September 5, 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 Bancroft Elementary, where students won the 2024 Omaha Public Schools Summer Reading Challenge.

Rationale:  The Treasurer's Report for July 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:  Pursuant to Policy 7003, F.4., Administration and Jacobs, in keeping with long-standing practice, the Substantial Completion of the North High School MTC door replacement project is being submitted to the Board of Education for acceptance.

Contractor                          Project                                 Completion Date
Hausmann Construction    North High School:               August 2, 2024
                                          Capital Improvements &
                                          Renovation Project -
                                          GMP Amendment No. 004

The completion date, as listed above, is the commencement date of the one-year warranty period and is required by the contract documents. This agreed-upon contractual date will provide continuity in the warranty start dates and considers that the Owner had beneficial use and occupancy of the facility.

Rationale:  Pursuant to Policy 7003, F.4., Administration and Jacobs, in keeping with long-standing practice, the Substantial Completion for Northwest High School for kitchen HVAC updates and commissioning of spaces is being submitted to the Board of Education for acceptance.

Contractor                             Project                                Completion Date
Hausmann Construction       Northwest High School:      July 22, 2024
                                             Capital Improvements                           
                                             GMP Amendment No. 002

The completion date, as listed above, is the commencement date of the one-year warranty period and is required by the contract documents. This agreed-upon contractual date will provide continuity in the warranty start dates and considers that the Owner had beneficial use and occupancy of the facility.

Rationale:  Pursuant to Policy 7003,F.4., Administration and Jacobs, in keeping with long-standing practice, the Substantial Completion for OPS Hydration Stations - Project 2 at Belle Ryan Elementary, Benson West Elementary, Crestridge Elementary, Druid Hill Elementary, Dundee Elementary, Florence Elementary, Fullerton Elementary, Gifford Park Elementary, Adams, Ashland-Park Robbins Elementary, Bancroft Elementary, Catlin Elementary, Central Park Elementary, Conestoga Elementary, Edison Elementary, Alice Buffett Middle, Bryan Middle, McMillan Middle, Burke High, and Central High School which added bottle filling stations to each identified school is being submitted to the Board of Education for acceptance.

Contractor                          Project                                      Completion Date
Prince Plumbing, Inc.         OPS Hydrations Stations          July 16, 2024
                                            Project 2 Various Schools

The completion date, as listed above, is the commencement date of the one-year warranty period and is required by the contract documents. This agreed-upon contractual date will provide continuity in the warranty start dates and considers that the Owner had beneficial use and occupancy of the facility.

Rationale:  FUND:     1 & 175 General Fund reimbursed by COVID Federal Grants
PROGRAM:  2620 Maintenance School/District Buildings
DEPT. ID: 7166600 Schoolhouse Planning         
SUPPLIER: Prince Plumbing, Inc.
POLICIES: 7000, III. K., 7000, VII.D
AMOUNT:   $25,983.85

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

Project: Bid 23-085 OPS Hydration Stations Project 2 Various Schools
Architect/Engineer: TACK Architects, Inc.
Contractor: Prince Plumbing, Inc.

This work is funded utilizing Esser Funds under Pillar 3. Prince Plumbing, Inc. is the responsible offeror whose proposal is most advantageous to the District with price and other factors included.

RFP#	Type	Description	Type	Amount
CO# 001	Plumbing/ Electrical	Additional work required to bring the existing plumbing and electrical up to code for the new hydration station replacements at Adams Elementary.	Add	$695.42
CO# 001	Plumbing/ Electrical	Additional work required to bring the existing plumbing and electrical up to code for the new hydration station replacements at Alice Buffet Middle.	Add	$710.71
CO# 001	Plumbing/ Electrical	Additional work required to bring the existing plumbing and electrical up to code for the new hydration station replacements at Ashland Park-Robbins Elementary.	Add	$1,690.84
CO# 001	Plumbing/ Electrical	Additional work required to bring the existing plumbing and electrical up to code for the new hydration station replacements at Bancroft Elementary.	Add	$8,357.71
CO# 001	Plumbing/ Electrical	Additional work required to bring the existing plumbing and electrical up to code for the new hydration station replacements at Belle Ryan Elementary.	Add	$600.00
	Plumbing/ Electrical	Additional work required to bring the existing plumbing and electrical up to code for the new hydration station replacements at Benson West Elementary.	Add	$450.00
CO# 001	Plumbing/ Electrical	Additional work required to bring the existing plumbing and electrical up to code for the new hydration station replacements at Bryan Middle.	Add	$600.00
CO# 001	Plumbing/ Electrical	Additional work required to bring the existing plumbing and electrical up to code for the new hydration station replacements at Burke High.	Add	$560.71
CO# 001	Plumbing/ Electrical	Additional work required to bring the existing plumbing and electrical up to code for the new hydration station replacements at Central Park Elementary.	Add	$845.42
CO# 001	Plumbing/ Electrical	Additional work required to bring the existing plumbing and electrical up to code for the new hydration station replacements at Conestoga Elementary.	Add	$1,976.11
CO# 001	Plumbing/ Electrical	Additional work required to bring the existing plumbing and electrical up to code for the new hydration station replacements at Crestridge Elementary.	Add	$624.00
CO# 001	Plumbing/ Electrical	Additional work required to bring the existing plumbing and electrical up to code for the new hydration station replacements at Druid Hill Elementary.	Add	$766.26
CO# 001	Plumbing/ Electrical	Additional work required to bring the existing plumbing and electrical up to code for the new hydration station replacements at Dundee Elementary.	Add	$1,125.00
CO# 001	Plumbing/ Electrical	Additional work required to bring the existing plumbing and electrical up to code for the new hydration station replacements at Edison Elementary.	Add	$1,580.40
CO# 001	Plumbing/ Electrical	Additional work required to bring the existing plumbing and electrical up to code for the new hydration station replacements at Florence Elementary.	Add	$300.00
CO# 001	Plumbing/ Electrical	Additional work required to bring the existing plumbing and electrical up to code for the new hydration station replacements at Fullerton Elementary.	Add	$5,202.00
CO# 001	Plumbing/ Electrical	Additional work required to bring the existing plumbing and electrical up to code for the new hydration station replacements at Gifford Park Elementary.	Add	$362.98
CO# 001	Plumbing/ Electrical	Additional work required to bring the existing plumbing and electrical up to code for the new hydration station replacements at McMillan Middle.	Add	$1,917.00
CO# 001	Plumbing/ Electrical	Additional work required to bring the existing plumbing and electrical up to code for the new hydration station replacements at Pawnee Elementary.	Add	$730.49
CO# 001	Plumbing/ Electrical	Additional work required to bring the existing plumbing and electrical up to code for the new hydration station replacements at Rose Hill Elementary.	Add	$638.80
CO# 001	General Contract	The contractor was assessed liquidated damages in the amount of $250.00 per day for 15 days for not achieving Substantial Completion at the contractual required date of July 1, 2024.	Deduct	($3,750.00)

 

Total Amount of Change Order No. 001 - Add	$25,983.85
Original Contract Amount	$544,920.00
Previously Approved Changes	$0.00
Change Order No. 001 - Add	$25,983.85
Total Revised Contract Amount	$570,903.85
Amount Paid to Date	$495,877.00
Amount Remaining	$75,026.84

Rationale:  Pursuant to Policy 7003,F.4., Administration and Jacobs, in keeping with long-standing practice, the Substantial Completion for OPS Hydration Stations - Project 3 at Gomez Elementary, Harrison Elementary, Hartman Elementary, Jackson Elementary, Liberty Elementary, Lothrop Elementary, Miller Park Elementary, Mount View Elementary, Field Club Elementary, Franklin Elementary, Highland Elementary, Kennedy Elementary, Indian Hill Elementary, Kellom Elementary, Oak Valley Elementary, Morton Middle, Norris Middle, Marrs Middle, North High, Northwest High Schools which added bottle filling stations to each identified school is being submitted to the Board of Education for acceptance.

Contractor                           Project                                   Completion Date
Downs Electric, Inc.           OPS Hydration Stations          July 10, 2024
                                           Project 3 Various Schools

The completion date, as listed above, is the commencement date of the one-year warranty period and is required by the contract documents. This agreed-upon contractual date will provide continuity in the warranty start dates and considers that the Owner had beneficial use and occupancy of the facility.

Rationale:  FUND:     1 & 175 General Fund reimbursed by COVID Federal Grants
PROGRAM:  2620 Maintenance School/District Buildings
DEPT. ID: 7166600 Schoolhouse Planning         
SUPPLIER: Downs Electric, Inc.
POLICIES: 7000, III. K., 7000, VII.D
AMOUNT:   $61,840.13

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

Project: Bid 23-086 OPS Hydration Stations Project 3 Various Schools
Architect/Engineer: TACK Architects, Inc.
Contractor: Downs Electric, Inc.

This work is funded utilizing Esser Funds under Pillar 3. Downs Electric, Inc. is the responsible offeror whose proposal is most advantageous to the District with price and other factors included.

RFP#	Type	Description	Type	Amount
RFI# 001	Plumbing/ Electrical	Additional work required to bring the existing plumbing and electrical up to code for the new hydration station replacements at Morton Middle.	Add	$12,273.88
RFI# 010	Plumbing/ Electrical	Additional work required to bring the existing plumbing and electrical up to code for the new hydration station replacements at Highland Elementary.	Add	$4,843.12
RFI# 012	Plumbing/ Electrical	Additional work required to bring the existing plumbing and electrical up to code for the new hydration station replacements at Hartman Elementary.	Add	$7,162.77
RFI# 011	Plumbing/ Electrical	Additional work required to bring the existing plumbing and electrical up to code for the new hydration station replacements at Mount View Elementary.	Add	$2,341.55
RFI #016	Plumbing/ Electrical	Additional work required to bring the existing plumbing and electrical up to code for the new hydration station replacements at Kellom Elementary.	Add	$14,982.74
RFI# 014	Plumbing/ Electrical	Additional work required to bring the existing plumbing and electrical up to code for the new hydration station replacements at Miller Park Elementary.	Add	$14,571.56
RFI# 013	Plumbing/ Electrical	Additional work required to bring the existing plumbing and electrical up to code for the new hydration station replacements at Indian Hills Elementary.	Add	$9,251.85
RFI# 002	Plumbing/ Electrical	Labor and Material costs crediting back to the owner for fixtures not needed at Northwest High.	Deduct	($3,587.34)

 

Total Amount of Change Order No. 001 - Add	$61,840.13
Original Contract Amount	$527,700.00
Previously Approved Changes	$0.00
Change Order No. 001 - Add	$61,840.13
Total Revised Contract Amount	$589,540.13
Amount Paid to Date	$523,291.00
Amount Remaining	$66,249.13

Rationale:  Pursuant to Policy 7003, F.4., Administration and Jacobs, in keeping with long-standing practice, the Substantial Completion for OPS Hydration Stations - Project 4 at Pawnee Elementary, Rose Hill Elementary, Saddlebrook Elementary, Sherman Elementary, Skinner Elementary, Skinner Elementary, Jefferson Elementary, Spring Lake Elementary, Springville Elementary, Standing Bear Elementary, Walnut Hill Elementary, Washington Elementary, Blackburn, J.P. Lord, Omaha Public Schools Career Center, and Parrish which added bottle filling stations to each identified school is being submitted to the Board of Education for acceptance.

Contractor                      Project                                  Completion Date
Downs Electric, Inc.      OPS Hydrations Stations       July 26, 2024
                                      Project 4 Various Schools

The completion date, as listed above, is the commencement date of the one-year warranty period and is required by the contract documents. This agreed-upon contractual date will provide continuity in the warranty start dates and considers that the Owner had beneficial use and occupancy of the facility.

Rationale:  Pursuant to Policy 7003, F.4., Administration and Jacobs, in keeping with long-standing practice, the Substantial Completion for OPS South High School Capital Improvements, which included HVAC and electrical upgrades, funded under the ESSER’s is being submitted to the Board of Education for acceptance.

Contractor                      Project                                          Completion Date
Downs Electric, Inc.       OPS South High School                August 1, 2024
                                       Capital Improvements -
                                        AHU-4 & AHU-5

The completion date, as listed above, is the commencement date of the one-year warranty period and is required by the contract documents. This agreed-upon contractual date will provide continuity in the warranty start dates and considers that the Owner had beneficial use and occupancy of the facility.

Rationale:  Fund:  4591, Learning Community
Program:  3201, Early Childhood Ed
Department:  7192010, Elementary Education Admin
Grant: 351126, LC Early Childhood SC2
Policies:  7000
Amount:  $3,434,528.83

This reimbursable grant will allow the District to expand their partnership with the Learning Community of Douglas and Sarpy Counties beyond their current work with Kellom and Conestoga Elementary Schools (Subcouncil 2) to begin work with Spring Lake and Castelar Elementary Schools (Subcouncil 5). The initial term of the agreement is for one year, beginning September 1, 2024, and will automatically renew for up to two additional one-year terms.  Learning Community and Omaha Public Schools have partnered to provide coaching, family support workers, community facilitators, family facilitators and Board Certified Behavior Analysts, as well as professional learning. The total amount of this grant for the District is $3,434,528.83.

Rationale:  Administration recommends approval of Amendment No. 001 to the CMR agreement with Lueder Construction, which was approved by the Board on April 17, 2023, which clarifies the scope of work being performed under the agreement for the renovation of the east and west stadium buildings for the Burke High School Stadium Project and sets a guaranteed maximum price (GMP) of $2,958,836.00. The Omaha Public Schools Foundation will be responsible for payment to Lueder Construction for these services.  

The District will contract and fund the plumbing, HVAC, electrical, and masonry scopes of work separately from this agreement as the District’s commitment to the Burke Stadium Improvement Project.   These scopes of work are being submitted for Board approval with a total District cost of $2,181,817.00.  In addition, the District will be funding and contracting the resurfacing of the track which is being submitted for Board approval at a cost of $694,000.00 for a total current District commitment of $2,875,817.00 if approved by the Board. 

Rationale:  FUND: 31 Special Building Fund
PROGRAM: 2510 Business Support Services
DEPT. ID: 7166600 Schoolhouse Planning
SUPPLIER: Eyman Plumbing Inc.
POLICIES: 7000, IV. C,
AMOUNT:  $740,677.00

Administration recommends the award Bid No. 24-054 to Eyman Plumbing Inc. for the plumbing scope of work which is not included in the GMP with Lueder Construction for the Burke High School Stadium Improvements project.  The work includes all plumbing work required for the Burke High School Stadium Improvement Project, such as the upgrading and expansion of existing restrooms, new storage, ticket sales booth, concession booth, new accessible stadium seating, handrails, and construction of a new press box. The base bid for this work is $667,105.00.  Furthermore, the Administration recommends acceptance of alternate 3 for $73,572.00, which incorporates plumbing work required for the installation of water stations at the track/playfield level.  Eyman Plumbing Inc. is the responsible offeror whose proposal is within the expected budget and the most advantageous to the District when all other factors are considered.

Additionally, Administration recommends approval of the attached contract to complete this project with Eyman Plumbing Inc. The total price of the contract is $740,677.00.

Bids received were:

Vendor	Base Bid	Alt. 1	Alt. 2	Alt. 3	Alt. 4
*Eyman Plumbing Inc.	*$667,105.00	$50,270.00	NA	*$73,572.00	NA
Fluid Mechanical	$697,000.00	$34,000.00	NA	$72,000.00	NA
Prairie Mechanical	$757,930.00	$38,306.00	NA	$61,729.00	NA
Prince Plumbing	$820,105.00	$34,657.00	NA	$62,250.00	NA

     *Apparent Low Bidder meeting the specifications.

Rationale:  FUND: 31 Special Building Fund
PROGRAM: 2510 Business Support Services
DEPT. ID: 7166600 Schoolhouse Planning
SUPPLIER: Prairie Mechanical Corporation
POLICIES: 7000, IV. C,
AMOUNT:  $218,430.00

Administration recommends approval to award Bid No. 24-055 to Prairie Mechanical Corporation for HVAC for the Burke High School Stadium Improvements project.  The work includes all Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning work required for the Burke High School Stadium Improvement Project, which includes the upgrading and expansion of existing restrooms, new storage, ticket sales booth, concession booth, new accessible stadium seating, handrails, and construction of new press box. Eyman Plumbing Inc. is non-compliant for submitting the wrong project on the right form.  Prairie Mechanical Corporation is the responsible offeror whose proposal is within the expected budget and the most advantageous to the District when all other factors are considered.

Additionally, administration recommends approval of the attached contract to complete this project with Prairie Mechanical Corporation. The total price of the contract is $218,430.00.

Bids received were:

Vendor	Base Bid	Alt. 1	Alt. 2	Alt. 3	Alt. 4
*Prairie Mechanical Corporation	*$218,430.00	NA	NA	NA	NA
Eyman Plumbing Inc.	$140,944.00 NC	NA	NA	NA	NA

     *Apparent Low Bidder meeting the specifications.
      NC = non-compliant does not meet the specification within the bid document
 

Rationale:  FUND: 31 Special Building Fund
PROGRAM: 2510 Business Support Services
DEPT. ID: 7166600 Schoolhouse Planning
SUPPLIER: Downs Electric Inc.
POLICIES: 7000, IV. C,
AMOUNT:  $702,000.00

Administration recommends approval to award Bid No. 24-056 to Downs Electric Inc. for Electrical work for the Burke High School Stadium Improvements project.  The work includes all Electrical, Communications, and Electronic Safety and Security work required for the Burke High School Stadium Improvement Project, which includes the upgrading and expansion of existing restrooms, new storage, ticket sales booth, concession booth, new accessible stadium seating, handrails and construction of a new press box. The base bid for this work is $553,000.00. Furthermore, Administration recommends acceptance of alternate #3 for $14,000.00 and alternate #4 for $135,000.00. Alternate #3 incorporates the electrical work required for the installation of water stations at the track/playfield level. Alternate #4 incorporates the replacement of the primary electrical feed wiring to the stadium buildings and the replacement of the existing electrical panels in the buildings. Downs Electric Inc. is the responsible offeror whose proposal is within the expected budget and the most advantageous to the District when all other factors are considered.

Additionally, Administration recommends approval of the attached contract to complete this project with Downs Electric Inc. The total price of the contract is $702,000.00.

Bids received were:

Vendor	Base Bid	Alt. 1	Alt. 2	Alt. 3	Alt. 4
* Downs Electric Inc.	*$553,000.00	$47,000.00	NA	*$14,000.00	*$135,000.00
IES Commercial Inc.	$790,100.00	$54,755.00	NA	$9,240.00	$84,330.00
Muth Electric Inc.	$708,731.00	$55,884.00	NA	$22,654.00	$114,261.00

*Apparent Low Bidder meeting the specifications.

Rationale:  FUND: 31 Special Building Fund
PROGRAM: 2510 Business Support Services
DEPT. ID: 7166600 Schoolhouse Planning
SUPPLIER: Duffy Brothers Construction, Inc.
POLICIES: 7000, IV. C,
AMOUNT:  $302,280.00

Administration recommends the award of Bid No. 24-084 to Duffy Brothers Construction, Inc. for the Masonry scope of work not included in the GMP with Lueder Construction for the Burke High School Stadium Improvements project.  The work includes all masonry work required for the Burke High School Stadium Improvement Project, which includes the upgrading and expansion of the existing restroom, new storage, ticket sales booth, concession booth, new accessible stadium seating, handrails, and construction of a new press box.  Duffy Brothers Construction, Inc. is the responsible offeror whose proposal is within the expected budget and the most advantageous to the District when all other factors are considered.

Additionally, Administration recommends approval of the attached contract to complete this project with Duffy Brothers Construction, Inc. The total price of the contract is $302,280.00.

Bids received were:
 

Vendor	Base Bid	Alt. 1	Alt. 2	Alt. 3	Alt. 4
*Duffy Brothers Construction, Inc.	*$302,280.00	$66,030.00	NA	NA	NA

      *Apparent Low Bidder meeting the specifications.

Rationale:  FUND: 31 Special Building Fund
PROGRAM: 2591 Building and Sites
DEPT: 7166600 Schoolhouse Planning 
SUPPLIER: Midwest Tennis and Track Co.
POLICIES: 7000, III.K, 7000, VII.A.
AMOUNT:  $694,000.00

Administration recommends approval to award Bid No. 24-074 to Midwest Tennis and Track Co., the only bidder, for the removal of the existing track surface, preparation of the subsurface, and installation of the new surfacing according to the specifications and plans at Burke High School as a part of the Burke Stadium Renovation Project. This work includes all labor and materials needed to complete the project.  The total price of the bid is $694,000.00

Bids received were:

Contractor	Base Bid
Midwest Tennis and Track Co.	*694,000.00

*Awarded only bidder meeting specifications.
                                                                            
For complete bid documentation, contact Philip.Connatser@ops.org.

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: 176 Miscellaneous Federal Grand
PROGRAM: 2251 Staff Development
DEPT ID: 7043300 Staff Development Department
SUPPLIER: Barbara Wild 
POLICY: 7000,III.K., 7000, V.D.
AMOUNT: $51,000.00

Administration recommends approving the attached consulting services agreement with Barbara Wild to support and mentor identified principals. Ms. Wild will also provide services to instructional leadership, teacher support, continuous improvement, and other consulting services. The attached agreement provides services from September 2024 through December 2024 and will not exceed 30 hours per week at $100 per hour. The total cost of the agreement is $51,000.  

Rationale: 

FUND: 176 Miscellaneous Federal Grants
PROGRAM: 2251 Staff Development 
DEPT ID: 7043300 Staff Development Department 
SUPPLIER: LuAnn Jacobs 
POLICY: 7000, III.K., 7000, V.D. 
AMOUNT: $65,000.00

Administration recommends approving the attached consulting services agreement with LuAnn Jacobs to support and mentor identified principals. Ms. Jacobs will also provide services to instructional leadership, teacher support, continuous improvement, and other consulting services. The attached agreement provides services from September 2024 through May 2025 and will not exceed 30 hours per week at $100 per hour. The total cost of the agreement is $65,000.00. 

Rationale:  Funds: 1, 153   General Fund, Special Education - IDEA
Department: 7194010   Special Education Administration
Programs: 1214, 1215, 1231, 1234, 1235,1236, 1265, 1266, 1270 - Speech Therapy School Age, Speech Therapy Ages 3-5, Nursing Services, Nonpublic Therapists, Nonpublic Teachers, Tuition to Agencies
Project: 461024, 461025 - IDEA Base/EP Grant
Policy: 7000 
Strat Plan: Goal 1 - Academics
Amount:  $2,537,786

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 sixth 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 $2,537,786 and is an allowable reimbursable special education expenditure. 

 

Rationale:  FUND: 1, General Fund
PROGRAM: 2241, Library Services
DEPT: 7193010, Secondary Education Admin.
SUPPLIER: CENGAGE Learning
POLICIES: 7000, V. A.
AMOUNT: $80,014.22

Administration recommends renewing the licensing subscription for the Gale In Context Online Database for the 2024-2025 school year. Gale In Context is a grade 6-12 online database used by students to research current events, history, literature, government, science, social issues, and international viewpoints. The database contains up-to-date news, biographies, videos, images, magazine articles, and primary source documents that have been professionally reviewed. The Gale In Context subscription price includes access to Gale In Context Opposing Viewpoints, Gale In Context Global Issues, Gale In Context High School, and Gale In Context Middle School. The total price is $80,014.22.

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

Rationale:  Administration recommends approval of the attached collective bargaining agreement with SEIU Local 226 (Family Support Workers Division) for the 2023-2024, 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 School Years. This three-year agreement would be the initial agreement with this Division and is retroactive to the beginning of the 2023-24 school year.
The Division will receive a 2.27 % retroactive wage increase in year one. The subsequent wage increases are 2.22% and the $4,500.00 stipend incorporated into the salary structure in year two, and 2.25 % in year three. These are the same wage increases agreed to by other bargaining units through the 2025-26 school year. Administration recommends Board approval of the attached agreement which has been ratified by Local 226.

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: 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:  $127,102.35

Administration requests approval to purchase ten (10) additional brand-new tractors per Bid No. 24-067, which was awarded to AKRS Equipment Solutions at the July 15, 2024, Board of Education Meeting. The five (5) medium tractors with four-wheel drive mowers will be assigned to Blackburn High, Bryan High, Buffet Middle, Ashland Park Elementary, and Burke High.  The five (5) small tractors with two-wheel driver mowers will be assigned to Spring Lake Elementary, and the remaining will go to the Transportation Inventory to support District needs. Bid No. 24-067 was approved by the Board of Education on July 15, 2024, to AKRS Equipment Solutions. Bid specification holds the pricing for additional tractors and related equipment purchases for 90 days, pending Board of Education approval. The total purchase of the tractors is $127,102.35.
 

Tractors and related equipment	Quantity	Price per unit	Total
Medium Tractor with four wheel drive mower	5	$15,435.27	$77,176.35
Small Tractor with two-wheel drive mower	5	$9,985.20	$49,926.00
Total for 10 units	$127,102.35

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

Rationale:  Fund:  4591, Learning Community
Program:  3201, Early Childhood Ed
Department:  7192010, Elementary Education Admin
Grant: 351126, LC Early Childhood SC2
Policies:  7000
Amount: $790,479.00

Administration requests approval of a Services Agreement with Child Saving Institute to provide social emotional and behavioral services through a consortium of providers known as KidSquad. On August 5, 2024 the Board of Education approved an Amendment to the Early Childhood Partnership Interlocal Agreement with the Learning Community to allow the District to subcontract services with Child Saving Institute KidSquad.  This Service Agreement with Child Saving Institute shall be for a term of two years for services at Kellom and Conestoga Elementary Schools, effective August 1, 2024, through July 31, 2026, and for a term of three years for services at Spring Lake and Castelar Elementary Schools, effective August 1, 2024, through July 31, 2027. The total amount of this agreement is $790,479.00.

Rationale:  FUND: 154, Title I A
PROGRAM: Various
DEPT:  7192010 - Elementary Education
SUPPLIER: The Nebraska Department of Education
POLICY: 3570
AMOUNT: Refer to Agency Contracts
 
As part of Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), it is required to provide educational services for children and youth in local and state institutions for neglected, delinquent and homeless agencies. Title I contracts with eight (8) agencies to give supplemental instructional support to help students meet state academic standards.

Delinquent Agency
Douglas County Youth Center
Homeless Shelters
Open Door Mission
Neglected Agencies
Boys Town Intervention & Assessment Interim Program School
CHI Health Immanuel/CHI Health Residential Treatment Center
Child Saving Institute
NOVA Treatment Community, Inc.
Omaha Home for Boys
Rite of Passage - Uta Halee Academy

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

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:

6211 - Curriculum - Assessments
8273 - Removals and Vacancies

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

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

Rationale:  The Chair of the Accountability Committee provided an update.

Rationale:  The Accountability Committee met on Tuesday, August 27, 2024 and recommends approval of the Superintendent's goals and timeline. 

Rationale:  The Board will consider the attached resolution to set the 2024-2025 Douglas County School District 0001 property tax requests as follows:

General Fund - $310,445,596
Bond Fund - $56,106,242
Special Building Fund - $10,321,236
Qualified Capital Purpose Undertaking Fund - $4,300,515

 

Rationale:  The Board will consider the attached resolution to set the 2024-2025 ESU No. 19 property tax request at $5,160,618.

Rationale:  The Board will consider the attached resolution to approve the 2024-2025 General Fund local operating fund budget in the amount of $812,000,000, supported by tax requirements of $310,445,596 plus reimbursable programs in the amount of $150,000,000 for a total General Fund Budget of $962,000,000.
 

Rationale:  The Board will consider the attached resolution to approve the 2024-2025 Douglas County School District 0001 budgets, which require a tax levy, excluding the General Fund as follows:
Bond Fund - $53,900,000
Special Building Fund - $26,750,000
Qualified Capital Purpose Undertaking Fund - $5,345,000
 

Rationale:  The Board will consider the attached resolution to approve the 2024-2025 non-levy budgets for Douglas County School District 0001 which includes the following:

School Lunch - $51,613,613
School Activities - $6,500,000
Central Stores - $4,000,000
Depreciation - $65,000,000
Employee Benefit - $15,300,000
Student Fees - $3,500,000
Contingency - $20,200,000
Cooperative - $4,500,000

 

Rationale:  The Board will consider the attached resolution to approve the 2024-2025 ESU No. 19 budget of $29,600,000.
 

Rationale:  Policy 8120 stipulates the Board of Education shall cause policies and regulations to be revised as necessary.  The Policy Committee will provide recommended changes to the following policies:

6230 - Curriculum Guides
6240 - Homework
6380 - Equal Opportunity: Instruction Program

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.