March 24, 2025 at 6:00 PM - Omaha Public Schools Board of Education and Educational Service Unit 19 Board Meeting
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A. OPS Board Of Education Information
Rationale:
Notice to visitors: If you wish to speak, please obtain a “Request to be Heard” form from the entry table and return the completed form to the table attendant or the Board of Education Director. The agenda will be kept current and available for public inspection in the office of the Secretary of the Board of Education at the Administrative Building during regular working hours. |
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B. Call to Order
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C. Pledge of Allegiance
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D. OPS Vision and Mission Statement
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The Vision: Every Student. Every Day. Prepared for Success.
The Mission: To prepare all students for success in college, career, and life. |
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E. Roll Call
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E.1. Excused/Unexcused Absence
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F. School Spotlight
Rationale:
The #OPSProud Spotlight celebrates Omaha Public Schools Spelling Bee Champion Jacob Garcia Marin from Marrs Middle, and runner-up Hadley Herrington from Buffett Middle.
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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 10, 2025 - Regular Meeting
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I.2. Acceptance of $460,000.00 Cash Settlement for Storm Damage During Roofing Project with 10 Men Roofing, LLC.
Rationale:
Administration recommends the Board of Education accept the $460,000.00 cash settlement and agree to the attached Property Damage Release for the server damage caused by inadequate weatherproofing during a roofing project at the Service Center. 10 Men Roofing, LLC. was contracted to reroof the Service Center during the Summer of 2024. On June 25, 2024, a major rainstorm flooded the service center due to inadequate temporary weatherproofing, causing significant damage to the interior of the buildings, including damaging the server system that allows the District to manage cameras at each of our stadiums. These servers are unrepairable, and the version of software needed for the cameras is no longer available. As such, the District worked with Employers Mutual Casualty Company (10 Men Roofing, LLC.’s insurance company) to negotiate a fair cash settlement that would allow the District to replace the camera system.
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I.3. Approval to Award Contract to Bishop Business Equipment, Co. for Equipment for Printing and Publication Expansion per Bid No. 24-073 ($356,255.00)
Rationale:
FUND: 4070 Depreciation Fund
DEPT: 7062600 Printing and Publication PROGRAM: 2510 Printing and Publication SUPPLIER: 3641 Bishop Business Equipment, Co. POLICY: 7000. III. D. AMOUNT: $356,255.00 Administration recommends approval of the attached contract for Bid No. 24-073 to Bishop Business Equipment, Co. for Equipment for Printing and Publication Expansion ($356,255.00). This bid was approved by the Board of Education on December 11, 2024, and the bid was awarded in part to Bishop Business Equipment, Co., the lowest responsible bidder for a Continuous feed Inkjet Printer. The approval of the contract for Bishop Business Equipment, Co. will allow us to print in-house all curriculum consumable materials as requested by schools and/or CIS. This will reduce the overall cost of materials and increase efficiencies in storing and providing materials to schools. The new equipment will replace the current outdated equipment and expand the capability of Printing and Publication. In addition to a two-year Manufacturer Warranty, this contract includes a Maintenance Service Agreement for one (1) year for $572.00 base charge and $0.0025 per impression utilized over the 12-month period. This Maintenance Service Agreement has six additional option years. For complete bid documentation, contact Catherine.Utecht@ops.org.
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I.4. Approval to Award Contract to Ricoh USA Inc. for Equipment for Printing and Publication Expansion per Bid No. 24-073 ($980,404.99)
Rationale:
FUND: 4070 Depreciation Fund
DEPT: 7062600 Printing and Publication PROGRAM: 2510 Printing and Publication SUPPLIER: 2584 Ricoh USA, Inc. POLICY: 7000. III. D. AMOUNT: $980,404.99 Administration recommends approval of the attached contract for Bid No. 24-073 to Ricoh USA Inc. for Equipment for Printing and Publication Expansion ($980,404.99). This bid was approved by the Board of Education on December 11, 2024, and the bid was awarded in partial Ricoh USA, Inc., the lowest responsible bidder for a Slitter/Cutter/Crease Cutter, Pro Perforator, Automatic Barcode Scanning, two (2) Sheet-Fed Ink Jet printers, and a Sheet-Fed Toner Copier. The approval of the contract for Ricoh USA, Inc. will provide the ability to print high-quality gloss stock used by schools and the district for special events, graduations, and other programs, reducing the need to use third-party vendors for this type of printing. Additionally, the new equipment will replace the current outdated equipment and expand the capability of Printing and Publication to print curriculum material, books, postcards, invitations, and other materials for schools and the District. This contract includes a two-year warranty with five (5) one-year extensions. For complete bid documentation, contact Catherine.Utecht@ops.org.
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I.5. Approval of Change Order No. 01 for Bid No. 24-054, Plumbing for OPS Burke High Stadium Improvements Project by Eyman Plumbing, Inc. (Add: $56,535.79 Revised Total: $797,212.79)
Rationale:
FUND: 31 Special Building Fund
PROGRAM: 2510 Business Service Support DEPT ID: 71666000 Schoolhouse Planning SUPPLIER: Eyman Plumbing POLICY: 7000, IV.C AMOUNT: $56,535.797 Administration recommends approval of change order No. 01 for Eyman Plumbing, Inc. on Bid No. 24-054 for Plumbing for OPS Burke High Stadium Improvements Project which the Board approved on September 5, 2024.
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I.6. 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.7. 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.8. 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.9. 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.10. 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.11. 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.12. Approval of Omaha School Employees Retirement System Claims - Expenditures to be paid from the OSERS's Funds
Rationale:
In keeping with the provisions of Nebraska Revised Statute section 79-981, the Board of Education is responsible for the transaction of OSERS’ business, including approval of expenditures of OSERS’ funds. The Administration recommends approval of the attached claims to be paid from OSERS’ funds.
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I.13. Committee on Claims Audit Approval (03/24/2025)
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.14. Approval of First Extension of Group of Schools Agreement with Cambridge International to Continue to Offer the Advanced International Certificate of Education Diploma Program at Benson High, Bryan High, Buena Vista High, and South High for the 2025-2026 through 2027-2028 School Years ($111,078.00)
Rationale:
Fund: 1 General
Program: 1175 Advanced Placement Department: 7193010 Secondary Education Admin Supplier: Cambridge International Education Policies: 7000, III.K, 7000, V.A., 7000 VII.A Amount: $111,078.00 Administration recommends the approval of the first extension of the Group of Schools agreement with Cambridge International to continue to offer the Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE) diploma program at four of our high schools: Benson High, Bryan High, Buena Vista High, and South High. This is a three-year agreement that includes a 25% discount for the Cambridge Primary program fee for the 2025-2026, 2026-2027, and 2027-2028 school years. In keeping with the bid exceptions contained within Policy 7000, V.A. (Academic Prerogative), no bid was required for this purchase. The cost of this program for three years is $111,078.00.
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I.15. Approval of Memorandum of Understanding between the Educational Service Unit Coordinating Council and Educational Service Unit 19 Relating to Supporting Regional Literacy Coach Training for the 2024-2025, 2025-2026, and 2026-2027 School Years ($73,193.71)
Rationale:
Fund: 5191 - ESU19 Staff Development
Program: 2251 - Staff Development Department: 7045000 - ESU Early Literacy STATUTORY REFERENCE: Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 79-2607 Amount: 2024-2025: $56,792.18 2025-2026: $16,401.53 Administration recommends approval of the attached Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Educational Service Unit 19 (ESU 19) and the Educational Service Unit Coordinating Council (ESUCC) to provide funding for a regional literacy coach who will provide assistance and job-embedded training related to evidence-based reading instruction to K-3 teachers. The State Department of Education will allocate funds to ESU 19 during the 2024-25, 2025-26, and 2026-27 school years to hire a regional coach for improving literacy. In the 2024-25 school year, the State Department of Education will allocate $98,000.00 to ESU 19 to hire a regional literacy coach and provide training in evidence-based reading instruction. In addition, the State Department of Education will allocate $56,792.18 to ESU 19, which will be remitted to the ESUCC for training the regional literacy coach and other District staff who can provide job-embedded literacy trainings. In the 2025-26 school year, the State Department of Education will allocate $105,882.00 to ESU 19 to retain a regional coach. In addition, the State Department of Education will allocate $16,401.53 to ESU 19, which will be remitted to the ESUCC for training the coach. In the 2026-27 school year, the State Department of Education will allocate $105,882.00 to ESU 19 to retain a regional coach. There will be no obligation to remit any of these funds to the ESUCC for training.
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I.16. 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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J. Discussion and/or Action Items
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J.1. Information Item(s)
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J.1.a. Policy Committee Update
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The Chair of the Policy Committee will provide an update.
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J.2. Action Item(s)
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J.2.a. Review of Annual Audit Reports for Douglas County School District #0001, Educational Service Unit No. 19, and KIOS-FM Radio
Rationale:
Administration and representatives from Eide Bailly L.L.P. Will present the audit reports for Douglas County School District #0001, Educational Service Unit No. 19, and KIOS-FM Radio
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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. The Committee is recommending that the Board adopt the new position for LB 682 which is highlighted in the attached report.
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K. Receipt of Reports
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K.1. First and Second Quarter Board Conference Expenses 2024-2025
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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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