September 8, 2025 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:  Northwest High School's JROTC will present the Colors and lead the Pledge of Allegiance.

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 recognizes the Benson High and Westview High 2024-25 yearbook teams who were selected for the Walworth Gallery of Excellence.

Rationale:  The Treasurer's Report for July 2025 is attached for review.

Rationale:  At this time, any Board member may request that any item in the consent agenda be removed from the consent agenda and be considered and voted on separately. 

Rationale:  FUND: 154, Title I A
PROGRAM: 1100, Title I A
DEPT: Various
SUPPLIER: The Nebraska Department of Education
POLICY: 6410
AMOUNT: $28,449,516.00 

Administration recommends acceptance of the of the Title I Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) Part A Grant for the 2025-2026 School Year.  The Title I Budget is allocated to Public Schools, Non-Public Schools, Contracted Educational Agencies, and the Homeless Program based on poverty determined by the Community Eligibility Provision Formula (CEP). The CEP Percentage for Elementary Schools are based at 70%. The Secondary Schools are based on 75%. The United States Department of Education (USDE) requires any school that has a 75% and higher poverty CEP to receive Title I Funding. To expend these funds, Title I schools, and Title I Programs must submit a School-wide Plan, or a Title I Contract that is aligned with the District’s Plan of Action and their School Improvement Plans. In addition, the Title I Office must also submit a grant application to the state for approval and compliance purposes.  The USDE has determined that the District should receive a Title I Allocation in the amount of $28,449,516.00 for the 2025-2026 school year.

Rationale:  Administration recommends approval of the attached contract with Jung & Partners for emergency repairs at Wilson Focus.  On July 4, 2025, a six-inch pressurized water main serving the fire suppression system at Wilson Focus failed resulting in flooding throughout the building with approximately 6 to 8 inches of water and mud accumulating in all areas.  The flood caused extensive damage.  District Operations engaged Jung & Partners, an emergency response contractor, to mitigate further damage by removing all water, provide dehumidification for the building, dry out all items, completely clean the building, and determine which items were salvageable.  The amount of that agreement is $564,493.61. The cost and scope of future work to repair and restore the building is still being determined.  Once fully identified, the additional repair and restoration projects will be bid as set forth in Policy 7000.  This event is covered by Traveler’s Insurance Company and, due to the nature of the claim, Travelers has issued a partial claim payment of $500,000.00.

Rationale:  Fund: 1 - General Fund
Program:  2510 - Business Support Services
Department:  7062100 - Accounting & Finance
Supplier:  KEV Group
Policies:  6281 - Activity Funds Management
Amount:     2025-26:  $14,342.00
           2026-27:  $13,315.00
           2027-28:  $13,315.00

Administration recommends approval of an amendment to the agreement between Omaha Public Schools and KEV Group’s for integrated, web-based solution to manage the District's school activity funds originally approved on November 18, 2024. This amendment provides wireless data services for 158 point-of-sale (POS) devices to be used at school activities to collect gate and concession receipts and 13 additional POS devices.  These devices allow patrons of the District’s student activities to utilize credit and debit cards and minimize the amount of cash collected and the inherent risks of schools receiving significant amounts of cash.  This amendment adds a total of $40,972.00 of additional expenditures over the next three years to the previously approved four-year total of $888,381.00.

Rationale:  FUND:     01 General Fund
PROGRAM:  2620 Maintenance School/District Buildings
DEPT. ID: 7166600 Schoolhouse Planning
VENDOR:   Mackie Construction Inc.
POLICY: 7000, III.K, 7000, VII.A, 7000, VII.D 
AMOUNT:   $113,932.00        

Administration recommends the Award of Bid No. 25-028 to Mackie Construction for the Benson High Tennis Court - ADA Access project.  The project will include all materials and labor to prep, grade, form, and pour new concrete ramps and sidewalks from the upper parking lot to the tennis court level, install handrails, a retaining curb wall, and install a concrete slab to create a spectator viewing area at Benson High School.  There is currently no ADA accessible route to the court level.  This project will provide a code-compliant accessible route meeting the needs of all student-athletes and spectators.

The District received four bid responses. The bid received from Mackie Construction Inc. is the lowest compliant bidder. The total price of the bid is $113,932.00.
           
Bids received were:

Vendor	Base Bid
*Mackie Construction Inc.	$113,932.00
Ideal Construction Co.	$114,920.00
Elkhorn West Construction	$180,600.00
Central Confinement Services	$195,907.00

*Apparent Low Bidder meeting the specifications.
                                                                         
For complete bid documentation, contact philip.connatser@ops.org.

Rationale:  FUND: 4070 Depreciation Reserve Fund
DEPT: 7062560 Districtwide Technology
PROGRAM: 2510 Business Support Services
SUPPLIER:  NEW Twotrees Technologies 
POLICY: 7000, III. K.,7000, V. G
AMOUNT: $172,490.00

Administration recommends approval to award Twotrees Technologies (Chief Fit Mobile Cart RFCUB) Bid No. 25-033 for the purchase of seven hundred thirty-four (734) Classroom Display Television Carts. The carts will be distributed to instructional areas in 65 District schools, where school administration and IMS identified a need for an updated display option. The attached list reflects the District schools that are receiving the TV cart.

Fifteen bid submissions were received, with three suppliers having more than one option. Only the lowest bid total per option was considered. Archangel Tablets LLC, Bluum (Mooreco - 37650), CDW Education, Dell Technologies Inc., Forte, KCAV, Malor & Company, North America Imports and Exports, and Zones LLC, are non-compliant due to quoting the non-specific screw size needed for the weight of the TV.  Additionally, Forte, Riverside Technologies, Inc., School Specialty LLC, and Twotrees Technologies (BenQ Trolley) are non-compliant due to not including the required 5-year warranty.  Twotrees Technologies (Chief Fit Mobile Cart RFCUB) is the lowest bidder.  The awarded total purchase price is $172,490.00.
Complete bid documentation contact terry.scales@ops.org.

Rationale:  FUND:  42 - 2018 Bond Program Proceeds Fund 
PROGRAM:  2620 Maintenance School/District Buildings 
DEPT. ID: 7166600 Schoolhouse Planning          
SUPPLIER:   Boiler Chiller Systems, LLC
POLICIES: 7000, III.K, 7000, VII.A, 7000, VII.D
AMOUNT:   $636,700.00        

Administration recommends the award of Bid No. 26-004 to Boiler Chiller Systems, LLC for the OPS North & Northwest High School Cooling Tower Replacement Project.  The project includes the labor, equipment, electrical, piping, and structural modifications required to remove and replace one cooling tower at North High School and one cooling tower at Northwest High School.  Both towers being replaced have reached the end of their useful service life and are no longer serviceable. The replacement tower will improve the indoor air quality and lower the energy cost for the building while providing a better instructional environment for students.  The District received five bid responses. The bid received from Boiler Chiller Systems, LLC was the lowest compliant bidder. The total price of the bid is $636,700.00.

Bids received were:

Vendor	Base Bid
*Boiler Chiller System	$636,700.00.
Cerris Systems	$763,540.00
Christopherson Mechanical	$729,424.00
Fluid Mechanical	$714,900.00
Hayes Mechanical	$725,000.00

          *Apparent Low Bidder meeting the specifications.
                                                                        
For complete bid documentation, contact barakat.elshalaby@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:  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:  42 - 2018 Bond Program Proceeds Fund 
PROGRAM:  2620 Maintenance School/District Buildings 
DEPT. ID: 7166600 Schoolhouse Planning          
SUPPLIER: Cerris Systems North Central, Inc.  
POLICIES: 7000, III.K, 7000, VII.A, 7000, VII.D 
AMOUNT:  $677,500.00 
 
Administration recommends approval of the contract with Cerris Systems North Central, Inc. for OPS Blackburn VAV (Variable Air Volume) Boxes & HVAC Control Replacement Project from Bid No. 25-017 that was awarded to Cerris Systems North Central, Inc. at the July 17, 2025 Board Meeting. The work shall include all mechanical, electrical, low-voltage, and control work required for VAV boxes and HVAC controls at Blackburn School. The upgrade will improve the indoor air quality and lower the energy cost for the building while providing a better instructional environment for students. The total price of the contract is $677,500.00. 
 

Rationale:  Funds: 1, 153   General Fund, Special Education - IDEA
Department: 7194010   Special Education Administration
Programs: 1214, 1215, 1222, 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: 461025, 461026, 460025, 460026 - IDEA Base/EP Grant
Policy: 7000 
Amount:  $944,826.00

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 fifth set of agency contracts going to the Board of Education for approval for the 2025-2026 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 2025-2026 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 2025-2026 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 $944,826.00 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: $84,014.95
 
Administration recommends renewing the licensing subscription for the Gale In Context Online Database for the 2025-2026 school year. This multidisciplinary database is used by students to research current events, history, literature, government, science, social issues, and international viewpoints. The database contains news, biographies, videos, images, magazine articles, and primary source documents. 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. In keeping with the provisions of Policy 7000, V.A., no bid was required for this purchase because it falls under the exception to bidding procedures as academic prerogative. The total price is $84,014.95.

Rationale:  FUND: 1, General 
DEPT: 7198145, Athletics 
PROG: 2199, Other Student Support 
VENDOR: Agile Sports Technologies 
POLICIES: 7000 
AMOUNT: $229,500.00 

Administration recommends exercising the option to extend its agreement with Agile Sports Technologies (Doing Business As HUDL) to provide web-based software that allows coaches and athletes to review game and practice film, scout opponents, and improve performance based upon video analysis.  On December 13, 2023, Omaha Public Schools entered into a two-year agreement with Agile Sports to provide a uniform offering at each of our nine high schools, reducing the District’s overall cost and providing additional technological advancements. The previous agreement included a one-time three-year renewal option for the 2025-2026 through 2027-2028 school years which the District wishes to exercise. Software and hardware previously installed in each building will continue to allow our Omaha Public Schools activity programming to be in line with what is offered at the majority of the member schools of the Nebraska School Activities Association. The software will be accessible to after-school activities, fine arts, school broadcast programs, and community activities within our buildings to enhance student success. The total price for the three year extension is $229,500.00.

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 Fund
PROGRAM: 2510 Business Support Services
DEPT: 7062100 Accounting and Finance
SUPPLIER: 78880 Sweetwater Sound Holding, LLC
POLICIES:   6121, 7000, V.,B.
AMOUNT: $294,226.35

Administration recommends approval to purchase the hand percussion instruments listed below from Sweetwater Sound LLC. These instruments will be used in the music classrooms in all the District’s Elementary Schools and support the District’s new music curriculum platform by having students interact with different elements of music beyond singing. Instruments are used to enforce a steady beat, incorporate movement, and introduce students to different types of music. A bid was not required as the purchase is being made pursuant to the Cooperative Purchases Exception in Policy 7000. V.B. This purchase is in the amount of $294,226.35.   

Units		Item Description	Unit Cost
76	-	Remo Festival Tubanos Set - Black Matte	$  459.95
208	-	Nino Tambourines, Wood 6" 1-row	$   14.99
34	-	Studio 49 Series 2000 Soprano Glockenspiels	$  284.00
23	-	Studio 49 Series Soprano Xylophone	$  545.00
45	-	Studio 49 Series Alto Xylophone	$  710.00
72	-	Studio 49 Series Bass Xylophone	$1,150.00
51	-	Sonor Orff Primary Alto Metallophone	$  720.00
952	-	Latin Percussion Sweetwater Egg Shake	$    2.75
362	-	Rhythm Band Plastic Maracas (pr)	$    9.49
534	-	Rhythm Band Sand Blocks (pr)	$    5.29
968	-	Rhythm Band Rhythm Sticks, Plain - 24Pc	$   34.99
936	-	Trophy Wrist/Ankle Bells with Velcro®	$    6.49
873	-	Rhythm Band Finger Cymbals, 4-pc	$   14.99
662	-	Rhythm Band 6" Triangle w/ Striker	$    6.99
158	-	Rhythm Band 12" Wood Guiro	$   17.99
19	-	Meinl Percussion Turbo Cabasa, Small	$   29.99
46	-	Latin Percussion Black Beauty Cowbell	$   39.99
57	-	Meinl Percussion Claves De Luxe	$   13.95
91	-	Rhythm Band 8-Note Kidsplay Deskbell Set	$   66.99

Rationale:  FUND: 4070 Depreciation Fund
PROGRAM: 2510 Business Support Services
DEPT: 7062100 Accounting and Finance
SUPPLIER: 2323  B&H Photo and Electronics
POLICY:  6121, 7000, V., B.
AMOUNT: $66,022.56
 
Administration recommends approval of the purchase of 1,581 Kala Series Soprano Ukuleles from B&H Photo and Electronics at a cost of $41.76 each.  The ukuleles will be used in our 5th-grade music classrooms across the District, where all students will learn to play the ukulele as part of our new music curriculum adoption. A bid was not required as the purchase is being made pursuant to the Cooperative Purchases Exception in Policy 7000. V.B. This purchase is in the amount of $66,022.56.

Rationale:  Administration recommends approval of the attached settlement agreements between the District and Althea Watkins.  Ms. Watkins was employed by the District as a bus aide.  Ms. Watkins submitted a tort claim dated November 11,2019, alleging that she suffered injuries when hit by an OPS bus while crossing the street near the Service Center.  Ms. Watkins withdrew that claim on December 16, 2020, and subsequently filed suit against the District in a case captioned Althea Watkins v. Douglas County School District 0001, et al., Case No. 20-10580.  Ms. Watkins’ later separated from employment with the District and filed litigation against the District relating to that separation captioned Althea Watkins v. Douglas County School District 0001, et. al., Case No. CI 23-10063.  The parties have negotiated a settlement of the Tort Claim in the amount of $215,000.00 and the employment claim in the amount of $5,000.00.  The settlement amounts are below the District’s retention level and will be paid from the general liability uninsured loss reserve fund.

Rationale:  Fund:  176  Miscellaneous Federal Grants
Program: 2251  Staff Development
Dept. ID: 7043300  Staff Development
Project:  466425  Title II A
Policy:  7000, VII
Amount: $250,000.00

Administration recommends purchasing a perpetual license from The New Teacher Project (TNTP) to access on-line professional learning Science of Reading modules.  The District previously engaged TNTP to provide on-site training in February of 2023.  The perpetual licenses will enable the District to offer all Secondary ELA and math teachers the Science of Learning modules during in-person shared learning, aligned to curriculum resources, on District Professional Learning Days.  The license may only be revoked by breach of the agreement of by the District or by mutual agreement of the parties.  The total amount is $250,000.00.

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

Administration recommends approval of the attached Delinquent & Neglected Agency Contracts for the 2025-2026 School Year.  As part of Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), the District is required to provide educational services for children and youth in local and state institutions for neglected, delinquent and homeless students.  The District contracts with eight (8) agencies to provide supplemental instructional support to help students meet state academic standards. The contracts amount to $537,076.00 for the 2025-2026 school year and are entered into with the following entities:

Delinquent Agency
Douglas County Youth Center

Neglected Agencies
Boys Town Intervention & Assessment Interim Program School
CHI Health Immanuel/CHI Health Residential Treatment Center
Child Saving Institute
Nebraska Youth Justice Initiative
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:  The purpose of this presentation is to review data from the 2024-2025 High School On-track Report (included on the agenda as a Receipt of Report) and share how the District is incorporating these results into our continuous improvement work.

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

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

Rationale:  High school On-Track is an important indicator of progress toward graduation and is a shared responsibility across school and District teams. This report will update the Board on progress toward increasing on-track percentages over time and across schools. 

Rationale:  The District’s Strategic Plan of Action for 2020-2025 established an environmental stewardship plan to support the Ethic of Care Strategic Priority for students and staff.  The Environmental Stewardship Plan (ESP) lays out a path forward for the district to reduce its environmental impact, implement innovative strategies that improve student health, and engage our community in becoming better stewards of our natural environment.  The attached report updates the progress achieved over the 2024-25 school year.

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.