July 15, 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 Treasurer's Report for May 2024 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:  FUND:  1 General
PROGRAM:  2311 Board of Education Costs
DEPT:  7043400 District Risk Management
SUPPLIER:  Great American Insurance Group
POLICY:  8120
AMOUNT:  $5,378.00

In keeping with the provisions of Policy 8120, Section C, the Administration recommends the approval of the attached renewal of 7th & 8th Grade Athletic Insurance Coverage at the cost of $5,378.00 annually with Great American Insurance Group. This plan has been in place since 2008 and is due for renewal on August 1, 2024.   The plan supports the estimated 3,200 7th and 8th grade student athletes.  This plan is an excess Accident Medical Expense policy that covers all expenses up to $1,000,000 once $25,000 has been incurred and benefits have been paid under all other applicable health plans.  The annual premium is not increasing for the 2024-2025 school year, and coverage is provided at the 2020-2021 premium of $5,378.00.

Rationale:  The administration recommends the approval of the attached agreement with Project Harmony to establish a school-based health center that offers mental health and counseling services to District students.  The District would provide private office space, standard office furnishing, and access to related spaces for Project Harmony staff who will be assigned to Benson High School.  The Project Harmony counselors will provide services to District students and their families at no charge to the District.  The District considers the mental health and counseling services of Project Harmony as complementary and directly supportive of our educational mission.  Accordingly, the District is not charging Project Harmony for the use of this space.  This agreement shall run from August 1, 2024, through July 31, 2029, and can be renewed for four (4) successive one (1) year renewal terms.
 

Rationale:  Administration recommends that the Board of Education approve the attached agreement with Kissel, Kohout, ES Associates Inc. to serve as the District’s lead Government Relations and Lobbying representative in Lincoln, Nebraska for the 2025-2026 legislative biennium.  The agreement is an extension of the agreement approved by the Board on October 3, 2022, following completion of RFQ Q020-22 for Lobbying and Government Relations Services.  The new agreement will continue with the same financial terms of $8,000 payment per month.  The agreement is intended to extend through the next legislative biennium and will expire December 31, 2026.

Rationale:  In keeping with the provisions of Policy 6213, Standards for Offering Credit Opportunities in Collaboration with Community Agencies or Non-OPS Groups, Administration recommends approval of an agreement between Midland University and Omaha Public Schools for the 2024-2025 school year to extend dual enrollment opportunities for full college credit for Midland University classes taught in an Omaha Public Schools setting.  The class must meet Midland University standards, policies, and objectives. Omaha Public Schools students are offered this opportunity at a reduced rate of tuition of $250 per course, which is fifty-percent of the Midland University Nebraska resident student tuition.

Rationale:  Fund  1:  General
Program:  1100,  Regular Instruction
Dept:  7193010,  Secondary Education Admin
Vendor:  Newsela
Policies:  6121
Amount:  $156,000.00
 
Administration recommends approval of the agreement between Omaha Public Schools and Newsela for the renewal of two programs, Formative Gold and Formative Locked Browser, and Professional Development services from September 1, 2024, to August 31, 2025.  Formative Gold and Formative Locked Browser are applications for virtual and in-person formative teaching and assessment for use in secondary schools and programs. Formative Locked Browser prevents navigation away from certain windows during online assessments. In keeping with the bid exceptions contained within Policy 7000, V., A. (Academic Prerogative), no bid was required for this purchase.  The cost of the purchase is $156,000.00.

Rationale:  FUND: 1 and 175 General Fund reimbursed by COVID-19 ESSER Funds PROGRAM: 2150 School Safety
DEPT. ID: 7105700 School Safety
SUPPLIER: First Wireless, Inc.
PROJECT: 499293 Digital Communications
POLICY: 7000
AMOUNT: $79,575.00

Administration recommends approval of Change Order No. 001 for the programming of previously purchased digital radios and the purchase and programming of sixty (60) additional radios for the security team to use. The Board of Education approved the award of the bid on February 22, 2024, and approved the agreement with First Wireless, Inc. on March 4, 2024. The additional hours of programming are needed to ensure that all radios are active and properly programmed for the 2024-2025 school year.  The additional radios are needed for security at athletic events, student performances, and other school events. The revised total for this project is $6,630,446.00.

First Wireless is the responsible offeror whose proposal is most advantageous to the District with price and other factors considered. This project is funded by Fund 01 and reimbursed by Covid-19 Federal Grants.
 

Rationale:  FUND:     42 - 2018 Bond Program Proceeds Fund
PROGRAM:  2591 - Buildings & Grounds
DEPT:     1500020 - Spring Lake Elementary School
PROJECT:  321515 - Spring Lake Elementary School: Capital Improv. & Renovation Project
SUPPLIER: Hausmann Construction, Inc.
POLICY:   7000, IV.G.
AMOUNT:   ($74,446.86)

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

Project: Spring Lake Elementary School: Capital Improvements & Renovation Project
Architect/Engineer: The Schemmer Associates, Inc.
Contractor: Hausmann Construction, Inc.
Fund: 42 2018 Bond Program   
 

RFP#	Type	Description	Type	Amount
PCCO #007	Arch.	Final deductive change order providing a credit for unused contingency for the project included through GMP Amendment No. 001, 002, 003, and 004. See Exhibit PCCO #007, attached.	Deduct	($74,446.86)

 

Total Amount of Change Order No. 004 - Deduct	($74,446.86)
Original Contract Amount	$6,157,886.00
Previously Approved Changes	$2,574,211.85
Change Order No. 004 - Deduct	($74,446.86)
Total Revised Contract Amount	$8,657,650.99
Amount Paid to Date	$8,652,650.99
Amount Remaining	$5,000.00

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, General Fund
Dept:  7198170,  English as a Second Language
Program:  1170,  English Language Learners
Vendor:  Empowering Student Leaders
Policies:  7000, III., K., 7000, VII., A.
Amount:  $56,924.00

Administration recommends approval of a Consulting Services Agreement between the District and Empowering Student Leaders, to support THRIVE Leadership Club from August 14, 2024 through May 21, 2025.  THRIVE Leadership Club is an after-school club designed to provide support to English learners and refugee students who might not otherwise connect with traditional secondary school activities.  Omaha Public Schools has contracted with Empowering Student Leaders to provide THRIVE Leadership Club since 2017. The total cost is $56,924.00.

Rationale:  Funds:  1, 153   General Fund, Special Education - IDEA
Department:  7194010   Special Education Administration
Programs:  1214, 1215, 1234, 1235,1236, 1265, 1266, - Speech Therapy School Age, Speech Therapy Ages 3-5, Nonpublic Therapists, Nonpublic Teachers
Class:  000
Project:  461024, 461025 - IDEA Base/EP Grant
Policy:  7000 
Amount:  $3,700,781.00

Administration recommends approval of the attached annual Special Education Services contracts.  Every year, the Special Education Division, within Curriculum and Instruction Support, negotiates and renews contracts with outside agencies for special education services that are required under Rule 51 and Rule 52.  This is the third set of agency contracts going to the Board of Education for approval for the 2024-2025 school year and is part of the District's annual practice.  In keeping with the provisions in Policy 7000, contracts that may exceed $50,000 are being placed on the agenda for Board of Education approval. Attached you will find: a service provider rate sheet, contracts and a contract cost sheet for your review for contracts that exceed or may exceed $50,000. The contract rate sheet includes NDE approved rates for services that need to be purchased by Omaha Public Schools from outside agencies that will provide special education services to students ages birth-21. The contract cost sheet includes the agency, address, type of service the agency provides, the estimated number of students that receive services from that agency and 2024-2025 contract rate. The sheet includes an estimate of the total cost for special education services provided by contract agencies. The rates and contracts are budgeted for within the 2024-2025 school year. Per their agreement with Omaha Public Schools, all providers must receive NDE approval to provide special education and related services. The total cost to the District for this group is estimated to be $3,700,781.00 and is an allowable reimbursable special education expenditure. 

Rationale:  FUND:  156  Head Start/Early Head Start
PROGRAM:  3201  Early Childhood
DEPT:  0660085 Head Start Grant   
POLICIES:  3570, Section 642 Head Start Act
AMOUNT:  $9,202,203.00

In keeping with 42 U.S.C. 9837 (also known as Section 642 of the Head Start Act), the Board of Education serves as the Governing Body for Head Start.  Under the Head Start Act, the Board of Education has legal and fiscal responsibility for the Head Start program and is required to review and approve all applications for funding.  Moreover, in accordance with Policy 3570, it is the policy of the District to comply with federal grant programs in which the District participates.  Head Start is one such program.  As such, the Administration recommends approval of the Head Start Fiscal Year 2025 Continuation Grant narrative and budget.  This application will allow the District-operated Head Start program to support 747 Head Start students and 152 Early Head Start students.  

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

Rationale:  FUND: 1  General
ACCOUNT:  53190 Contracted Services
DEPT:  TBD (various school locations) 
Program:  2130  Health Services 
POLICY:  7000
SUPPLIER:  Amergis Healthcare Staffing
 
Administration recommended approval of service agreement with Amergis Healthcare Staffing (formerly known as MAXIM Healthcare Staffing) to contract with registered nurses to work at various school locations during the 2024-2025 school year. There are currently 15 registered nurse vacancies throughout the district. These contracted registered nurses will temporarily support schools who currently have a vacant registered nurse position. The Omaha Public Schools will continue to hire and fill our vacant registered nurse positions. The contracted cost is $70.00 per hour, which is below what has been approved by the Nebraska Department of Education. Maxim Healthcare Services is a separate agency that will retain their name and currently provides private duty nurses to support Special Education students. The Board of Education has approved the service agreements with Amergis Healthcare Staffing since the 2022-2023 school year.
 

Rationale:  FUND: 1, 153  General and Special Education-IDEA
ACCOUNT:  53190  Contracted Services
DEPT:  TBD (various school locations) 
PROGRAM:  2130, 2131 Health Services, Nurses - school age
SUPPLIER:  EDU Health Services 
POLICY:  7000
 
Administration recommended approval of a service agreement with EDU Healthcare to contract with registered nurses to work at various school locations during the 2024-2025 school year. There are currently 15 registered nurse vacancies throughout the district. These contracted registered nurses will temporarily support schools who currently have a vacant registered nurse position. The Omaha Public Schools will continue to hire and fill our vacant registered nurse positions. The contracted cost is $70.00 per hour, which is below what has been approved by the Nebraska Department of Education. EDU Healthcare is currently under contract to provide private duty nurses to support Special Education students. The Board of Education has approved the service agreement with EDU Healthcare since the 2022-2023 school year.

Rationale:  The Administration recommends approval of the attached Settlement Agreement which was negotiated by the parties.  The Agreement is between Michael J. Smith, who was injured in an auto accident on June 30, 2022, involving a bus owned and operated by the District.  Mr. Smith filed a tort claim with the District on October 3, 2022.  The settlement is in the amount of $110,000.  As part of the Agreement, the District is released from all claims.  The amount of the settlement is less than the District’s retention and will be paid entirely by the District. 

Rationale:  Administration recommends approval of the attached Agreement between the Omaha Education Association (OEA) and the District resolving a grievance timely filed by the OEA on behalf of eight early childhood teachers with special education endorsements who were required to provide special education services beyond those which would otherwise have been performed by bargaining unit members without a special education endorsement.  The District has agreed to pay the affected teachers an additional 5% of their respective salary for the 2023-2024 school year only and has discontinued the practice.  The aggregate amount of this payment is $29,800.43.? 

Rationale:  In keeping with the requirements of Nebraska Revised Statute sections 79-817 to 79-822 as well as Nebraska Revised Statute sections 79-2401 to 79-2405 (Educational Administrator Pay Transparency Act), Administration recommends approval of the attached contract with Kanyon Chism, Ed.D. to serve as Administrator of ESU #19 for the 2023-2024 through 2025-2026 School Years. Administration further recommends approval of the attached Educational Administrator Pay Transparency Notice for Dr. Chism. 

Rationale:  Provider:  Learning Community of Douglas and Sarpy Counties
Policy:  7000
Amount:  $1,162,292.25
 
In keeping with the Nebraska Interlocal Cooperation Act, Nebraska Revised Statue sections 13-801 to 13-827, Administration recommends approval of the attached agreement between Omaha Public Schools and the Learning Community of Douglas and Sarpy Counties to fund three literacy instructional coaches and one early literacy community facilitator.   Two part-time instructional coaches will provide services at Dodge and Sunny Slope Elementary schools, one part-time instructional coach will provide services at Belle Ryan and Western Hills Elementary schools and one full-time early literacy community facilitator will provide services across multiple schools in the District.  The agreement also provides funding for training and supplies. This Interlocal Agreement will be effective August 1, 2024, through May 31, 2027.  The total allocation from the Learning Community for this program is $1,162,292.25 over the three years.  This agreement is a continuation of the Learning Community’s support of instructional coaching in the Omaha Public Schools.

Rationale:  Administration recommends approval of the attached collective bargaining agreement with the Maintenance and Crafts Division for the 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 School Years. Ten of the 12 bargaining unit positions will receive increases of 2.22% in year one.  Following completion of a wage comparability analysis, two positions (Fire Alarm System Installer and Electronics Technician) will receive wage increases of approximately 7.2%.  All 12 positions will have the $4,500.00 stipend incorporated into the salary structure in year one and will receive a 2.25% wage increase in year two. 

Rationale:  Per Policy 4430, Payment of Accumulated Sick Leave, the Administration recommends transferring funds from the current 403B plan investment account held by Annuity Investors Life Insurance to the Life Insurance Company of the Southwest.  This 403B investment account is part of the accumulated sick leave plan, which provides for the payment of unused accumulated sick leave for employees who retire or terminate with 18 to 20 years of service. 

The District has an agreement with Pelion Benefits to administer this 403B investment account.  The account funds are currently held by Annuity Investors Life Insurance Company in an interest-bearing account earning 1%.  This is the current and guaranteed minimum and maximum interest rate, meaning that the rate will not go below 1%, but also will never increase.  Pelion has offered to move the funds to an account with Life Insurance Company of Southwest, Addison, TX.  Since the interest rates have increased recently, the new investment account has a current maximum interest rate of 4.0% and a minimum interest rate of 1%.    There are no fees or upfront charges to OPS or their plan participants.  The transfer will not have an impact on any administrative services Pelion is providing. Interest earned is paid as a dividend to employee accounts.

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

Rationale:  In keeping with the provisions of Policy 8120, Section C, the Administration recommends that the Board approve offering a Voluntary Student Accident Insurance plan. This plan is provided by K & K and Nationwide Life, where parents can elect to purchase up to $25,000 of coverage for their student. This voluntary plan is parent paid with no district contribution. The premiums for parents are very reasonable, ranging from $20.00 per month to $357.00, depending on the type and level of coverage. These rates remain the same as the 2022-2023 school year. While individual policies are offered directly to the parent, the insurance is offered through the District.

Rationale:  FUND:  4005   Nutrition Services Fund
PROGRAM:   2199   Other Student Support Services
DEPT:  7165000      Nutrition Services
SUPPLIER:  Hiland Dairy Foods, LLC
POLICIES:  7000, IV.C..
AMOUNT:  $3,723,000.00                       

Administration recommends approval to award Bid No. 24-026 to Hiland Dairy Foods, LLC for purchasing Dairy Products for the 2024-2025 school year. Hiland Dairy Foods, LLC is the only bidder. Hiland Dairy Foods, LLC provides Omaha Public Schools 2300 to 2500 cases of milk per day. Hiland Dairy Foods, LLC, (formerly Roberts Dairy) has provided Omaha Public School dairy products since 1922. The total amount awarded to Hiland Dairy Foods, LLC is $3,723,000.00.
 
 
For complete bid documentation, contact Eduardo.Acosta@ops.org.
 

Rationale:  FUND:  1  General Fund
PROGRAM:  2610    Plant Operation
DEPT:  8850020 Bryan Middle School
DEPT:  8780020 Morton Middle School
SUPPLIER:  Mid-State School Equipment
POLICIES:  7000, V.A.; 7000, VII.A. 
AMOUNT:  $99,584.00

Administration recommends approval to award Bid No. 24-047 to Mid-State School Equipment, Inc. to purchase Cafeteria Tables for the remaining 2023/2024 school year, and bid cost will be held for the 2024/2025 school year if additional purchases are needed. The cafeteria tables will be bought to replace those that have reached the end of their useful life throughout the district. Bryan Middle School is ordering 20 (twenty) TC-65 tables and Morton Middle School is ordering 12 (twelve) TC-65 tables. Mid-States School Equipment, Inc. is the only bidder.

The bid will be effective for one (1) year beginning July 16, 2024, through July 15, 2025. The bid included the option of two (2), one (1) year price extensions. If the District seeks an extension of the bid, such
extensions will be brought to the board for approval. Total purchase for this bid is $99,584.00.
 

SUPPLIER	CAFETERIA TABLE MODEL	PRICE
Mid-State School Equipment	SICO   BY-65 | TBC71D	$3593.00 EACH
Mid-State School Equipment	SICO TTR61 | TC-65     President	$3112.00 EACH
Mid-State School Equipment	SICO SICO STTB61G Graduate	$2948.00 EACH

Rationale:  FUND:  1 General Fund
PROGRAM:  2750 - Student Transportation - Regular
PROGRAM:  2760 - Transportation - SPED School Age
PROGRAM:  3102 - Early Childhood SPED Trans
DEPT:  7162800 Transportation
SUPPLIER:  Chief School Bus Services, Inc.
POLICY:  7000, Article VII, Section III D
AMOUNT:  Projected $1,438,000.00

Administration recommends approval to award Bid No. 24-048 and approve the contract with Chief School Bus Services, Inc. for one (1) year with the option to extend for two (2) additional one (1) year terms.  Chief School Bus Services, Inc. will be assigned to cover Special Education, McKinney Vento, and special assignments as needed. There were five bid submissions.  First Alt is non-compliant for not submitting their proposal on the District bid documents. Hamza is non-compliant for not submitting a bid bond and the requested references. Collaborative Student Transportation (CST) is non-compliant for not submitting a bid bond as outlined in the bid documents.  Lions Gate Security Solutions is non-compliant for submitting their proposal after the 2:00 p.m. bid submission deadline. Chief School Bus Services, Inc. properly submitted the bid proposal and is the lowest bidder.  The formula used includes a total of 25 vans per day x rate of $287.60 x 20 days (per month) x 10 months per year.  The total cost over the next year for transportation services will be approximately $1,438,000.00. The approximate cost for transportation services in the 2025-2026 school year will be $1,505,900.00, and the approximate cost of transportation services for 2026-2027 will be $1,585,400.00, if the District decides to exercise its option years.
 

Vendors	Chief School Bus Services, Inc.		Collaborative Student Transportation (CST)	Hamza Logistics, LLC.	First Alt	Lions Gate Security Solutions
2024-2025 5-15 Vehicles 16-25 Vehicles	$296.20 $287.60	Year 1 Total $1,438,000.00	NC	NC	NC	NC
2025-2026 5-15 Vehicles 16-25 Vehicles	$311.00 $301.98	Year 2 Total $1,509,900.00	NC	NC	NC	NC
2026-2027 5-15 Vehicles 16-25 Vehicles	$326.55 $317.08	Year 3 Total $1,585,400.00	NC	NC	NC	NC

Rationale:   FUND:  4070   Depreciation Reserve Fund
PROGRAM:  2510    Business Support Services
DEPT:  7062100 Accounting & Finance
SUPPLIER:  Truck Center Companies
POLICY:  7000, Article VII, Section III D
AMOUNT:   $245,500.00

Administration recommends approval to award Bid No. 24-058 to Truck Center Companies for the purchase of two (2) brand new Type C Wheelchair Buses. The wheelchair buses will replace two current wheelchair buses within the district fleet as a part of the District Transportation replacement plan. All three vendors met bid specifications.  Truck Center Companies was the lowest bidder. Total cost of the vehicles is $245,500.00.

Two (2) Wheelchair Buses
Vendors:	Truck Center Companies	Cornhusker International Trucks, Inc.	Nebraska Central Equipment
Unit Price	$122,750.00	$128,700.00	$137,870.00
Total Price	$245,500.00	$257,400.00	$275,740.00

Rationale:  FUND:  4070 Depreciation Reserve Fund
PROGRAM:  2510 Business Support Services
DEPT:  7062100 Accounting & Finance
SUPPLIER: Woodhouse Ford of Omaha, Inc.
POLICY:  7000, Article VII, Section III D
AMOUNT:  $401,320.00

Administration recommends approval to award Bid No. 24-066 to Woodhouse Ford of Omaha, Inc. for the purchase of eight (8) brand new medium roof vans.  The vans will replace current units in the District Facilities Maintenance area as a part of the replacement plan.  Two suppliers submitted proposals.  Midway Ford Truck Center is non-compliant for not acknowledging the Addendum on the bid document.  Woodhouse Ford of Omaha, Inc. met bid specifications, completed bid proposal properly and is the low bidder. Total cost of the vehicles is $401,320.00.

Medium Roof Vans	Quantity	Unit Price	Total
*Woodhouse Ford of Omaha, Inc.	8	*$50,165.00	*$401,320.00
Midway Ford Truck Center NC	8	$54,207.00	$433,656.00

For complete bid documentation, contact Traci.Shobe@ops.org

 

Rationale:  FUND:  4070  Depreciation Reserve Fund
PROGRAM:   2510  Business Support Services
DEPT:  7062100 Accounting & Finance
SUPPLIER:   AKRS Equipment Solutions
POLICY:  7000, Article VII, Section III D
AMOUNT:  $241,502.27

Administration recommends approval to award Bid No. 24-067 to AKRS Equipment Solutions for the purchase of Tractors and Related Equipment to replace selected equipment at schools as a part of the replacement plan. Large front mowers will go to Northwest High School, Nathan Hale Middle School, and Beveridge Middle School. One medium tractor will go to District Transportation, and two will be used as District loaner units. Small tractor two-wheel drive mowers will be used as District loaner units.  Tractor with four-wheel drive will go to Northwest High School.  AKRS Equipment was the lowest bidder for the large front mower, medium tractor and small two-wheel drive mower, tractor with four-wheel drive.  *Van Wall Equipment is non-compliant for bidding the incorrect tire size on bid specifications.  Bid specification will hold the pricing for any additional tractors and related equipment for 90 days, pending Board of Education approval. Total cost of the tractors and related equipment is $241,502.27.
 

Equipment	AKRS Unit Price	AKRS Equipment Solutions	Van Wall Equipment Unit Price	Van Wall Equipment	Chaves Brothers Management, LLC Unit Price	Chaves Brothers Management, LLC
Large Front Mower (3 units)	*$46,783.15	$140,349.45	$49,102.90	$147,308.70	$52,299.99	$156,899.97
Medium Tractor (3 units)	*$15,435.27	$46,305.81	$27,542.47	$82,627.41	$24,799.99	$74,399.97
Small Tractor two-wheel drive mower (1 unit)	*$9,985.20	$9,985.20	No Bid	No Bid	$44,599.99	$44,599.99
Tractor with Four-wheel drive (1 unit)	*$44,861.81	$44,861.81	$43,319.31 NC	$43,319.31	$50,199.99	$50,199.99
Total:		*$241,502.27		$273,255.42		$326,099.92

Rationale:  FUND:  1 & 175 General Fund reimbursed by COVID Federal Grants
PROGRAM:  2110    Student & Community Services
DEPT:  7105800 Student & Community Services
PROJECT:  499250  Student Well Being ESSERS III
SUPPLIER:  Talacko Safety Solution      $183,680.00
SUPPLIER:   A Hug Away Healthcare, Inc.   $39,560.00
POLICIES:  7000, V.A.; 7000, VII.A. 
AMOUNT:  $223,240.00

Administration recommends award of Bid No. 24-078 to Talacko Safety Solutions for Bleeding Control kits and to A Hug Away Healthcare Inc. for First Aid Kits.  Bid No. 24-078 was issued for the purchase of four thousand (4000) Bleeding Control Kits and four thousand (4000) First Aid Kits for emergency care of students and staff in all the District’s Elementary and Secondary classrooms. The Bleeding Control Kits will ensure lifesaving equipment is readily available within each classroom. These kits are essential for treating students when immediate intervention is needed for their health. The District received eighteen (18) total bids. Amp your Good, Archie Supply, Inc., Cintas Corporation, Engage Healthcare Solutions, Nashville Medical EMS Products, and School Nurses Supply are non-compliant for not acknowledging Addendum No. 1.  Biologistex Inc., Con10gency Consulting LLC, Ebisu Supplies, and Veterans Business Supply Products are non-compliant for containing items that did not meet bid specifications. This purchase aligns with Pillar II - Well-Being of Students and Staff initiative under Pillar III using ESSER funds and will be reimbursed with Fund 175, COVID Federal Grants.
This is a one-time purchase. Talacko Safety Solutions and A Hug Away Health care, Inc. are the responsible offerors whose proposals are most advantageous to the district with price and other factors considered. The total amounts awarded are as follows:  Talako Safety Solution $183,680.00 and A Hug Away Healthcare Inc. $39,560.00. Total purchase for this bid is $223,240.00.

SUPPLIERS	BLEED CONTROL KITS	FIRST AID KITS
A Hug Away Healthcare	$48.66	$9.89 *
Talacko Safety Solutions	$45.92 *	NO BID
Amp Your Good	$41.85 NC*	$12.45 NC*
Archie Supply LLC	$58.29 NC*	$44.00 NC*
Best Medical Ware LTD	$58.95	$22.95
Biologistex Inc	$41.38 NC**	NO BID
Cintas Corporation	$62.00 NC*	$55.00 NC*
Con10gency Consulting LLC	$37.81 NC**	NO BID
Ebisu Supplies	$9.94 NC**	$11.36
Engaged Healthcare Solutions	$53.00 NC*	$10.70 NC*
Henry Schein Medical Division	$57.40	$34.94
Nashville Medical EMS Products	$58.95 NC*	$24.39 NC*
ProPac Inc	$47.00 NC*	$12.67 NC*
School Health Corporation	$48.39	$18.00
School Nurse Supply	$56.97 NC*	$15.98 NC*
SMX Ventures LLC	$47.80	$17.15
Top Safety Products Company	NO BID	$16.95
Veterans Business Supply Inc	$29.98 NC**	$19.98

Rationale:  FUND:  5193 ESU19 ERP System Fund    
PROGRAM:  2510 Business Services Support
DEPT ID:  7062560 Districtwide Technology
SUPPLIER:  AXIA Consulting, Inc       
POLICY:  7000, III.K., 7000, V.D.
AMOUNT:  $1,584,000.00
 
Administration recommends the award of RFP P018-24 for Enterprise Resource Planning System (ERP) Consulting Services and approval of the attached ERP consulting services agreement with AXIA Consulting, Inc to provide support in documenting and analyzing current business processes, assist in creating a request for proposal ("RFP") for a modern enterprise resource planning ("ERP") system, and provide support in selecting and implementing a new ERP system. The attached agreement provides services upon full execution of this contract through July 13, 2025, with three (3) additional one (1) year options. The total projected cost of the first year of this agreement is estimated to be $1,584,000.00.

AXIA Consulting, Inc was recommended by the review committee following a review of their proposal and an in-person interview with the three finalists (AXIA Consulting, RSM US LLP, and Gartner, Inc.). Axia’s proposal scored high on qualifications, experience, and their submitted statement of work. AXIA presented details on data mapping, change management, and business practices that will align with the District’s goals for the search and implementation of the new ERP system.
 

VENDOR	Selection Notes
*AXIA Consulting, Inc.	Fully met all criteria
Avero Advisors LLC	Statement of Work addresses 25% or less of Services Requirements in RFP.
Berry, Dunn, McNeil, & Parker, LLC	Statement of Work addresses 50% or less of Services Requirements in RFP.
Gartner, Inc.	Statement of Work addresses 50% or less of Services Requirements in RFP.
Government Finance Officers Assoc.	Statement of Work addresses 25% or less of Services Requirements in RFP.
Malor & Company Inc.	Statement of Work addresses 25% or less of Services Requirements in RFP.
Plante & Moran, PLLC	Statement of Work addresses 25% or less of Services Requirements in RFP.
RSM US LLP	Fewer hours and FTE proposed than projected to successfully meet project requirements.

Rationale:  FUND:  4070 Depreciation Reserve Fund
PROGRAM:  2510 Business Support Services
DEPT:  7062100 Accounting & Finance
SUPPLIER:  Woodhouse Ford of Omaha, Inc.
POLICY:  7000, Article VII, Section III D
AMOUNT:  $573,720.00

Administration recommends approval to award Bid No. 24-063 to Woodhouse Ford of Omaha, Inc. for the purchase of ten (10) brand-new eight or more passenger vehicles.  The vehicles will be assigned to the district high schools as an addition to the current fleet assigned to Benson High, Bryan High, Buena Vista High, Burke High, Central High, North High, Northwest High, South High, Westview High, and an additional vehicle for District use housed at Transportation. Woodhouse Ford of Omaha, Inc. meets bid specifications and is the lowest bidder.  Bid specification will hold the pricing for any additional passenger vehicles for 90 days, pending Board of Education approval. Total cost of the vehicles is $573,720.00.
 

	Quantity	Price per unit	Total
Woodhouse Ford of Omaha, Inc.	10	*$57,372.00	$573,720.00
Midway Ford Truck Center	10	$61,061.00	$610,610.00

Rationale:  FUND:  4070   Depreciation Reserve Fund
PROGRAM:  2510    Business Support Services
DEPT:  7062100 Accounting & Finance
SUPPLIER:   AKRS Equipment Solutions
POLICY:  7000, Article VII, Section III D
AMOUNT:  $323,182.30

Administration recommends approval to purchase seven (7) additional brand new commercial mowers and related equipment per Bid No. 24-044 awarded to AKRS Equipment Solutions.  Bid No. 24-044 was approved by the Board of Education and awarded AKRS Equipment Solutions on June 3, 2024.  Bid specification holds the pricing for any additional commercial mowers and related equipment for 90 days, pending Board of Education approval. The seven (7) new mowers will be assigned to Benson High, Central High, North High, Bryan Middle, Lewis and Clark Middle, McMillan Magnet Middle, Morton Magnet Middle. Total cost of the equipment is $323,182.30.

Rationale:  FUND:  4070   Depreciation Reserve Fund
PROGRAM:     2510    Business Support Services
DEPT:  7062100 Accounting & Finance
SUPPLIER:  Woodhouse Ford of Omaha, Inc.
POLICY:  7000, Article VII, Section III D
AMOUNT:  $491,256.00

Administration requests approval to purchase nine (9) additional brand-new Three-Quarter Ton 4x4 Pickup Trucks with Plows per Bid No. 24-057 awarded to Woodhouse Ford of Omaha, Inc.  The trucks will be assigned to all nine high schools as an addition to their unit fleet, to provide a vehicle to pull their new band/equipment trailer and to supplement our snow plow fleet.  Bid No.24-057 was approved by the Board of Education and was awarded on Monday, June 17, 2024, to Woodhouse Ford of Omaha, Inc. Bid specification holds the pricing for any additional 4x4 trucks for 90 days, pending Board of Education approval. The total cost of the vehicles is $382,088.00.
 

Rationale:  FUND:  177, Miscellaneous State Grants
PROGRAM:  7196010, Career and Tech Ed
DEPT:  2211, Career and Tech Ed
SUPPLIER:  Certiport, a Pearson Vue Business 
PROJECT:  471924, Perkins State CTE Grant
POLICY: 7000.V.A.
AMOUNT:  $171,248.00

Administration recommends Approval to purchase software licenses for industry certifications supporting Business and Information Technology College & Career Academy and Pathway and Career and Technical Education elective courses from Certiport, a Pearson Vue business. Access will be online for Benson, Bryan, Buena Vista, Burke, Career Center, Central, North, Northwest, South, and Westview for the 2024-25 school year. The package includes certification instructional support in Project Management, Entrepreneurship, Intuit, Adobe, Gmetrix, and certification preparation. Certifications of value are an industry aligned tool for demonstrating success in a content area that allows students to add a credential to their portfolio, resume, and college and career readiness. The District previously executed a Data Protection Agreement with Pearson Vue. This purchase was not bid because it falls under Academic Prerogative, Policy 7000.V.A.

Rationale:  FUND:  1, General
PROGRAM:  2241, Library Services
DEPT:  7193010, Secondary Education Admin.
SUPPLIER:  LibraryPass, Inc. 
POLICIES:  7000, V. A.
AMOUNT:  $49,587.70
 
Administration recommends purchasing a subscription for the Comics Plus ebook platform from LibraryPass, Inc., for grades K-12. Comics Plus is a simultaneous use ebook platform that allows students instant access to popular comics and graphic novels, filling a gap to maintain an adequate supply of this genre in district libraries. The total price is $49,587.70. With previous purchases, the total spent is now over $50,000, so Administration brings this purchase to the Board for approval. 

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. The District has a previously executed Data Protection Agreement with LibraryPass, Inc.
 

Rationale:  Administration recommends the renewal of a Five-Year Cisco Network Security Enterprise Licensing.

Renewing our Cisco Security Enterprise Agreement licenses is essential for maintaining and improving the District’s internal network security and VPN (Virtual Private Network) access. This agreement includes licenses for Duo Multifactor Advantage, Security Advantage, Security Essentials, and Umbrella DNS (Domain Name System).

Duo Advantage is the multifactor authentication solution for District employees and contract workers when accessing email or other District systems.

Umbrella DNS blocks malicious domains and provides web filtering, stopping threats before they reach our network.

Security Advantage and Security Essentials allow network administrators to regulate users and devices controlling access across all wired, wireless, and remote (VPN) connections.

Renewing these licenses will ensure continued optimization, automation, standardization, security, and reliability across the network.  

This service was not bid under Board Policy No. 7000, V. B., as State Contract #15332 OC was used to purchase this renewal. The term of the licensing is from August of 2024 to August of 2029. The total amount is $1,183,845.75 paid in five annual amounts of $236,796.15.

Rationale:  FUND:  5190 ESU 19 Information and Management Services
PROGRAM:  2252 Technology Support
DEPARTMENT:  7062535 Network Management
SUPPLIER:  Sirius Computer Solutions LLC
POLICY:  7000 V.B
AMOUNT:  $1,752,944.75
 
Administration recommends the renewal of a Five-Year Cisco Flex Phone Licensing.

Renewing the licenses for VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) supports the district’s phone system, providing features and capabilities essential for maintaining efficient, reliable, and secure voice communications. The licensing provides centralized management of VoIP phones through Cisco Unified Communications Manager, facilitating easy configuration, provisioning, and firmware updates and includes calling features like call forwarding, call transfer, conference calling, voicemail integration, along with high-definition voice, and video calling.
The Cisco Unified Contact Center Express (UCCX) supports customer interaction management, call handling and routing, while providing strong security measures for secure and encrypted communications. 
The Enterprise Agreement terms were signed by the board on June 17, 2024.
This service was not bid under Board Policy No. 7000, V. B., as State Contract #15332 OC was used to purchase this renewal. The term of the licensing is from August of 2024 to August of 2029. The total amount is $1,752,944.75 paid in 5 annual amounts of $350,588.95.

Rationale:  This presentation and associated report detail the disaggregated graduation rate and dropout results for the 2022-23 school year in the Omaha Public Schools. The presentation will include an overview of how the on-track metric and aligned continuous improvement processes will support future growth for this these key metrics.

Rationale:  Administration will provide an overview of the disaggregated suspension and expulsion data for the 2022-23 school year, the most recent year for which we have complete data.  The presentation includes a discussion of multitiered systems of support for behavior (MTSSB) and next steps for the behavior response process.  The presentation will also provide a preliminary, high-level review of the 2023-2024 school year data.

Rationale:  The Chair of the OSERS Ad-Hoc 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.  Administration will provide recommended changes to the following policy:

5008 - Student Attendance

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:

5420 - Dating Violence
8272 - Board Code of Ethics

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:

2120 - Line of Authority
4040 - Social Media Policy
4045 - Expense Reimbursement (NEW)
8130 - Annual Organizational Meeting
8231 - Expense Reimbursement

Rationale:   Pursuant to, and in compliance with Nebraska Revised Statute Section 79-2,134, the District must review student fees and the use of waivers provided by the District as outlined by the student fee policy, 5416.  Administration recommends waiving the student activity fees for extra-curricular activities as outlined in Board Policy 5416 Section A for all students for the 2024-25 school year.  Activity card fees were waived for the 2023-2024 school year at the August 7, 2023 Board meeting.

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:  Policy 8230 requires the Secretary to the Board of Education to prepare a quarterly report summarizing all Board member travel and expenditures associated with attendance to workshops, conferences, or meetings. 

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.