March 23, 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 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 Board of Education Spotlight recognizes Charlotte Ziegler, Burke High ninth grader, for being awarded the All Festival Individual Performance at the International Junior Theater Festival.
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G. Board and Superintendent Communications
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G.1. Superintendent
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G.2. 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 9, 2026 - Regular Meeting
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I.2. Approval of Agreement for Professional Services with Olsson, Inc. for the Omaha North Stadium Project
Rationale:
Administration recommends the approval of the attached Agreement for Professional Services with Olsson, Inc. to provide special inspections and testing of earthwork and soils, reinforced concrete, structural masonry, structural framing, and stormwater as required by city code and construction needs for the Omaha North Stadium Project. This project, known as Project Game On, is a collaboration between Omaha Public Schools, YMCA of Greater Omaha, City of Omaha, The Lozier Foundation, The Sherwood Foundation, NewStreet Properties, Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture, and Emspace + Lovgren to provide a game-changing stadium for North High as a part of a larger 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 funding agreement approved on April 7, 2025, was conditioned in part on District approval of the Project design. The site plan and design concept were approved by the Board on July 17, 2025. Per the approved funding agreement, the project and the inspections and testing provided will be entirely funded through OPSF and its funding partners.
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I.3. Approval of Agreement for Proposal No. P007-26 with National Inventors Hall of Fame, Inc. for Enrichment Curriculum Kits for Next Level Learning ($399,035.00)
Rationale:
FUND: 1 General Fund
PROGRAM: 6100 Summer School Regular DEPT: 7072002 School Improvement POLICIES: 7000, III.K, 7000, VII.A AMOUNT: $399,035.00 Administration recommends approval of the attached agreement with National Inventors Hall of Fame, Inc. (National Inventors), for the purchase of enrichment curriculum materials for Next Level Learning (NLL). The District issued P007-26 requesting proposals for enrichment kits for NLL. The District received three proposals which were thoroughly reviewed by a committee. National Inventors’ proposal best met the specifications and requirements described in the RFP. The committee noted that the curricula and kit materials proposed by National Inventors promote 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 writing, science and math skills. The curricula and kit materials also align to the District’s plan for accelerating literacy learning and to Next Generation Science Standards. This purchase will allow both elementary and middle level students to engage in quality, unique enrichment experiences during NLL. Following evaluation of the three submissions, the District determined the quantities of kits required for each grade level and requested a quote from National Inventors which is attached. The total anticipated cost of the materials to be purchased from National Inventors is $399,035.00.
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I.4. Approval of Appointments to the Friends of KIOS Board of Directors
Rationale:
Articles of Incorporation for the Friends of KIOS, and Friends of KIOS Bylaws require the Omaha Public Schools Board of Education to approve, by a majority vote, the appointment of Friends of KIOS Board members. Articles of Incorporation outline that the five-member board shall consist of one Board of Education member, one Omaha Public Schools staff member, and three community members.
The staff and Board of Education representative will be appointed annually, and community members appointed to a three-year term. Nominees include Ms. Gini Magnuson (Board of Education representative) and Susan Christopherson (staff representative). Community members approved in 2024 to serve until March 2027 include Jo Giles (community representative, Women’s Fund of Omaha Executive Director), Carrie Murphy (community representative, former City of Omaha Deputy Chief of Staff), and Michael Sigmond (community member, Sigmond Financial Management of Raymond James Advisor). |
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I.5. Approval to Award Bid No. 26-036 to and Enter into the Attached Agreement with Kingery Construction Company for the OPS TAC Student and Community Services Renovation Project, Summer 2026 ($1,418,600.00)
Rationale:
FUND: 31 Levy Building Fund
DEPT. ID: 7166600 Schoolhouse Planning PROGRAM: 2510 Building Support Services VENDOR: Kingery Construction Company POLICY: 7000, III.K, 7000, VII.A, 7000, VII.D AMOUNT: $1,418,600.00 Administration recommends awarding Bid No. 26-036 to and entering into the attached agreement with Kingery Construction Company for the Omaha Public Schools TAC Student and Community Services Renovation Project. The project will renovate the former Printing and Publishing space to provide improved accessibility for students, parents and members of the community who need to visit Student and Community Services. Administration recommends acceptance of Alternate 31 for the installation of additional window openings to increase natural lighting in the space, at a cost of $27,000.00. Administration also recommends acceptance of Alternate 32, which includes the installation of digital HVAC controls to improve heating and cooling efficiency in the area, at a cost of $20,000.00. The District received four bid responses. The bid received from Kingery Construction Company is the lowest compliant bidder. The District will fund the project using its Site and Building Fund which the District maintains for ongoing maintenance and improvement of facilities. Site and Building Funds may not be used or transferred to the General Fund. The total price of the project is $1,418,600.00 with an expected completion date of August 2026. Bids received were:
For complete bid documentation contact barakat.elshalaby@ops.org.
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I.6. Approval to Award Bid No. 26-029 to Truck Center Companies for Fifteen (15) Type A 16 Passenger Buses ($1,476,250.00)
Rationale:
FUND: 4070 Depreciation Reserve Fund
PROGRAM: 2510 Business Support Services DEPT: 7062100 Accounting & Finance Office SUPPLIER: Truck Center Companies POLICY: 7000, Article VII, Section III D AMOUNT: $1,476,250.00 Administration recommends approval to award Bid No.26-029 to Truck Center Companies for the purchase of fifteen (15) Type A 16 Passenger Buses per the Student Transportation replacement plan. The District received four compliant bids (listed below), with Truck Center Companies being the lowest bidder. This purchase will replace 15 buses that will be declared surplus and prepared for auction by the District. The new buses will be housed at Student Transportation to provide district Special Education transportation once received. The total purchase amount for Fifteen (15) Type A 16 Passenger Buses from Truck Center Companies is $1,476,250.00, with expected delivery in September 2026.
For complete bid documentation, contact Traci.Shobe@ops.org.
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I.7. Approval to Award Bid No. 26-033 to H & H Motors Papillion LLC., for Five (5) Three-Quarter Ton Trucks with Plows ($278,985.00)
Rationale:
FUND: 4070 Depreciation Reserve Fund
PROGRAM: 2510 Business Support Services DEPT: 7062100 Accounting & Finance Office SUPPLIER: H & H Motors Papillion LLC. POLICY: 7000, Article VII, Section III D AMOUNT: $278,985.00 Administration recommends approval of Award Bid No. 26-033 to H & H Motors Papillion LLC. for Five (5) Three-Quarter Ton Trucks with plows per the Student Transportation replacement plan. One of the units will replace a unit that was totaled in an accident. The other four trucks with plows will be assigned to the Operations Division. Four vendors submitted proposals: H & H Motors Papillion LLC, Woodhouse Ford, Holz Motors, Inc., and Midway Ford Truck. Midway Ford Truck submitted two different proposals, which made them noncompliant. The lowest compliant bidder is H & H Motors Papillion LLC., with a total purchase price of $278,985.00.
For complete bid documentation, contact Traci.Shobe@ops.org
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I.8. 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.9. 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.10. 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.11. 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.12. 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.13. 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.14. Committee on Claims Audit Approval (3/23/2026)
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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I.15. Approval of Consulting Services Agreement With PBL Works, Also Known As Buck Institute for Professional Development Services Designed to Create Knowledge and Understanding of Project-Based Learning (PBL) through May 28, 2026 ($15,000.00)
Rationale:
FUND: 176, Misc. Federal Grants
PROGRAM: 2211, Career and Tech Ed Support DEPT: 7196010, Career & Technical Education PROJECT: 471826, Perkins Basic Grant FY26 VENDOR: Buck Institute for Education POLICIES: 7000 III.K, VII.A. AMOUNT: $15,000.00 Administration recommends approval of a contract for consulting services with PBL Works, also known as Buck Institute for Education, to support teacher development and student engagement of capstone experiences through high-quality PBL (Project Based Learning) training and classroom implementation. This work aligns to the district’s Moonshot goal that all students will read on grade level by 2030 by strengthening students’ ability to engage with complex texts, conduct research, and communicate their thinking through authentic, real-world projects. PBL Works will facilitate a three-day workshop, May 26-28, 2026 to support College & Career Academy and Pathway teachers, Career and Technical Education teachers, Gifted and Talented Teachers, School Librarians, and School Leadership Team Members at the high school and middle school level. The total cost of this purchase is $15,000.00. As this contract together with previous contracts totals over $50,000, the attached contract is being presented to the Board for approval pursuant to Board policy 7000, III.K. and 7000, VII.A.
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I.16. Approval of Memorandum of Understanding with Midland University for ESL Endorsement Program for the 2026-2027 School Year ($219,000.00)
Rationale:
FUND: 176, Miscellaneous Federal Grants
PROGRAM: 1170, English Language Learners DEPT: 7198170, English As a Second Language PROJECT: 464927, Title III LEP FY27 SUPPLIER: Midland University POLICY: 7000 VII.A. AMOUNT: $219,000.00 Administration recommends approval of a Memorandum of Understanding with Midland University to offer Omaha Public Schools' certified teachers the opportunity to earn their K-12 ESL Endorsement. Beginning with the 2020-21 school year, the Omaha Public Schools have had an approved contract with Midland University for the Omaha Public Schools K-12 ESL Endorsement. The terms of this agreement may be extended for up to three (3) additional term(s) of one (1) year each. In alignment with Title III guidance, the ESL Endorsement program serves to develop and enhance teacher capacity to meet the language and content needs of English learners. In accordance with the Nebraska Department of Education Rule 15, the program increases the number of teachers with an ESL Endorsement, which is one way the Omaha Public Schools continues to ensure qualified teachers are working with English learners to support our Moonshot goal of every student reading at grade level by 2030. It is expected that participants will work three years in OPS after the completion of the program. The contract will be effective for one (1) year, from August 1, 2026 to July 1, 2027. The Administration will maintain records of participants. In keeping with Policy 7000 Contract Reporting and Signing Procedures, the agreement is being brought to the Board for approval. The total cost of this agreement is $219,000.00.
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I.17. Approval of the Proposed Master Agreement with the Omaha Education Association for the 2026-2027 School Year
Rationale:
Administration recommends Board approval of the attached tentative agreement, which has been ratified by the Omaha Education Association (OEA). The OEA and the District have reached a tentative agreement for the 2026–2027 school year. The tentative agreement will increase the starting salary by $180 to $51,380. Employees eligible to do so will move on step. The District will continue to provide a $1200 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 parties have agreed to shorten the student day by 20 minutes beginning with the 2027-2028 school year in order to increase plan time, regular collaboration time, and regular professional development. The OEA and the District will work collaboratively during the 2026-2027 school year to plan for the implementation of increased plan time, regular collaboration time, and regular professional development during the 2027-2028 school year. The agreement incorporates the various amendments and memorandums of understanding that have been agreed to since the previous collective bargaining agreement was entered into. The total package cost of the one-year agreement is 2.52%.
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I.18. Approval of the Memorandum of Understanding with the Omaha Education Association for the 2026-2027 School Year on Instruction and Plan Time
Rationale:
Administration recommends Board approval of the attached Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Omaha Education Association (OEA). The District and the OEA, as part of the collective bargaining agreement being approved today, have agreed to shorten the student day by 20 minutes beginning with the 2027-2028 school year in order to increase plan time, regular collaboration time, and regular professional development. This MOU outlines the responsibilities of the parties to work collaboratively during the 2026-2027 school year to plan for the implementation of increased plan time, regular collaboration time, and regular professional development during the 2027-2028 school year.
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I.19. 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.20. Approval of the Purchase Agreement between the District as Buyer and the YMCA of Greater Omaha as Seller for Approximately 4.1 Acres of Land Located to the East of North High School in the Amount of $10.00
Rationale:
Administration recommends approval of the attached Purchase Agreement between the District and the YMCA of Greater Omaha (YMCA) for 4.1 acres of land currently owned by the YMCA and located immediately to the East of North High School for the construction of a new stadium. The stadium construction is being paid for in accordance with the terms of a funding agreement with the Omaha Public Schools Foundation (OPSF) for the project on April 17, 2025. The funding agreement was 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 Board approved the License Agreement for Field Use and Parking Lot Use with the YMCA on October 6, 2025. OPSF and its funders entered into the requisite funding agreement on October 10, 2025. The Board approved the Subdivision agreement with the City of Omaha, the YMCA, OPSF and the Lozier Foundation on November 3, 2025 which was a necessary step prior to conveyance of the property from the YMCA to the District. Approval of the attached Purchase Agreement is the next step in the process. Administration further recommends that the President and Secretary of the Board of Education be authorized to execute on behalf of the District the Purchase Agreement and all other documents necessary to close the purchase of the property pursuant to the Agreement.
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I.21. Approval to Purchase Cisco Catalyst Center Equipment from Sirius Computer Solutions, LLC. ($218,183.14)
Rationale:
FUND: 1 General Fund
PROGRAM: 1100 Regular Instruction DEPARTMENT: 7062560 District-wide Technology SUPPLIER: Sirius Computer Solutions, LLC. POLICIES: 7000, III. K.,7000, V. B., 7000, V. G AMOUNT: $218,183.14 Administration recommends the purchase of Cisco Catalyst Center equipment (detailed list of equipment is attached) to replace the District’s existing Catalyst Center platform. The current Catalyst Platform is undersized and does not effectively manage the network traffic needed to support current use. The new Catalyst Center appliance delivers updated processing, storage, and networking capabilities that improve automation, monitoring, and configuration management across the District’s wired and wireless network infrastructure. This purchase was not competitively bid, as the core network infrastructure upgrades are being procured through a cooperative purchasing agreement under State Contract 315332 OC. This method is permitted as an exception to the competitive bidding requirement under Board Policy 7000, Section V.B. (Cooperative Purchases). The total project cost of $218,183.14. is within the anticipated budget for this initiative, and includes 60 months of hardware support and required software licensing.
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I.22. Approval to Purchase Pacific Learning’s El camino al éxito (The Road to Success) and El próximo paso (The Next Step) as a Spanish Foundational Skills Resource for Tier 2 Instruction in Grades 6-8 Dual Language Schools ($15,484.80)
Rationale:
FUND: 176, Misc. Federal Grants
PROGRAM: 1170, English Language Learners DEPT: 7198170, English as Second Language GRANT: 471026, Title III Immigrant Education, FY26 VENDOR: Pacific Learning POLICIES: 6121, 7000 V. A Amount: $15,484.80 Administration recommends El camino al éxito (The Road to Success) and El próximo paso (The Next Step) as a Spanish foundational skills resource for Tier 2 instruction in grades 6-8 at our Dual Language middle schools: Beveridge, Marrs and Norris. A systematic review was conducted during spring and summer 2025 to find a resource that is allowable under Title III EL funds. The resource has been thoroughly reviewed by representatives from the EL Office, Dual Language principals, the Early Literacy Coordinator, Dual Leads, and Dual Language classroom teachers. Stakeholders agree El camino al éxito and its follow-up kit, El próximo paso, are a strong fit for growing students’ basic literacy skills, making it ideal for targeted intervention. El camino al éxito and El próximo paso was previously approved by the Board on September 22, 2025, and is currently being used in grades K-2 at our Dual Language elementary schools: Castelar, Crestridge, Gomez, Jackson, Liberty, and Spring Lake, and aligns with the Science of Reading and supports our Moonshot goal of every student reading at grade level by 2030. This item is being presented to the Board for approval in keeping with the provisions of Policy 6121, which requires approval by the Board of curricular materials. In keeping with the bid exceptions contained within Policy 7000, V.A. (Academic Prerogative), no bid was required for this purchase. The total cost of this purchase is $15,484.80. Together with the purchase of materials for K-2 schools ($126,638.40), the total spent on these materials is $142,123.20.
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I.23. Approval to Purchase Updated Data Center Core Network Infrastructure from Sirius Computer Solutions, LLC. ($526,299.90)
Rationale:
FUND: 1 General Fund
PROGRAM: 1100 Regular Instruction DEPARTMENT: 7062560 - District-wide Technology SUPPLIER: Sirius Computer Solutions, LLC. POLICIES: 7000, III. K.,7000, V. B., 7000, V. G AMOUNT: $526,299.90 Administration recommends purchasing updated core network infrastructure for the District’s data center (see attached component list for specific items) to modernize and strengthen the District’s primary data center environments. This project replaces end-of-life core network equipment that serves as the critical backbone for instructional technology, enterprise applications, internet access, cybersecurity services, and District-wide cloud platforms. This equipment is located at the Scott Data Center (6805 Pine St.). The District’s existing data center network equipment is at the end of its life and no longer delivers the reliability, performance, or security necessary to meet current and future operational demands. The proposed network refresh includes enterprise-grade Cisco Nexus switching equipment, high-speed connectivity components, and the required software, licensing, and support services. This replacement expands network capacity and resiliency, enhances cybersecurity protection, and provides the scalability needed to support continued growth and the District’s transition to cloud-based services, including future cloud-based enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems. The upgrade also extends lifecycle support and standardizes the District’s data center network on a modern, fully supported architecture. This purchase was not competitively bid, as the core network infrastructure upgrades are being procured through a cooperative purchasing agreement under State Contract 315332 OC. This method is permitted as an exception to the competitive bidding requirement under Board Policy 7000, Section V.B. (Cooperative Purchases). The total project cost of $526,299.90 is within the anticipated budget for this initiative.
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I.24. Approval of Special Use Agreement with the City of Omaha for Boyd Baseball Complex through Dec 31, 2031
Rationale:
Pursuant to Policy 7000, Section VII, Administration recommends approval of the attached Special Use Agreement with the City of Omaha for the Boyd Baseball Complex, located at 4201 N. 16th Street. Under the terms of the agreement, the City acknowledges the significant capital investment made by a private donor to enhance the complex for use by Omaha Public Schools and affiliated groups at no cost to the District. The agreement grants OPS priority use and scheduling of the facility and allows OPS to coordinate all outside use through the District’s permit process. In exchange, OPS will assume responsibility for all maintenance within the fenced area of the complex, excluding security and irrigation systems. The agreement is effective through December 31, 2031, with an option to extend for one additional five-year term.
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I.25. 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.26. Indemnification of Mr. Christopher Humphries
Rationale:
Pursuant to Neb. Rev. Stat. 79-516, the Board of Education authorizes indemnification of Mr. Christopher Humphries (Principal at North High) against expenses he may incur in defense of litigation filed in the County Court of Douglas County, Nebraska, Small Claims Court. The suit arises from a claim of failure to provide a safe school environment and failure to protect from discrimination while Mr. Humphries was principal at Nathan Hale Middle School during the 2022-2023 school year. Mr. Humphries has been named in his capacity as an employee of the District. The Board determines that indemnification of Mr. Humphries is proper in the circumstances because he acted in good faith and in a manner which he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the school district. The Board further authorizes the engagement of Baird Holm, LLP to provide the legal services related to the pending suit against Mr. Humphries which will be transferred from Small Claims Court.
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I.27. Preapproval of Estimated 2025-2026 Spring Sports and Music Season Officials’ Costs ($136,950.00)
Rationale:
FUND: 1 - General Fund, 279 - Central Activity
PROGRAM: 2150 - Student Safety, 2199 - Other Student Support Services DEPT: Schools SUPPLIER: Spring Sports & Music Season Officials POLICY: 7000, III.K., 7000, VII. A. AMOUNT: $136,950.00 (estimate) The Board of Education is required by State Statute 79-584 to approve all expenditures of District funds. Preapproval is requested for the estimated 2025-2026 spring sports season officials’ pay. Payments to officials will be processed on a weekly basis during the season as pay requests are submitted to Accounts Payable. The total amount of approval requested is estimated at $136,950 and total payments will not exceed the final amount without additional Board of Education approval.
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J. Discussion and/or Action Items
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J.1. Information Item(s)
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J.2. Action Item(s)
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J.2.a. Approval of Annual Audit Reports for Douglas County School District #0001 and Educational Service Unit No. 19
Rationale:
Administration and representatives from Eide Bailly L.L.P. will present the audit reports for Douglas County School District #0001 and Educational Service Unit No. 19.
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J.2.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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K. Receipt of Reports
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K.1. Second Quarter Board Conference Expenses 2025-2026
Rationale:
Policy 8230 requires the Secretary to the Board of Education to prepare a quarterly report summarizing all Board member travel and expenditures associated with attendance to workshops, conferences, or meetings.
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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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