May 20, 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:  The Vision:  Every Student.  Every Day.  Prepared for Success.

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

Rationale:  The #OPSProud Spotlight celebrates students and staff throughout Omaha Public Schools who earned statewide recognition and leadership posts in Educators Rising.

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:  FUND:  1 General Fund, 174 Title 1003A
PROGRAM: 2212 Instructional Staff Support, 1100 Regular Instruction
DEPT: 7193020, CSI Schools Dept
POLICIES: 7000, III. K., 7000, VII. A
AMOUNT: $1,373, 799.00 ($49,310.00 general fund, $1,324,489.50 Title 1003A)

Administration recommends approval of the attached agreement with Leading Educators to provide professional development training and assistance as part of the Comprehensive Support and Improvement (CSI) Grant and implementation of recently adopted secondary English Language Arts curriculum. The CSI Grant is offered by the Nebraska Department of Education's (NDE) Accountability System (AQuESTT) to identified schools that need additional strategic instructional support. CSI designated schools submit a continuous improvement plan to be approved by NDE. As part of the various plans, the District and NDE have agreed that the District will provide additional professional development. The District will partner with Leading Educators to provide professional development to CSI designated schools listed below and technical assistance for curriculum implementation beginning July 1, 2024 and ending June 30, 2025. The total amount of this agreement is $1,373,799.50. Some will be paid by general fund and some by Title 1003A (Comprehensive Support and Improvement (CSI) funding.) 

The following schools are CSI designated schools:

Adams Elementary
Alfonza Davis Middle
Bancroft Elementary
Beals Elementary
Belvedere Elementary
Benson High
Benson West Elementary
Beveridge Middle
Bryan Middle
Central Park Elementary
Chandler View Elementary
Conestoga Elementary
Field Club Elementary
Florence Elementary
Fontenelle Elementary
Gateway Elementary
Highland Elementary
Indian Hill Elementary
Jackson Elementary
King Elementary
King Science Middle
Lewis and Clark Middle
Liberty Elementary
Lothrop Elementary
McMillan Middle
Minne Lusa Elementary
Monroe Middle
Morton Middle
Mount View Elementary
Nathan Hale Middle
Norris Middle
RM Marrs Middle
Skinner Elementary
South High
Spring Lake Elementary
Wakonda Elementary
Walnut Hill Elementary

Rationale:  Policy: 6410

The Comprehensive Support and Improvement (CSI) Grant is offered to identified schools that need additional strategic instructional support as per the Nebraska Department of Education's (NDE) Accountability System (AQuESTT).  It is required for all CSI designated schools to submit a continuous improvement plan and application that aligns with the District’s Strategic Plan to be approved by NDE.  The NDE Office of Federal Programs, Coordinated Schools, and the District have collaborated to provide CSI schools with targeted, customized support in developing and implementing their plans.  The Title I Comprehensive School Improvement (CSI) and CSI-Additional Targeted Support and Improvement (ATSI-CSI) Grant Allocation amount is $2,521,386.00 for the period beginning May 20, 2024, and ending September 30, 2025.

The schools receiving the grant are:

Adams Elementary
Alfonza Davis Middle
Bancroft Elementary
Beals Elementary
Belvedere Elementary
Benson High
Benson West Elementary
Beveridge Middle
Bryan Middle
Central Park Elementary
Chandler View Elementary
Conestoga Elementary
Field Club Elementary
Florence Elementary
Fontenelle Elementary
Gateway Elementary
Highland Elementary
Indian Hill Elementary
Jackson Elementary
King Elementary
King Science Middle
Lewis and Clark Middle
Liberty Elementary
Lothrop Elementary
McMillan Middle
Minne Lusa Elementary
Monroe Middle
Morton Middle
Mount View Elementary
Nathan Hale Middle
Norris Middle
RM Marrs Middle
Skinner Elementary
South High
Spring Lake Elementary
Wakonda Elementary
Walnut Hill Elementary

Rationale:  FUND:       1 & 175     General Fund and COVID Federal Grants
PROGRAM:    1100        Regular Instruction
DEPT:       7062560     Districtwide Technology
PROJECT:    499254      Technology Tools
SUPPLIER:   Pending     Government Goods, Inc.        $1,286,280.00
SUPPLIER:   26608       Riverside Technologies, Inc.    $169,480.00
POLICIES:   7000, VII. A.
AMOUNT:     $1,455,760.00

Administration recommends approval of Bid No. 24-042 to Government Goods, Inc. to purchase one thousand six hundred twenty (1620) Student Laptops, and Riverside Technologies, Inc, to purchase one hundred ninety (190) Staff Laptops, and one hundred ninety (190) Docking Stations for students and staff at Benson High, Bryan High, Buena Vista High, Burke High, Central High, North High, Northwest High, South High, Westview High, Beveridge Middle, Bluestem Middle, Bryan Middle, Buffett Middle, Davis Middle, Hale Middle, King Science Center, Lewis & Clark Middle, Marrs Middle, McMillan Middle, Monroe Middle, Morton Middle, and Norris Middle schools. This purchase is part of our Academic Recovery and Acceleration Support initiative, using ESSER funds under Pillar I.

The District received seventeen (17) bid responses, of which ten (10) were non-compliant. Planet Holding, Inc. is non-compliant for not having a signed signature page.  AITA Technologies, Apex OmniSource, LLC, Archangel Technology, LLC, Frontier Technology, LLC, and Striv AV are non-compliant for failure to acknowledge Addendum 1.  Malor & Company, Inc. and Southern Computer Warehouse are non-compliant for not providing the required specification paperwork.  The Repair Depot, LLC is non-compliant for failure to provide RAM specifications, and Wisecom Technologies, Inc. for failure to provide a 3-year warranty as specified in the bid.  Government Goods, Inc. is awarded Student Laptops as low bidder, and Riverside Technologies, Inc. has been awarded as low bidder for Staff Laptops and Docking Stations. These allow the students' devices to run CAD and Adobe products more efficiently. Government Goods, Inc. and Riverside Technologies, Inc. are 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 May 20, 2024, through May 19, 2025. The bid includes the option of three (3), one (1) year term extensions at the set price on the purchase of additional units.  The total amount of this purchase is $1,455,760.00 for the initial purchase and will be reimbursed with Fund 175 COVID Federal Grants.  All products purchased after September 1, 2024, will not use Fund 175 COVID Federal Grants. ?All products purchased after September 1, 2024, will not use Fund 175 COVID Federal Grants. 

	Quantity	Items	Quantity		Quantity
Suppliers	1620	Student Laptops	190	Staff Laptops	190	Docking Stations
Government Goods, Inc		$794.00*		$794.00		$134.00
Riverside Technologies, Inc		$987.00		$758.00*		$133.00*
Computer Hardware Inc		$1,098.06		$828.00		153.84
GovConnection Inc dba Connection - Public Sector Solutions		$1,135.33		$963.01		$176.66
Hypertec USA, Inc		$915.14		$915.14		$100.39
RocketDrop LLC		$976.12		$976.12		$136.88
Virtucom Inc		$918.00		$793.00		$145.00
AITA Technologies		$2,029.00 NC		$758.00*		$268.20 NC
Apex OmniSource LLC		$770.00 NC		$770.00 NC		$144.00 NC
Archangel Tablets LLC, dba Archangel Education &Technology		$1,556.62 NC		$810.07 NC		$97.67 NC
Frontier Technology LLC dba Microage		$669.41 NC		$704.70 NC		$195.83 NC
Malor & Company Inc		$399.77 NC		$621.77 NC		$189.00 NC
Planet Holding Inc		NC		NC		NC
The Repair Depot LLC		$875.00 NC		$875.00 NC		$25.00 NC
Southern Computer Warehouse		$679.67 NC		$679.67 NC		$134.88 NC
Striv AV		$1,039.94 NC		$1,039.94 NC		$194.49 NC
Wisecom Technologies Inc		$672.90 NC		$672.90 NC		$66.18 NC

Complete bid documentation contact elizabeth.knowline@ops.org

 

Rationale:  FUND:       1 & 175     General Fund and COVID Federal Grants
PROGRAM:    1100        Regular Instruction
DEPT:       7193010     Secondary Education Admin
PROJECT:           499232      ESSERS III - Instructional Materials
SUPPLIER:   31862       Adorama, Inc            $ 33,470.10
SUPPLIER:   77324       Focus Camera            $ 31,248.90
SUPPLIER:   2323        B & H Photo Video       $404,165.16
SUPPLIER:   77230       Kearney Media           $    549.45
POLICIES:   7000, VII.A.
AMOUNT:     $469,433.61

Administration recommends award of Bid 24-046 for Journalism Equipment to the following suppliers:  Adorama, Inc., B & H Foto and Electronic Corp (Doing Business As B & H Photo Video), Focus Camera, and Kearney Media who are the responsible offerors whose proposals are most advantageous to the District with price and other factors considered.  Bid No 24-046 was issued for the purchase of Journalism Equipment for all nine (9) District High Schools to support Journalism education.  The District received five (5) bid responses. All awards are being made to the lowest compliant bidder for each line item.  The following individual products were deemed non-compliant. Adorama, Inc. submitted items other than what was specified in the bid requirements for lines J-7, J-8, J-18, and J-25 and VSA, Inc. did not meet size requirements for line J-17. This purchase aligns with Pillar 1 - Academic Recovery and Acceleration Support and will be reimbursed with Fund 175, COVID Federal Grants.  This is a one-time purchase.  The total amounts awarded are:  Adorama, Inc. $33,470.10, B & H Photo Video $404,165.16, Focus Camera $31,248.90, and Kearney Media $549.45.
 

Items		Suppliers
	Quantity	Adorama Inc	B&H Foto and Eletronic Corp DBA B& H Photo Video	Focus Camera LLC	Kearney Media	VSA INC
J-1: Canon EOS Rebel T7 kit	315	$599.00	*$509.90	$558.00	$605.89	$517.00
J-2: Tiffen 58mm UV Protector filter	450	$336.91	$5.00	*$4.50	$4.73	$6.17
J-3: Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM lens	72	$113.42	$112.90	*$103.50	$135.57	$108.75
J-4: Canon EOS 6D Mark II DSLR Camera	90	$2,404.58	*$2,129.90	$2,335.50	$2,465.52	$2,201.50
J-5: Canon EF 100-400M f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens	18	$2,461.37	*$ 2,057.90	$2,214.00	$2,332.32	$2,065.00
J-6: Tiffen 77MM UV Protector Filter	18	$7.47	* $7.00	$7.20	$9.10	$10.83
J-7: Canon LC-E10 Battery Charger	45	$5.62 NC	$39.90	*$27.90	$43.50	$42.80
J-8: Canon LP-E10 Lithium-Ion Battery Pack	180	$21.20 NC	*$46.90	$49.50	$51.59	$49.50
J-9: 16GB Ultra Memory Card (Class 10)	450	$7.67	$6.69	*$5.40	$8.27	$46.41
J-10: Canon LP-E6N Lithium-Ion Battery Pack	9	$71.53	$69.90	*$54.45	$76.20	$75.75
J-11: Canon Speedlite 600EX II-RT	45	$161.10	$254.90	*$108.00	$110.88	$957.75
J-12: Canon RC-6 Wireless Remote Control	9	*$18.88	$20.62	$21.60	$23.44	$22.45
J-13: Canon PowerShot Elph 180 Digital Camera with Accessory Kit	90	*$295.09	$311.00	$297.00	$469.11	$342.00
J-14: Bi-Color LED Ring Light (18") with Variable Color Temperature	9	*$67.02	$79.00	$72.00	$85.32	$157.50
J-15: L-808X-U Light Meter	18	$184.03	*$179.00	$189.00	$195.11	$195.00
J-16: Travel Tripod with Load Capacity	45	$57.63	*$36.00	$45.00	$58.80	$108.90
J-17: Cobra Monopod with Load Capacity	45	*$127.94	$131.95	$135.00	$142.80	$123.25NC
J-18: Background System Kit	9	$116.95 NC	$179.46	*$162.00	$175.76	NB
J-19:12’ Crushed Muslin Background (Gray Mist)	9	$76.28	$70.00	$88.20	*$61.05	NB
J-20: 5-in-1 Collapsible Reflector with White, Silver, Gold, and Black Surfaces	45	$25.45	$13.00	*$6.49	$20.75	$84.85
J-21: Digital Monolight with Transmitter Kit	9	$1,482.30	$623.00	*$432.00	$676.20	NB
J-22: Rechargeable Batteries AA with Minimum Capacity	27	$12.50	$20.24	*$11.70	$13.19	NB
J-23: Rechargeable Batteries AAA with Minimum Capacity	27	$10.10	$9.95	*$9.00	$16.45	NB
J-24: 8-Bay Rapid Charger for AA/AAA batteries	27	$24.59	$29.96	*$19.90	$31.92	NB
J-25: Green Collapsible Background	9	$33.95 NC	$88.00	*$41.40	$45.60	NB
J-26: Pop-Up Background and Reflector Stand with Load Capacity	18	*$21.20	$25.00	$27.00	$36.88	NB
J-27: CF Card:	54	NB	*$25.99	$31.50	$33.82	$31.67
J-28: Snowball iCE USB Condenser Microphone	27	$64.26	$69.00	*$58.50	$75.21	$86.75
J-29: Hi-Fi Headphones	135	$69.36	$9.84	*$9.00	$12.50	$14.79
J-30: Digital voice recorder	90	$77.86	$50.00	*$31.50	$58.10	NB

Rationale:  FUND: 1 & 175, General Fund reimbursed by Covid Federal Grants 
PROGRAM: 1100, Regular Instruction 
DEPT: 7192010, Elementary Education; 7193010, Secondary Education  
PROJECT: 499253 - ESSERS III
SUPPLIER: Skill Struck 
SUPPLIER: Code HS 
POLICIES: 7000, III. K, 7000, VII.A., 6121 
AMOUNT: $3,058,950

FUND: 1, General Fund 
PROGRAM: 1100, Regular Instruction 
DEPT: 7192010, Elementary Education; 7193010, Secondary Education  
SUPPLIER: Skill Struck 
SUPPLIER: Code HS 
POLICIES: 7000, III. K, 7000, VII.A., 6121 
AMOUNT: $380,500

Administration recommends approval of the attached Agreements with two publishers to purchase materials and resources to support its K-12 Computer Science and Technology curriculum.  The District systemically reviewed its K-12 Computer Science & Technology materials and resources. As part of that process, the District issued Request for Proposal P002-24 for K-12 Computer Science and Technology. Following the initial review of submissions, multiple resources and related materials were selected for field testing. Utilizing guidance and rubrics, high-quality instructional materials were selected based on analysis of the Computer Science and Technology Act and K-12 Computer Science Standards, teacher reviews, field-testing, bias reviews, cost range, usability, student experience, assessment, rigor, and community reviews in keeping with the provisions of Policy 6121. Each of the attached recommendations was the responsible offeror whose proposal is most advantageous to the District with price and other factors considered. The total awarded price is $3,439,450.00. This project is funded under Pillar I of the approved ESSERS plan. General Fund 1 will be used and reimbursed from Fund 175 COVID Federal Grants. With the expectation that ESSERS funding concludes on September 30, 2024, all professional learning after that date will be supported through general funds.


 

Rationale:  FUND: 1 & 175 General Fund reimbursed by Covid Federal Grants
 PROGRAM: 1100 Regular Instruction
 DEPT: 7193010 Secondary Education Administration
 PROJECT: 499253 - ESSERS III
 SUPPLIER: Vista Higher Learning
 POLICIES: 7000, III. K, 7000, VII.A., 6121
 AMOUNT: $1,228,950.20

FUND:  176, Misc. Grants
PROGRAM:  1170, English Language Learners
DEPT: 7198170, English As a Second Language
 SUPPLIER: Vista Higher Learning
 POLICIES: 7000, III. K, 7000, VII.A., 6121
 AMOUNT: $120,000.00
 
Administration recommends approval of the attached agreement with Vista Higher Learning to purchase textbooks and resources which will support its 6-12 English Learner curriculum.  In addition to the individual agreement, a summary document is attached specifying the publisher selected, products, and the total cost of the agreement.  The District undertook systematic review of its 6-12 English Learner textbooks and resources.  As part of that process, the District issued Request for Proposal P018-23 for grades 6-12.  Following initial review of submissions, multiple textbooks and related materials were selected for field testing.  Utilizing guidance and rubrics, the high-quality instructional materials were selected based on analysis of Nebraska K-12 English Language Proficiency standards and English Language Arts standards aligned skills, teacher reviews, field testing, bias reviews, cost range, usability, student experience, assessment, rigor and community reviews in keeping with the provisions of Policy 6121.  The attached recommendation was the responsible offeror whose proposal is most advantageous to the District with price and other factors considered.  The total awarded price is $1,415,610.21. This project is funded under Pillar I of the approved ESSERS plan. General Fund 1 will be used and reimbursed from Fund 175 COVID Federal Grants. With the expectation that ESSERS funding concludes on September 30, 2024, all professional learning after that date will be supported through Title III Grant funds.

Rationale:  FUND: 1 & 175, General Fund reimbursed by Covid Federal Grants
PROGRAM: 1100, Regular Instruction
DEPT: 7193010, Secondary Education Administration
PROJECT: 499253 - ESSERS III
SUPPLIER: Savvas
SUPPLIER: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
POLICIES: 7000, III. K, 7000, VII.A., 6121
AMOUNT: $4,284,794.88

FUND: 1, General Fund
PROGRAM: 1100, Regular Instruction
DEPT: 7193010, Secondary Education Administration
SUPPLIER: Savvas
SUPPLIER: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
POLICIES: 7000, III. K, 7000, VII.A., 6121
AMOUNT: $789,169.88

Administration recommends approval of the attached Agreements with various publishers to purchase materials and resources which will support its Secondary Reading Intervention curriculum.  In addition to the individual agreements, a summary document is attached specifying the individual publishers selected and the total cost of each agreement.  The District undertook systematic review of its Secondary Reading Intervention materials and resources.  As part of that process, the District issued Request for Proposal P019-23 for reading intervention in grades 6-12.  Following the initial review of submissions, multiple resources and related materials were selected for field-testing.  Utilizing guidance and rubrics, high quality instructional materials were selected based on analysis of secondary reading intervention best practices and Nebraska English Language Arts Standards, teacher reviews, field-testing, bias reviews, cost range, usability, student experience, assessment, rigor and community reviews in keeping with the provisions of Policy 6121.  Each of the attached recommendations was the responsible offeror whose proposal is most advantageous to the District with price and other factors considered.  The total awarded price is $5,073.946.76. This project is funded under Pillar I of the approved ESSERS plan. General Fund 1 will be used and reimbursed from Fund 175 COVID Federal Grants. With the expectation that ESSERS funding concludes on September 30, 2024, all professional learning after that date will be supported through general funds.

Rationale:  FUND: 1 & 175, General Fund reimbursed by COVID Federal Grants 
PROGRAM: 1100, Regular Instruction 
DEPT: 7193010, Secondary Education Administration 
PROJECT: 499253, ESSER III 
SUPPLIER: Savvas 
SUPPLIER: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt 
SUPPLIER: Bedford, Freeman & Worth 
SUPPLIER: Perfection Learning 
POLICIES: 7000, III.K., 7000, VII.A., 6121 
AMOUNT: $7,298,085.73
 
FUND: 1, General Fund 
PROGRAM: 1100, Regular Instruction 
DEPT: 7193010, Secondary Education Administration 
SUPPLIER: Savvas 
SUPPLIER: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt 
SUPPLIER: Bedford, Freeman & Worth 
SUPPLIER: Perfection Learning   
POLICIES: 7000, III. K, 7000, VII.A., 6121 
AMOUNT: $ 734,060.00

Administration recommends approval of the attached agreements with various publishers to purchase textbooks which will support its 6-12 English Language Arts curriculum.  In addition to the individual agreements, a summary is attached specifying the individual publishers selected and the total cost of each agreement. The District undertook a systematic review of its 6-12 English Language Arts textbooks. As part of that process, the District issued Request for Proposal P020-23 for grades 6-12. Following the initial review of submissions, multiple textbooks and related materials were selected for field testing. Utilizing guidance and rubrics, high quality instructional materials were selected based on analysis of English Language Arts content and standards-aligned skills, teacher reviews, field-testing, bias reviews, cost range, usability, student experience, assessment, rigor and community reviews in keeping with the provisions of Policy 6121. Each of the attached recommendations was the responsible offeror whose proposal is most advantageous to the District with price and other factors considered. The total awarded price is $8,032,145.73. This project is funded under Pillar I of the approved ESSERS plan. General Fund 1 will be used and reimbursed from Fund 175 COVID Federal Grants. With the expectation that ESSERS funding concludes on September 30, 2024, all professional learning after that date will be supported through general funds.

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:   $0.00

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

Project: Bid 24-035 OPS Niagara N4 Supervisor Software Integration at Multiple Buildings
Architect/Engineer: N/A
Contractor: Woodman Controls Company

This work is funded utilizing Esser III Funds under Pillar 3 - Infrastructure for the Future and will be reimbursed using Fund 175 Covid Federal Grants.

RFP#	Type	Description	Type	Amount
CO #001	Arch.	Due to existing conditions and additional work for the previously contracted automated controls project, the schedule was impacted and required the substantial completion dates to be extended as follows: a) Prairie Wind Elementary shall be May 31, 2024 b) Dundee Elementary shall be May 31, 2024 c) Central Park Elementary shall be May 31, 2024 d) Skinner Elementary shall be no longer than 30 days after the date the engineer of record establishes a substantial completion date for previously contracted automation controls work performed by others e) Pawnee Elementary shall be no longer than 30 days after the date the engineer of record establishes a substantial completion date for previously contracted automation controls work performed by others f) Minne Lusa Elementary shall be no longer than 30 days after the date the engineer of record establishes a substantial completion date for previously contracted automation controls work performed by others g) Monroe Middle shall be no longer than 30 days after the date the engineer of record establishes a substantial completion date for previously contracted automation controls work performed by others h) Ashland Park-Robbins Elementary shall be no longer than 30 days after the date the engineer of record establishes a substantial completion date for previously contracted automation controls work performed by others i) Bancroft Elementary shall be no longer than 30 days after the date the engineer of record establishes a substantial completion date for previously contracted automation controls work performed by others	Neutral	$0.00

 

Total Amount of Change Order No. 001 - Neutral	$0.00
Original Contract Amount	$106,852.00
Previously Approved Changes	$0.00
Change Order No. 001 - Neutral	$0.00
Total Revised Contract Amount	$106,852.00
Amount Paid to Date	$0.00
Amount Remaining	$106,852.00

Rationale:  FUND:     42 - 2018 Bond Program Proceeds Fund
PROGRAM:  2591 - Buildings & Grounds
DEPT:     3330020 - South High School
PROJECT:  321525 - South High School Capital Improvements & Renovation Project
SUPPLIER: The Weitz Company, LLC
POLICY:   7000, IV.G.
AMOUNT:   $7,788.00

Pursuant to Policies 7000, IV. G., Administration and Jacobs with the concurrence of the project architect/engineer, BCDM Architects, recommend that the following change order agreement be submitted for approval:

Project: South High School Capital Improvements & Renovation Project
Architect/Engineer: BCDM Architects
Contractor: The Weitz Company, LLC
Fund: 42 2018 Bond Program   
 

RFP#	Type	Description	Type	Amount
CO # 001	Mech.	Final change order for additional work required to install sensors and relays on the science room exhaust fans to be controlled by the building automation system to provide optimal HVAC performance.	ADD	$7,788.00

 

Total Amount of Change Order No. 001 - ADD	$7,788.00
Original Contract Amount	$9,557,746.00
Previously Approved Changes	$1,333,199.00
Change Order No. 001 - Add	$7,788.00
Total Revised Contract Amount	$10,898,733.00
Amount Paid to Date	$10,876,643.00
Amount Remaining	$22,090.00

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 and COVID Federal Grants
PROGRAM: 2620 Maintenance School/District Buildings
DEPT. ID: 0660020 Kennedy Elementary Facility
PROJECT: 499296 Kennedy Elementary Roofing Project
SUPPLIER: McKinnis Roofing and Sheet Metal, LLC
POLICY: 7000, IV. C.
AMOUNT: $276,600.00

Administration recommends approval of the contract for Bid No. 24-038 with McKinnis Roofing & Sheet Metal, LLC for Kennedy Elementary Roof Replacement, Sections B, B1, C, D, F, G, H, I, and J in the Summer of 2024. Bid 24-038 was awarded to McKinnis Roofing and Sheet Metal, LLC by the Board of Education on April 15, 2024. The project will include the removal and replacement of the existing roofing in these sections that have exceeded their useful life and no longer provide adequate energy efficiencies. The total cost of this contract is $276,600.00 and is being funded by the general fund, which will be reimbursed by COVID Federal Grants.
 

Rationale:  FUND: 1 & 175 General Fund and COVID Federal Grants
PROGRAM: Maintenance School/District Buildings
DEPT. ID.: 1360020 Conestoga Elementary Facility
PROJECT: 499297 Conestoga Elementary Roofing Project
SUPPLIER: 10 Men Roofing, LLC
POLICY: 7000, IV. C
AMOUNT: $369,000.00

Administration recommends approval of contract for Bid No. 24-039 with 10 Men Roofing, LLC for Conestoga Elementary Roof Replacement, Sections B, C, F, G, in the Summer of 2024. Bid 24-039 was awarded to 10 Men Roofing, LLC at the April 15, 2024, Board of Education Meeting. The project will include removing and replacing the existing roofing in those sections that have exceeded their useful life and no longer provide adequate energy efficiencies. The total cost of this contract is $369,000.00 and is being funded by the General Fund, which will be reimbursed by COVID Federal Grants.

Rationale:  FUND: 1 & 175 General Fund and COVID Federal Grants
PROGRAM: 2620 Maintenance School/District Buildings
DEPT. ID.: 7220020 Service Center Facility
PROJECT: 499295 Service Center Roofing Project
SUPPLIER: 10 Men Roofing, LLC
POLICY: 7000, IV. C.
AMOUNT: 310,943.00

Administration recommends approval of contract for Bid No. 24-041 with 10 Men Roofing, LLC for OPS Service Center Roof Replacement, Sections A, B, C, in the Summer of 2024. Bid 24-041 was awarded to 10 Men Roofing, LLC at the April 15, 2024, Board of Education Meeting. The project will include removing and replacing the existing roofing in those sections that have exceeded their useful life and no longer provide adequate energy efficiency. The total cost of this contract is $310,943.00 and is being funded by the general fund, which will be reimbursed by COVID Federal Grants.
 

Rationale:  Pursuant to Policy 3090, Administration recommends that thirty-six (36) relocatable classroom buildings listed below be declared surplus and that staff be authorized to determine the appropriate disposition of these buildings. The relocatable classrooms are no longer needed to accommodate the student population due to new classroom additions and the construction of schools under the 2014/2018 bond construction program and current student assignment plan. 

Staff further recommends that the District’s Chief Operations Officer, or their designee, be authorized to sign on behalf of the District all necessary documents to remove or retire the buildings.

School Campus	Tag Number	Manufacturer	Year Purchase
Ashland Park Robbins	R105	National	1967
Pawnee	R119	Geer	1966
Pawnee	R214	National	1989
Pawnee	R219	Morgan	1990
Pawnee	R283	Miller	1992
Pawnee	R324	Satellite	1999
Bryan Middle	R022	National	1968
Bryan Middle	R031	National	1971
Bryan Middle	R122	Capp	1970
Bryan Middle	R126	National	1968
Bryan Middle	R136	Capp	1970
Bryan Middle	R138	National	1972
Bryan Middle	R139	Capp	1970
Bryan Middle	R178	National	1972
Bryan Middle	R267	Satellite	1992
Bryan Middle	R281	Satellite	1992
Bryan Middle	R282	Satellite	1992
Bryan Middle	R325	Satellite	1999
Bryan Middle	R326	Satellite	1999
Bryan Middle	R327	Satellite	1999
Bryan Middle	R328	Satellite	1999
Buffet Middle	R008	National	1968
Buffet Middle	R026	National	1971
Buffet Middle	R027	National	1972
Buffet Middle	R046	National	1967
Buffet Middle	R055	National	1969
Buffet Middle	R063	National	1968
Buffet Middle	R221	Morgan	1990
Buffet Middle	R222	National	1990
Buffet Middle	R231	National	1991
Buffet Middle	R258	National	1991
Buffet Middle	R287	Morgan	1993
McMillan	R045	National	1968
McMillan	R009	National	1989
McMillan	R238	Miller	1991
McMillan	R272	Satellite	1992

Rationale:  FUND:       1 General Fund
PROGRAM:    1230 Placement
DEPT:       7194010 Curriculum Instruction Support Special Education
SUPPLIER:   Pairaphrase LLC.
POLICY:     6600 D.
AMOUNT:     $52,300.00

Administration recommends approval of the attached contract with Pairphrase LLC to provide special education document translation services for the 2024-2025 school year.  The Board of Education approved awarding RFP No. P005-24 to Pairaphrase LLC on March 4, 2024.  The contractor will provide remote access to the secure Software System that will enable accurate translation services of special education documents into multiple languages. The agreement includes training and technical support, and ensures we meet the federal and state requirements that the parent/guardian have access to and understand the content of all documents. The service contract is for one year with the option to extend for two additional consecutive one-year terms at $49,800.00 plus consumer price index increase (capped at 5%) if exercised on August 1 of each subsequent year.  The total cost of this agreement is $52,300.00.

Rationale:  FUND:        1 General Fund
PROGRAM:    2750, Regular Education;
              2760 Special Education;
              3102 Early Childhood Special Education
DEPT:        7162800 Student Transportation
SUPPLIER:   Collaborative Student Transportation of Minnesota LLC.
POLICY:      7000, Article VII, Section III A
AMOUNT:      $1,396,750.00 (Budgeted)

Administration recommends approval to extend the contract with Collaborative Student Transportation of Minnesota, LLC. for one (1) year. This contract was approved by the Board of Education on October 26, 2023, with the option to extend the term of the Agreement for two (2) terms of one (1) year each. If approved, this term would be the first extension and would take effect on August 1, 2024, and end on July 31, 2025.  Collaborative Student Transportation of Minnesota, LLC. provides additional student transportation services each day to Omaha Public School's students, who are designated by the District for services on a needs-only basis. These services may support Title I Pre-Kindergarten Students and Homeless Students. The actual cost of this extension will be based on actual usage during the school year but is estimated at $1,396,750.00 based on current usage.

Rationale:  FUND:        1 General Fund
PROGRAM:    2750, Regular Education;
              2760 Special Education;
              3102 Early Childhood Special Education
DEPT:        7162800 Student Transportation
SUPPLIER:   North End Teleservices, LLC
POLICY:     7000, VII, III.A
AMOUNT:     $1,500,000.00 (Budgeted)

Administration recommends approval to extend the agreement with North End Teleservices, LLC for one (1) year. This contract was approved by the Board of Education on August 7, 2023, with the option to extend for two (2) terms of one (1) year each. If approved, this term would be the first extension and would take effect on August 1, 2024, and end on July 31, 2025. This service agreement provides phone representatives who staff the student transportation call center for 12 hours daily for the 2024-2025 school term. Phone representatives assist parents, students, and staff with questions and concerns related to transportation services. North End Teleservices, LLC will solely provide staff for the call center.  The total cost for the 2024-2025 school year is approximately $1,500,000.00.

Rationale:  FUND:       1           General Fund
DEPT.:      7062000     Default Dept. for Non-Expend
ACCOUNT:    45401       Sell of supplies/junk auction
PROGRAM:    2500        Default Non-Expenditure Program
CLASS:      000         Default No Class
POLICIES:   3090 Sales and Disposal of Books, Equipment, and Supplies
AMOUNT:     $54,267.60

Pursuant to Policy 3090, Administration is reporting the financial results from the District surplus auction held online from February 18, 2024, through March 4, 2024. The surplus auction was approved at the Board of Education meeting on Thursday, February 8, 2024, providing $33,608.80 in funds to the District, as shown below.

Miscellaneous Sales                                    $36,447.00
Vehicle Sales                                               $27,900.00
Gross Amount                                              $64,347.00

Less Commission of 20%                         
      From Miscellaneous Sales                      $ 7,289.40
Less Commission of 10%
      From Vehicle Sales                                  $ 2,790.00
Total of subtracted cost:                                $10,079.40

Net to the district                                          $54,267.60
 

Rationale:  FUND: 1 General Fund
PROGRAM: 1100 Regular Instruction
DEPT: 7072002 School Improvement
POLICIES: 7000, III. K., 7000, VII. A
AMOUNT: $347, 535.00 annually + $30.00/hour usage fee per hour consumed

Omaha Public Schools awarded Bid No. P010-23 to Paper Education America, Inc. in January of 2023 as part of ESSERs-funded, COVID-related recovery efforts associated with Academic Support & Tutoring. Paper is a technology-based platform offering online, on-demand tutoring across core subject areas in multiple languages with reporting dashboards for implementation monitoring. Administration recommends exercising of first and second pricing options, extending access to online tutoring for 3rd-12th grade OPS students through August 31, 2025. This resource aligns to the OPS Strategic Plan of Action Priority 1 emphasis on literacy and math growth and to the District’s plan for academic recovery and acceleration. The total price is comprised of both platform and usage fee. The Platform Fee is $9.00/license x 38,615 students = $347,535.00 annually + an estimated 12,000 hours of usage at $360,000. The total estimated amount is $707,535 based on current use. 

Rationale:  FUND:                  156  Head Start/Early Head Start
PROGRAM:         3201  Early Childhood
DEPT:                  0660085 Head Start Grant   
AMOUNT:            $208,737.00
POLICIES:           3570, Section 642 Head Start Act

Per Section 642 of the Head Start Act, the Board of Education serves as the Governing Body for Head Start.  The Head Start Governing Body/Board of Education is required to review and approve all applications for funding, in accordance with Board Policy 3570.  Staff recommends approval of the Head Start Fiscal Year 2024 Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) grant application to support payroll expenses.  Omaha Public Schools Head Start and its delegate will apply the 2.35% cost of living adjustment totaling $208,737 to payroll and benefits to support the contractual salary increases and fringe benefits per annual contract negotiations.

Rationale:  The Head Start program received a program performance summary report on April 23, 2024.  In response to the report, the Administration has prepared the attached Quality Improvement Plan that it proposed to implement during the coming school year.  In keeping with the provisions of Section 642 of the Head Start Act, the Board of Education serves as the Governing Body for Head Start.  The Head Start Governing Body is required to review and approve specific processes of the program including implementation of corrective action plans.  As such, Administration recommends approval of the Quality Improvement Plan. 

Rationale:  Per Section 642 of the Head Start Act, the Board of Education serves as the Governing Body for Head Start.  The Head Start Governing Body is required to review and approve specific processes of the program, including the annual self-assessment.  The Head Start program conducted the 2023-2024 Self-Assessment during the month of April.  Head Start staff collected program data in the areas of education, health/safety, and family engagement.  Head Start staff used the information to create the improvement plan to be implemented during the upcoming program year.  

Rationale:  Pursuant to Policy 7000, IX, A, 1., Administration recommends approval of a permanent sidewalk and traffic signal easement at 620 S 31st Street, Omaha, NE. 68105 (Jackson Elementary).  The parcel includes approximately one hundred and nineteen (119) square feet at the southeast corner of the property to maintain the traffic signal at the intersection of 31st Street and St. Mary’s Avenue.  The City of Omaha will provide compensation of $1,792.00 for this permanent easement.

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: 1100, Regular Instruction 
DEPT: 7193010, Secondary Education Administration 
POLICIES:  7000 V.A., 6121 
VENDOR: Cengage Learning, Inc.  
AMOUNT: $58,905.00 
 
Administration recommends approval to purchase additional textbooks from Cengage Learning to support Personal Finance at Buena Vista and Westview High Schools. Materials match previously adopted instructional materials for Personal Finance to support senior-level students at both schools. 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 requires approval by the Board of curricular materials. The total cost of this purchase is $58.905.00. 

Rationale:  Fund: 1, General Fund
PROGRAM: 1100 Regular Instruction 
DEPT: 7192010 Elementary Education Administration 
SUPPLIER: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
POLICIES:  7000, V.A., 6121
AMOUNT: $58,750.31 
  
Administration recommends approval of the attached agreement with Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (HMH) for the purchase of a new supplemental pathway structure for foundational skills titled HMH Into Reading Structured Literacy. This supplemental resource will support the current K-2 English Language Arts curriculum, HMH Into Reading which was approved by the Board of Education on March 2, 2020. 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. This item is being presented to the Board for approval in keeping with the provisions of Policy 6121,which requires approval by the Board of curricular materials. The cost to the District for this supplemental resource is $58,750.31. 

Rationale:  FUND:  176, Miscellaneous Federal Grants
PROGRAM:   1170, English Language Learners
DEPT:      7198170, English As a Second Language
GRANTS:  464924, Title III Limited English Proficiency
                  471024, Title III Emergency Immigrant Education
VENDORS: ThinkCERCA ($512,660.00)
                    Cengage Learning ($800,937.38)
POLICIES: 7000 V.A., 6121
Total Amount:  $1,313,597.38

Administration has been in the process of undertaking a systemic review of the District’s 6-12 Secondary English Learner textbooks. At the high school level, the Administration recommends National Geographic’s Lift and ThinkCERCA Writing Across the Curriculum as supplemental resources to provide additional academic literacy experiences for ESL students. The EL Leadership team reviewed these resources in alignment with our Learning Framework and the EL Academic Model to ensure alignment with core instructional shifts, English Language Proficiency Standards, and English Language Arts Standards.  Other resources that were submitted did not meet specifications. The purchase includes online and hard copy resources for seven (7) years. On April 3, 2024, Administration presented their findings and recommendations to the Curriculum Committee.  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. This item is being presented to the Board for approval in keeping with the provisions of Policy 6121,which requires approval by the Board of curricular materials.

Rationale:  FUND: 1, General Fund 
PROGRAM: 1100, Regular Instruction 
DEPT: 7193010, Secondary Education Administration 
SUPPLIER: NoRedInk 
SUPPLIER: Newsela 
SUPPLIER: CommonLit 
POLICIES: 7000, V.A.; 6121 
AMOUNT: $3,042,680.00 
 
Administration recommends approval to purchase NoRedInk, Newsela, and Commonlit as online supplemental resources for use in secondary English Language Arts courses. These resources were included in the recommendations shared with the Board of Education on Monday, April 15, 2024, as part of the Secondary English Language Arts Adoption. These items were received as part of the submission for RFP 020-23 and were field tested alongside the textbooks recommended for adoption and presented to the Curriculum Committee on April 3, 2024. This item is being presented to the Board for approval in keeping with the provisions of Policy 6121,which requires approval by the Board of curricular materials. The agreed upon Data Protection Agreements and Terms and Conditions Agreements are attached. The total price for the purchase is $3,042,680.00.


 

Rationale:  FUND: 1 & 175 General Fund reimbursed by COVID Federal Grants 
PROGRAM: 1100 Regular Instruction
DEPT: 7062560 Districtwide Technology
PROJECT: 499254 ESSERS III - Technology Tools
SUPPLIER: Apple Inc. 
POLICIES: 7000, III. K.,7000, V. G. 
AMOUNT:$9,808,920.00
 
Administration recommends approval to purchase eight thousand two hundred (8,200) iPads for high school student device refresh, five thousand (5,000) iPads for staff iPad refresh, and four thousand one hundred fifty (4,150) MacBook Air M1 model laptops for staff laptop refresh for a total of $9,808,920.00. This purchase will allow 10th grade students, 11th grade students and certificated staff at all grade levels to receive updated devices. These devices are necessary due to the current age of their iPads and laptop devices. This purchase includes the devices themselves as well as various necessary accessories.  

$1,395,500.00 of this purchase will be used for Logitech Rugged Combo 3 cases for all 9th through 12th grade students. This case incorporates a keyboard and a kickstand, allowing high school students to type on their iPads more efficiently.  These cases are required to be installed at the time of deployment assistance services for full warranty coverage.  $358,845.00 of the purchase will be for deployment assistance purchased through Apple professional services. $8,054,575.00 of this purchase covers the cost of the iPads and MacBook’s for a total cost of $9,808,920.00.
 
 Apple Inc. is the responsible offeror whose proposal is most advantageous to the District with price and other factors considered.  Apple Inc. is the sole source provider for iPad Air laptops, so this item was not bid as it is an exception to Policy 7000 (V.G.).  This purchase is in alignment with Piller 1 - Academic Recovery & Acceleration Support and this purchase from the general funds will be reimbursed with Fund 175, COVID Federal Grants.

The four-year Apple Care Warranty is being purchased separately due to ESSERS definition.

Rationale:  FUND: 7313 Security Deposit IMS
PROGRAM: 1100 Regular Instruction
DEPT: 7062800 Risk/Safety Management
SUPPLIER: Apple Inc. 
POLICIES: 7000, III. K.,7000, V. G. 
AMOUNT: $1,042,800.00 
 
Administration recommends the purchase of a four-year Apple Care warranty for the thirteen-thousand two hundred (13,200) iPads for students and staff. The cost is $79.00 per device. Due to requirements regarding the use of ESSER funds, this item has been purchased separately from the rest of the ESSERS-reimbursable purchases. The purchase of thirteen-thousand two hundred (13,200) four-year Apple Care warranties amounts to $1,042,800.00.
 
In keeping with the provision of policy 7000, V.G., no bid was required for these purchases because Apple, Inc. is the sole source provider for Apple products. 

Rationale:  FUND:1, General Fund 
PROGRAM:2211, Career and Tech Ed Support 
DEPT:7196010, Career & Technical Education 
POLICIES: 7000 V.A., 6121 
VENDOR:Cengage Learning, Inc.  
AMOUNT: $68,500.00 
 
Administration recommends approval to purchase an extension of digital instructional materials from Cengage Learning to support Accounting at the high school level for implementation in the 2024-2025 through 2025-2026 school years. In keeping with the bid exceptions of Academic Prerogative 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 requires approval by the Board of curricular materials. The total cost of this purchase is $68,500.00.

Rationale:  FUND: 1 & 175 General Fund reimbursed by COVID Federal Grants
PROGRAM: 1100 Regular Instruction
DEPT: 7062560 Districtwide Technology 
PROJECT: 499254 Technology Tools 
SUPPLIER: Apple Inc. 
POLICIES: 7000, III. K.,7000, V. G. 
AMOUNT: $99,400.00 
 
Administration recommends approval to purchase fifty (50) MacBook Pro Laptops for use by Building Technical Support (BTS) Staff. This purchase will allow User Support personnel to better assist students and teachers at all levels with technology needs and troubleshooting. These laptops will replace current MacBooks that were purchased in 2017.  

Apple, Inc. is the sole source provider for MacBook Air Laptops, so this item was not bid as it is an exception to Policy 7000 (V.G.) and ESSERS regulations. This purchase is in alignment with Pillar I - Academic Recovery & Acceleration Support and this purchase from general funds will be reimbursed with Fund 175, COVID Federal Grants. The purchase of these devices totals $99,400.00.

Rationale:  FUND: 4036 Workers Compensation Fund
PROGRAM: 2510 Business Support Services
DEPT. ID: 7062100 Accounting and Finance
SUPPLIER: Risk Administration Services, Inc.
AMOUNT: $839,105.00

Administration recommends approval of the attached contract extension with Risk Administration Services, INC. (RAS) for workers’ compensation third-party administration (TPA) services.   The Board approved the initial agreement with RAS in April 2017 and extended this contract for three (3) years in April 2021.  The proposed extension is for two (2) years running from May 2024 through April 2026.  RAS has agreed to an annual flat fee of $412,337.00 for the first year and $426,768.00 for the second year to manage the intake, claims processing, claim management, and reporting for all worker's compensation claims incurred by the District.  The total cost of this two (2) year extension is $839,105.00.

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

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

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

Rationale:  On September 9, 2021, the Board of Education approved the Plan for Expenditure of $194,556,061 allocated to the District by the Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) from the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) III Fund.  The plan was submitted to and approved by NDE.  Additionally, the Board of Education approved amendments to the plan for ESSER III Funds on March 7, 2022, June 6, 2022, and May 1, 2023.  Since that time and following additional input, Administration is recommending that the District’s plan be amended as is more fully set forth in the attached presentation.   Upon approval by the Board, the grant budget will be submitted to NDE for review and approval.  The ESSER III Fund monies are federal grant funds and Policy 3080 requires Board approval for the application for such monies.

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.