April 7, 2025 at 6:00 PM - Omaha Public Schools Board of Education and Educational Service Unit 19 Board Meeting
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A. OPS Board Of Education Information
Rationale:
Notice to visitors: If you wish to speak, please obtain a “Request to be Heard” form from the entry table and return the completed form to the table attendant or the Board of Education Director. The agenda will be kept current and available for public inspection in the office of the Secretary of the Board of Education at the Administrative Building during regular working hours. |
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B. Call to Order
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C. Pledge of Allegiance
Rationale:
Central High School's JROTC will present the Colors and lead the Pledge of Allegiance.
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D. OPS Vision and Mission Statement
Rationale:
The Vision: Every Student. Every Day. Prepared for Success.
The Mission: To prepare all students for success in college, career, and life. |
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E. Roll Call
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E.1. Excused/Unexcused Absence
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F. School Spotlight
Rationale:
The #OPSProud Spotlight recognizes Westview High's Taryn Stern, 2025 Class A Bowling Individual State Champion. Taryn is Westview High's first state champion in school history.
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G. Board and Superintendent Communications
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G.1. Treasurer
Rationale:
The Treasurer's Report for February 2025 is attached for review.
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G.2. Superintendent
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G.3. Board Members
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H. Public Comment and Recognition
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I. Consent Agenda
Rationale:
At this time, any Board member may request that any item in the consent agenda be removed from the consent agenda and be considered and voted on separately.
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I.1. Reading of Minutes
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I.1.a. Monday, March 24, 2025 - Regular Meeting
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I.1.b. Monday, March 24, 2025 - American Civics Committee
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I.2. Approval of Amendment for Consulting Services Agreement with District Management Group for Professional Development for Improvement Cycle through June 2025 ($116,250.00)
Rationale:
Fund: 154 Title I
Dept: 7192010 Elementary Education Administration Program: 1100 Regulary Instruction Grant: 420925 Need's Improvement Professional Learning Set-Aside POLICIES: 7000, V., G. AMOUNT: $116,250.00 Administration recommends approval of the attached amendment with District Management Group (DMG) for improvement coaching to support the implementation of 21 literacy Professional Learning Communities (PLC). The District was engaged in a strategic partnership with the Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) and DMG for improvement coaching.. Total amount is $116,250.00.
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I.3. Approval of Appointments of Eric Westman, Susana Reyes Sanchez, Renee Campbell, Keith Station, and Melissa Shapiro to the Omaha Public Schools Foundation Board of Directors from June of 2025 through March of 2028
Rationale:
Section III of the Omaha Public Schools Foundation (OPSF) Bylaws requires the Omaha Public Schools Board of Education to approve, by a majority vote, the appointment of new OPSF members. On March 13, 2025, the Omaha Public Schools Foundation's Board of Directors unanimously approved the nominations of the following for a three-year terms on the board beginning in June of 2025 through March of 2028. Their resumes are attached:
Eric Westman Susana Reyes Sanchez Finally, the OPS Foundation Board of Directors approved the re-appointments for one more three-year term for the following board members from June of 2025 through March of 2028: Renee Campbell Keith Station Melissa Shapiro
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I.4. Approval to Award Bid No. 25-010 to Nebraska Central Equipment for the Purchase of Ten (10) Zero-Emission Type A Buses ($3,234,500.00)
Rationale:
FUND: 4070 Depreciation Fund
PROGRAM: 2510 Transportation DEPT: 7062100 Student Transportation SUPPLIER: Nebraska Central Equipment POLICY: 7000, VII., 7000, III. D AMOUNT: $3,234,500.00 Administration recommends approval to award Bid No. 25-010 to Nebraska Central Equipment for the purchase of ten (10) brand new Electric Zero-Emissions Type A Buses. This purchase will be the first of its kind for the current OPS Special Education bus fleet and supports the District's Environmental Stewardship Plan for reducing overall emissions. Four vendors submitted bids: Nebraska Central Equipment, Truck Center Companies, RIDE Mobility, LLC, and Greenpower Motor, Inc. After reviewing each submission, it was determined that no vendor met all vehicle specifications. However, Nebraska Central Equipment was deemed the vendor meeting the most specifications and compliant with Federal, State, and local vehicle requirements. The purchase price for ten (10) electric buses from Nebraska Central Equipment is $3,234,500.00. The District is eligible to apply for a $1,450,000.00 rebate after the bus purchase to offset the costs of the purchase from the Federal Clean Bus Rebate Program through the Environmental Protection Agency. Administration recommends approval of the purchase regardless of whether the District receives the rebate. Should the District receive the rebate of $1,450,000.00, the District’s final cost will be $1,784,500.00.
For complete bid documentation contact Traci.Shobe@ops.org.
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I.5. Approval of Claims Report A - District Expenditure
Rationale:
The Board of Education is required by State Statute 79-584 to approve all expenditures of District funds. Expenditures are presented to the Board for approval in the form of a Claims Report. Claims Report A is a listing of all District expenditures and are organized and presented to the Board by which fund the expenditure is being made from (e.g. General Fund, Bond Fund, etc.).
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I.6. Approval of Claims Report B - Expenditures from Various Student Activity Funds for which the Board Serves as Custodian
Rationale:
The Board of Education is required by State Statute 79-584 to approve all expenditures of funds for which the District serves as custodian. Expenditures are presented to the Board for approval in the form of a Claims Report. Claims Report B is a listing of expenditures from the various Student Activity Funds for which the Board serves as custodian.
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I.7. Approval of Claims Report C - Expenditures on behalf of Board Members or their Related Organizations
Rationale:
Board Members are prohibited by Nebraska law from voting on items which may personally benefit them. Expenditures which may personally benefit individual Board Members are presented to the Board for approval in the form of a separate Claims Report in order to permit those Board Members to abstain from voting on items which may personally benefit them. The Board of Education is required by State Statute 79-584 to approve all expenditures of District funds. Claims Report C is a listing of expenditures that may relate to individual Board Members or Organizations that employ them.
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I.8. Approval of Claims Report D - Payroll Expenditures
Rationale:
The Board of Education is required by State Statute 79-584 to approve all expenditures of District funds. Payroll expenditures are presented to the Board for ratification in the form of a Claims Report. Claims Report D is a summary of payrolls processed and is presented by payroll and pay date.
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I.9. Approval of Claims Report E - Payroll Estimated Expenditures
Rationale:
The Board of Education is required by State Statute 79-584 to approve all expenditures of District funds. Payroll expenditures are presented to the Board for ratification in the form of a Claims Report. Claims Report E is an estimation of payrolls to be processed prior to the next Board meeting and is presented by payroll and pay date. Board authorization is requested for amounts not to exceed the totals in the Claims Report.
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I.10. Approval of Educational Service Unit No. 19 Claims - Expenditures to be Paid from Education Service Unit's Funds
Rationale:
The Board of Education serves as the Board of Educational Service Unit 19. The Board of Educational Service Unit 19 is required to approve all expenditures of District funds as well as funds for which the District serves as custodian. Expenditures are presented to the Board for approval in the form of a Claims Report. Educational Service Unit No. 19 Claims Report is a listing of all expenditures to be paid from the Education Service Unit's funds.
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I.11. Approval of Omaha School Employees Retirement System Claims - Expenditures to be paid from the OSERS's Funds
Rationale:
In keeping with the provisions of Nebraska Revised Statute section 79-981, the Board of Education is responsible for the transaction of OSERS’ business, including approval of expenditures of OSERS’ funds. The Administration recommends approval of the attached claims to be paid from OSERS’ funds.
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I.12. Committee on Claims Audit Approval (04/072025)
Rationale:
State Statue 79-584 requires the Secretary to the Board of Education to audit all accounts of the Class V school district and to submit that audit to the Board of Education Audit Committee for review and approval. The objective of the audit is to obtain and review sufficient claim documentation to determine the risk of material misstatement. The audit methodology is set forth on the Claims Audit Report.
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I.13. Approval to Exercise the Third Option of the National Inventors Hall of Fame, Inc. Contract for Next Level Learning ($528,074.40)
Rationale:
FUND: 1 General Fund
PROGRAM: 6100 Summer School Regular DEPT: 7072002 School Improvement POLICIES: 7000, III.K, 7000, VII.A AMOUNT: $528, 074.40 In 2022, Administration recommended award of Proposal No. P019-22 to National Inventors Hall of Fame, Inc., Woz Ed, and LEGO Education for enrichment curricula for Next Level Learning. The Board of Education approved this award on May 2, 2022. The District is exercising its third option to extend pricing with the National Inventor's Hall of Fame. This curricula promotes inquiry, problem solving, creativity and collaboration with unique STEM activities, while engaging students to learn in a hands-on format that aligns to the vision for Next Level Learning while teaching science and math skills. These curricula align to the District’s plan for accelerating learning and to Next Generation Science Standards and supports Priority 1 in the Strategic Plan of Action. The total amount per the extended third option pricing is $528,074.40.
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I.14. Approval of Facility Use Agreement with the City of Omaha for Use of Athletic Fields Managed by City Parks and Recreation through December 31, 2028
Rationale:
Administration recommends approval of the attached 3-year agreement with the City of Omaha for the use of the athletic facilities identified in Exhibit A that are owned by the City and managed by the Department of Parks and Recreation and Public Property Department. The rate per use is set in appendix A and based on actual use each year as identified by the District. These fields will be used by Omaha Public School student athletes for practice and competition and the fees will be paid by the schools using the fields. The agreement has been signed on behalf of the City of Omaha and will commence upon signature by Omaha Public Schools. It terminates on December 31, 2025 and will automatically renew annually through December 31, 2028.
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I.15. Approval of First Amendment to Real Estate Purchase Agreement with 156Potter Villas, LLC to Extend the Due Diligence Period to June 30, 2025
Rationale:
Administration recommends approval of the attached First Amendment to Real Estate Purchase Agreement with 156Potter Villas, LLC to extend the due diligence period to June 30, 2025. The Board of Education approved the sale of the land at the northeast corner of the intersection located at 160th and Hanover Streets, Omaha, Nebraska (assessor parcel #1920110956) for $25,000.00, to 156Potter Villas, LLC. at the November 18, 2024, Board Meeting. 156Potter Villas, LLC is requesting the extension as their development plans are pending City Council Approval, which is currently scheduled for May 6, 2025.
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I.16. Approval of Memorandum of Understanding with the City of Omaha Regarding Interim Responsibilities of Omaha Public Schools and the City of Omaha at the Saddlebrook Joint Facility Pending the Development and Approval of a New Interlocal Agreement
Rationale:
The City of Omaha and Omaha Public Schools entered into an Interlocal Agreement in September 2007 regarding the care and maintenance of the Saddleback Joint Facility (elementary school, public library, and community center) and surrounding grounds at 14850 Laurel Ave #1. Based on nearly thirty years of operational experience, both parties agree it is in their best interest to develop a new interlocal agreement. Administration recommends the approval of the attached Memorandum of Understanding, which outlines the understandings and responsibilities of each party regarding landscaping and snow removal based on current practices. This Memorandum of Understanding will remain in place, upon Board approval, until the execution of a new Interlocal Agreement. There is no additional cost to the District associated with the Memorandum of Understanding.
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I.17. Approval of Proposed Staffing Adjustments
Rationale:
Policy 4001 and 4035 require that the election of employees shall be by action of the Board of Education upon recommendation of the Superintendent or designee. Additionally, Policy 4008 requires that the Chief Human Resources Officer process all retirements, resignations, cancellations, contract amendments and terminations of employment making a recommendation for appropriate action to the Superintendent and Board of Education. Therefore, the District recommends the approval of the attached Staffing Adjustments.
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I.18. Approval of Surplus Inventory Items for Auction or Discard
Rationale:
Pursuant to Policy 3090, Administration recommends approval of the sale of the attached lists of items which include miscellaneous surplus items. The sale will be held online by The Auction Mill L.L.C., public auction on April 13, 2025 through April 27, 2025. The District is selling the surplus items "AS IS" since they are no longer usable by the District.
The District will pay 10% of the gross proceeds of sale for any vehicles sold. The title transfer fee of $25.00 will be charged to the individual purchasing the vehicle. Auction Mill L.L.C., will receive 20% of the gross proceeds of the sale of miscellaneous surplus items. The Administration further requests that the Board of Education authorize the Superintendent or his designee to sign all necessary transfer documents upon payment in full by the purchasers.
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I.19. Grant Fund Budget Awards
Rationale:
It is recommended that the grant fund budget be amended to include the receipts and expenditures of the attached grant awards.
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J. Discussion and/or Action Items
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J.1. Action Item(s)
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J.1.a. Approval of Funding Agreement with the Omaha Public Schools Foundation for the Construction of a New Stadium and Renovation of Existing Facilities at North High School
Rationale:
Administration recommends approval of the attached Funding Agreement with the Omaha Public Schools Foundation (OPSF) for the construction of a new stadium and renovation of existing facilities at North High School. OPSF has entered into an agreement with various funders who desire to construct a new stadium at North High School. Those funders also desire to renovate some of the existing sports facilities as part of the overall project. The new stadium will be constructed on the land immediately to the East of North High School which is currently owned by the YMCA. The agreement is conditioned upon the following: 1) conveyance of the proposed stadium property from the YMCA to the District; 2) District approval of the Project design; 3) OPSF and its funders entering into an agreement to provide sufficient funds to pay for the entire cost of the project; and 4) successful negotiation of a field sharing agreement between the District and the YMCA. The project will be entirely funded through OPSF and its funding partners.
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J.1.b. Approval of the Report of the Legislative Committee Including Recommended Legislative Positions
Rationale:
The Legislative Committee, in keeping with the provisions of Policy 8150, recommends approval of its findings and recommendations as set forth in the attached summary of bills introduced before the Nebraska Legislature. The summary has been prepared with the assistance of Kissel Kohout ES Associates and generally includes legislation which may affect the District. The Committee continuously monitors legislative activity and may, from time to time, recommend that the Board take or update a position on a particular bill, resolution or amendment. Committee recommendations typically include one of the following: Support, Oppose, or Monitor with Research. In the absence of one of those recommendations, the Committee is recommending that the District take no position. Given the fluid nature of the legislature, the Committee may need to present new bills, resolutions or amendments, including some that may not have appeared on the bill summary, to the Board for consideration. In addition to the bill summary, the Committee, on occasion, recommends Board approval of position statements to guide the Board President and/or Superintendent when dealing with legislative debate on issues particular concern to the District that arise between Board Meetings. There are no new recommended positions in this report.
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J.2. Information Item(s)
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J.2.a. Policy Committee Update and Recommended New Policy 5301
Rationale:
The Chair of the Policy Committee will provide an update.
Policy 8120 stipulates the Board of Education shall cause policies and regulations to be revised as necessary. The Policy Committee recommends the following new policy: 5301 - Dress Code and Grooming (NEW)
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K. Receipt of Reports
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K.1. Head Start Monthly Board Report for February 2025
Rationale:
This document provides the Board of Education with monthly Head Start information regarding attendance and enrollment, meal counts, in-kind amounts, health requirements, policy council minutes, delegate reports, and program information summaries to maintain a communication structure to support oversight responsibilities as stated in Head Start Performance Standard 1301.2.
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L. Request for Closed Session
Rationale:
The Omaha Board of Education is authorized by state statute to hold closed sessions. Closed sessions may be held when clearly necessary for the protection of the public interest or for the prevention of needless injury to the reputation of an individual. Reasons that meet this standard include but are not limited to: (a) strategy sessions with respect to collective bargaining, real estate matters, pending litigation, or litigation which is imminent as evidenced by communication of a claim or threat of litigation to or by the public body; (b) discussion regarding deployment of security personnel or devices; (c) investigative proceedings regarding allegations of criminal misconduct; (d) evaluation of the job performance of a person when necessary to prevent needless injury to the reputation of a person and if such person has not requested a public meeting; and (e) legal advice.
Explanation
At this point, it is appropriate for the Board to meet in closed session for one of the stated matters and/or any other permissible closed session matters in compliance with the law. That the Board hold a closed session: 1. For strategy session with respect to negotiations/collective bargaining clearly necessary for the protection of the public interest or for the prevention of needless injury to the reputation of an individual in compliance with the law. 2. For strategy session with respect to property/real estate matters clearly necessary for the protection of the public interest or for the prevention of needless injury to the reputation of an individual in compliance with the law.
3. For strategy session with respect to pending litigation, or litigation which is imminent as evidenced by communication of a claim or threat of litigation to or by the public body clearly necessary for the protection of the public interest or for the prevention of needless injury to the reputation of an individual in compliance with the law.
4. For discussion regarding deployment of security personnel or devices clearly necessary for the protection of the public interest or for the prevention of needless injury to the reputation of an individual in compliance with the law.
5. For investigative proceedings regarding allegations of criminal misconduct clearly necessary for the protection of the public interest or for the prevention of needless injury to the reputation of an individual in compliance with the law.
6. For personnel and the evaluation of job performance clearly necessary for the protection of the public interest or for the prevention of needless injury to the reputation of an individual in compliance with the law.
7. For discussions of the legal consequences of specific action and legal advice clearly necessary for the protection of the public interest or for the prevention of needless injury to the reputation of an individual in compliance with the law. |
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M. Adjournment
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