September 21, 2026 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
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D. OPS Vision, Mission and Moonshot Statements
Rationale:
The Vision: Every Student. Every Day. Prepared for Success.
The Mission: To prepare all students for success in college, career, and life. The Moonshot: All students will read on grade level by 2030. |
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E. Roll Call
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E.1. Excused/Unexcused Absence
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F. Board and Superintendent Communications
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F.1. Superintendent
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F.2. Board Members
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G. Public Comment and Recognition
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H. 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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H.1. Reading of Minutes
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H.1.a. Thursday, September 10, 2026 - Budget Hearing
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H.1.b. Thursday, September 10, 2026 - Regular Meeting
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H.2. Approval of the Agreement with American Security, LLC, for the School and Facility Contracted Security Officer Services for the 2026-2027 School Year (Estimated Cost $829,012.80)
Rationale:
FUND: 1 General
PROGRAM: 2150 School Safety DEPARTMENT: 7105700 School Safety SUPPLIER: American Security, LLC POLICY: 7000 AMOUNT: $829,012.80 (Estimated Cost) Administration recommends the approval of the Agreement with American Security, LLC for the school and facility security services for the 2026-2027 school year. The District issued RFP No. #P011-26 OPS Security Services for the 2026-2027 school year. The District received multiple bids and ultimately split the bid award into two parts: Security Screen Services (Metal Detectors) and Security Guard Services. American Security, LLC will provide contracted Security Guards and those services include eleven substitute security officers. The projected cost for American Security, LLC services is $829,012.80. The Security Screen Services portion of the bid is being presented separately as the item titled, Approval of the Agreement with Andy Frain Services for Metal Detector Services, on this Consent Agenda.
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H.3. Approval of the Agreement with Andy Frain Services for Metal Detector Services for the 2026-2027 School Year (Estimated Cost $94,389.50)
Rationale:
FUND: 1 General
PROGRAM: 2150 School Safety DEPARTMENT: 7105700 School Safety SUPPLIER: Andy Frain Services POLICY: 7000 AMOUNT: $94,389.50 (Estimated Cost) Administration recommends the approval of the Agreement with Andy Frain Services for contracted security screening services. The District issued RFP No. #P011-26 OPS Security Services for the 2026-2027 school year. The District received multiple bids and ultimately split the bid award into two parts: Security Screen Services (Metal Detectors) and Security Guard Services. The District anticipates use of metal detectors at a maximum of 50 events during the 2026-2027 school year with a projected total cost $94,389.50, which is less than the $102,500.00 in 2025-2026 and is the result of a lower pricing per event. The Security Guard Services portion of the bid is being presented separately as the agenda item titled, Approval of the Agreement with American Security, LLC for School and Facility Contract Security Officer Services for the 2026-2027 School Year, on this Consent Agenda.
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H.4. Approval of Agreement with The Waldinger Corporation for the Bryan Middle School ERV Ductwork Project ($80,569.00)
Rationale:
FUND: 01 General Fund
PROGRAM: 2620 Maintenance Schools/District Bldgs. DEPT. ID: 7166500 Maintenance SUPPLIER: The Waldinger Corporation POLICY: 7000 IV., C. AMOUNT: $80,569.00 Administration recommends approval of an agreement with The Waldinger Corporation for the installation of ductwork connecting three energy recovery ventilator (ERV) rooftop units at Bryan Middle School. The project includes all labor, materials, equipment, and related services necessary to connect the rooftop units to the existing roof penthouse ventilation system damaged during the July 2024 windstorm. The District obtained a quote from Controlled Comfort in the amount of $72,750.00; however, the proposal did not include Thermaduct and instead utilized galvanized ductwork with external insulation. Because the ductwork will be continuously exposed to rooftop weather conditions, this option would require ongoing maintenance by the District. Thermaduct is specifically designed for exterior applications, providing superior weather protection, improved thermal performance, and reduced long-term operating costs. The Waldinger Corporation submitted a proposal in the amount of $80,569.00, which includes the installation of Thermaduct and provides the best long-term value for the District. The total contract amount is $80,569.00. Work will commence upon approval of the agreement and is anticipated to reach substantial completion by November 2026.
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H.5. Approval of Amendment Number Two to the Agreement with Omaha Public Schools Foundation and Blair Freeman to Support the Project Management and Construction Partnerships of the Third Student-Built House Project for Completion during the 2026-27 School Year ($56,151.20)
Rationale:
FUND: 176, Perkins Career and Technical Education Grant
PROGRAM: 2211, Career and Tech Ed Support DEPT. 7196010, Career & Technical Education PROJECT: 471927 , Perkins State CTE Grant SUPPLIER: Blair Freeman AMOUNT: $56,151.20 Administration recommends approval of Amendment number two to the contract for a partnership between Omaha Public Schools, Omaha Public Schools Foundation (OPSF) and Blair Freeman for the purpose of supporting the building of a third student-built house as aligned to Pathway Programs of Construction and Design Benson High, Bryan High, and the Career Center. The original agreement with Blair-Freeman and OPSF was approved by the Board of Education on January 23, 2025. The project is located at 4530 North 40th St., Omaha, NE 68111. Omaha Public Schools Foundation will pay costs associated with the construction of the physical building space and will retain ownership of the project at its conclusion. Omaha Public Schools will contract with Blair Freeman for instructional support to a total cost of $56,151.20. Funding will be supported through Career and Technical Education (CTE) state grant funds.
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H.6. Approval of the Care Solace Service Agreement for the 2026-2027 School Year (Not to Exceed $104,000.00)
Rationale:
FUND: 158 Sherwood
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H.7. 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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H.8. 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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H.9. 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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H.10. 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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H.11. 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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H.12. 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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H.13. Committee on Claims Audit Approval (09/21/2026)
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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H.14. Approval of Contract with Bailey Education Group, LLC to Provide Teacher Effectiveness Coaching and Support for the 2026-2027 School Year ($747,500.00)
Rationale:
Fund: 176 Title II
Dept: 7043300 Staff Development Program: 2251 Staff Development Project: 466426 Title IIA FY26 Supplier: Bailey Education Group Policy: 7000, III.K., V.D., VII.A. Amount: $747,500.00 Administration recommends approval of the attached contract with Bailey Education Group to provide high-quality, job-embedded instructional coaching services in both Mathematics and English Language Arts at middle and high school levels during the 2026-2027 school year. Key Proposal Highlights: • 299 total coaching days delivered across 15 Omaha Public Schools buildings • 13 middle schools and 1 high school (North High School) and 1 Specialty Program School (Blackburn) • Middle Schools will have 10 Math coaching days and 10 ELA coaching days • North HS will have 16 days of Math and 16 days of ELA • Blackburn will have 7 total days of coaching. • Daily rate of $2,500 per coaching day The total amount of this contract is $747,500.00 and is grant funded.
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H.15. Approval of a Contract and Data Protection Agreement for Optional School Day ACT Testing for Seniors at Central High (Not to Exceed $8,800.00)
Rationale:
FUND: 154 - Title I
PROGRAM: 1100 Regular Instruction DEPT. ID: 3311110 - Central High SUPPLIER: ACT Education Corp. POLICY: 7000, VII. AMOUNT: $8,800 (Not to Exceed) Administration recommends the approval of the ACT District Testing Program Terms and Conditions with ACT Education Corp. to provide an additional school-day ACT testing opportunity for Central High School students during the 2026-2027 school year. School-day testing removes barriers to access for students who wish to obtain an additional college-reportable ACT score for postsecondary opportunities, including college admission, scholarships, and placement, but may be unable to participate in a National ACT administration due to transportation, scheduling, financial, or other constraints. The additional testing opportunity is expected to serve approximately 100 to 200 Central High School students. Providing access to a college-reportable ACT administration during the school day supports equitable access to post secondary pathways and allows students to demonstrate college readiness in a familiar testing environment. Results from the ACT assessment provide valuable information to students, families, and educators regarding students' strengths and areas for growth in English, mathematics, reading, and science, helping inform future academic planning and college and career decisions. This opportunity aligns with the District's commitment to expanding post secondary access and readiness by increasing opportunities for students to earn competitive ACT scores that may strengthen college applications and scholarship eligibility. In addition, participation in the ACT supports college and career planning efforts by providing students with nationally recognized assessment results that can be used to inform next steps after graduation. The agreement establishes the terms and conditions for participation in the ACT District Testing Program. ACT will invoice the District following testing based on the total number of assessments administered at a rate of $44.00 per student under the special pricing schedule and the estimated cost for testing 100 to 200 students ranges from $4,400 to $8,800. The agreement is presented to the Board for approval because it establishes an additional ACT testing opportunity for Central High School students. The initial Contract with ACT Education Corp. was previously approved by the Board on October 20, 2025 and the Board also approved the purchase of ACT Online Prep seat licenses on June 1, 2026.
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H.16. Approval of the Proposed Collective Bargaining Agreement with the Maintenance and Crafts Division for the 2026-27 School Year
Rationale:
Administration recommends approval of the attached collective bargaining agreement with the Maintenance and Crafts Division for the 2026-27 School Year which has been ratified by the union. The District will continue to provide a $1,200 deductible health plan and will increase its health insurance premium contribution by 5%. While employees will cover the remainder of the premium increase, the District has agreed to ensure that no employee shall suffer a reduction in gross pay resulting from the increased health insurance premium contribution. The total package cost of the one-year agreement is 3.32%.
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H.17. Approval of Contracts with Agencies for Special Education Services for the 2026–2027 School Year ($1,030,477.00)
Rationale:
Funds: 1, 153 General Fund, Special Education - IDEA
Department: 7194010 Special Education Administration Programs: 1214, 1231, 1265, 1266, 1250, 1270, 1274 - Speech Therapy School Age, Nursing Services, Nonpublic Teachers, Nonpublic Therapists, Psychological Svcs-School Age, Secondary Resource Project: 461027, 460027 - IDEA Base/EP Grant Policy: 7000 Amount: $1,030,477.00 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 fourth set of agency contracts going to the Board of Education for approval for the 2026-2027 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 2026-2027 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 2026-2027 school year. Per their agreement with Omaha Public Schools, all providers must receive NDE approval to provide special education and related services. Included in these contracts is a one-year extension of the District’s contract with Curriculum Associates, originally approved by the Board of Education on August 5, 2024, for online diagnostic and progress monitoring tools. The total cost to the District for this group is estimated to be $1,030,447.00 and these expenditures are allowable for the reimbursement by federal state special education reimbursement programs.
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H.18. Approval of Contract with Downs Electric, Inc. for Bid No. 26-046 Dundee Elementary Generator Replacement Project ($125,750.00)
Rationale:
FUND: 31 Special Building Fund
PROGRAM: 2620 Maintenance Schools/District Bldg. DEPT. ID: 7166500 Maintenance SUPPLIER: Downs Electric, Inc. POLICY: 7000 IV., C. AMOUNT: $125,750.00 Administration recommends approval of an agreement with Downs Electric, Inc. for the Dundee Elementary Generator Replacement Project. The Board awarded Bid No. 26-046 to Downs Electric, Inc. on August 3, 2026. The project will replace the existing inoperable emergency generator and automatic transfer switch with a new generator and two automatic transfer switches at Dundee Elementary and includes all labor, materials, equipment, and services required to complete the work. The contract amount is $125,750.00, funded through the District's Special Building Fund, which is restricted to the ongoing maintenance and improvement of District facilities and may not be transferred to or used for General Fund purposes. Work will commence upon approval of this agreement and is scheduled to reach substantial completion by March 2027.
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H.19. Approval of the Master Services Agreement with Connections at Project Harmony for the 2026-2027 School Year ($500,000.00)
Rationale:
FUND: 158 Sherwood
DEPT: 7105300 Counseling and Social Work PROJECT: 456527 Mental Health Expansion VENDOR: Connections at Project Harmony POLICIES: 7000, VII Contract Reporting and Signing Procedures AMOUNT: $500,000.00 Pursuant to Policy 7000, staff recommends approval of the Master Services Agreement between the District and Connections at Project Harmony for up to $500,000.00 to support the operation of the Connections program to serve Omaha Public Schools elementary students and their families. This service is working to identify children with mental health needs and establish a network of providers to help those children and their families obtain individual therapy/mental health services. Services include the support of a Mental Health Family Liaison, information gathering in a family interview, utilizing the Connections Provider Match Liaison to determine which contracted and employed therapist has the experience and training to best meet the child's therapeutic needs, and ensuring that barriers to the child's successful treatment are addressed, including payment for therapy services if the family does not have insurance or the copay/deductible is prohibitively expensive. This service is supported by grant funds. The total cost of the agreement exceeds $50,000. As such, the agreement is now being presented for Board approval.
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H.20. 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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H.21. Approval of Surplus Inventory Items for Auction or Discard
Rationale:
Pursuant to Policy 3090, Administration recommends approval of the sale of the attached list of items which include vehicles and miscellaneous surplus items. The sale will be held online by The Auction Mill L.L.C., public auction on September 27, 2026 through October 11, 2026. 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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H.22. 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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I. Discussion and/or Action Items
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I.1. Information Item(s)
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I.1.a. Policy Committee Update
Rationale:
The Chair of the Policy Committee will provide an update.
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I.2. Action Item(s)
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I.2.a. Approval of the 2026-27 Property Tax Request - Douglas County School District 0001
Rationale:
The Board will consider the attached resolution to set the 2026-2027 Douglas County School District 0001 property tax requests as follows:
General Fund - $399,909,802 Bond Fund - $57,646,193 Special Building Fund - $0.00 Qualified Capital Purpose Undertaking Fund - $4,076,138
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I.2.b. Approval of the 2026-27 Property Tax Request - Educational Service Unit No. 19
Rationale:
The Board will consider the attached resolution to set the 2026-2027 ESU No. 19 property tax request at $5,712,996.91.
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I.2.c. Approval of the 2026-27 General Fund - Douglas County School District 0001
Rationale:
The Board will consider the attached resolution to approve the 2026-2027 General Fund local operating fund budget in the amount of $860,000,000, supported by tax requirements of $399,909,802 plus reimbursable programs in the amount of $100,150,000 for a total General Fund Budget of $960,150,000.
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I.2.d. Approval of the Douglas County School District 0001 2026-27 Budgets Which Require a Levy - Excluding General Fund
Rationale:
The Board will consider the attached resolution to approve the 2026-2027 Douglas County School District 0001 budgets, which require a tax levy, excluding the General Fund as follows:
Bond Fund - $56,721,000 Special Building Fund - $36,500,000 Qualified Capital Purpose Undertaking Fund - $5,251,000
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I.2.e. Approval of the Douglas County School District 0001 2026-2027 Budgets Which Do Not Require a Tax Levy
Rationale:
The Board will consider the attached resolution to approve the 2026-2027 non-levy budgets for Douglas County School District 0001 which includes the following:
School Lunch - $61,000,000 School Activities - $10,500,000 Central Stores - $4,000,000 Depreciation - $41,000,000 Employee Benefit - $13,800,000 Student Fees - $1,500,000 Contingency - $19,000,000 Cooperative - $5,500,000
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I.2.f. Approval of the 2026-2027 Budget - Educational Service Unit No. 19
Rationale:
The Board will consider the attached resolution to approve the 2026-2027 ESU No. 19 budget of $37,000,000.
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J. 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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K. Adjournment
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