook Warehouse, LLC SUPPLIER: 41893 Lab Aids, Inc POLICIES: 7000, V.A.; 7000, VII.A., 7000, VII.D. AMOUNT: $238,947.79 Nebraska Revised Status § 79-734 requires the District to purchase textbooks for non-public schools upon request. Administration recommends approval to purchase 4,670 textbooks and digital resources from various vendors for students attending non-public schools. The non-public schools selected books from the District’s current curriculum selection. These materials were not bid as they fall under the Academic Prerogative exception of Policy 7000. Additionally, all textbooks are purchased using funds from the Nebraska Department of Education Textbook Loan Program and are 100% reimbursable.
This purchase is 100% reimbursable grant. For complete documentation contact Yvonne.Schuster@ops.org. |
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K. Receipt of Reports
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K.1. Head Start Monthly Board Report for February 2024
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.
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K.2. Head Start Community Assessment Update 2023-2024
Rationale:
In accordance with Performance Standards and the 2007 Head Start Act, the Board of Education will be presented with the Head Start Community Assessment update for Douglas County School District 0001. Head Start Performance Standard 1305.3 requires that each grant will determine community strengths and needs within the proposed service area.
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L. Request for Closed Session
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.
Explanation
At this point, it is appropriate for the Board to meet in closed session for one of the stated matters and/or any other permissible closed session matters in compliance with the law. That the Board hold a closed session: 1. For strategy session with respect to negotiations/collective bargaining clearly necessary for the protection of the public interest or for the prevention of needless injury to the reputation of an individual in compliance with the law. 2. For strategy session with respect to property/real estate matters clearly necessary for the protection of the public interest or for the prevention of needless injury to the reputation of an individual in compliance with the law.
3. For strategy session with respect to pending litigation, or litigation which is imminent as evidenced by communication of a claim or threat of litigation to or by the public body clearly necessary for the protection of the public interest or for the prevention of needless injury to the reputation of an individual in compliance with the law.
4. For discussion regarding deployment of security personnel or devices clearly necessary for the protection of the public interest or for the prevention of needless injury to the reputation of an individual in compliance with the law.
5. For investigative proceedings regarding allegations of criminal misconduct clearly necessary for the protection of the public interest or for the prevention of needless injury to the reputation of an individual in compliance with the law.
6. For personnel and the evaluation of job performance clearly necessary for the protection of the public interest or for the prevention of needless injury to the reputation of an individual in compliance with the law.
7. For discussions of the legal consequences of specific action and legal advice clearly necessary for the protection of the public interest or for the prevention of needless injury to the reputation of an individual in compliance with the law. |
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M. Adjournment
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