June 18 was Superintendent Mark Evans last Board of Education meeting.

During his five-and-a-half-year-tenure, the district implemented a strategic plan, Evans led the passing of two construction and renovation bonds for the OPS community, nearly $1 billion in work—both approved by voters two to one, he helped update our human growth and development curriculum, increased our academic achievement levels and helped close achievement gaps amongst student subgroups.

Thank you Mr. Evans for your hard-work and dedication to the Omaha Public Schools students, teachers, staff and community. 

Click here to watch the farewell video

Consent agenda items are items packaged into one agenda item. They are often routine and garner very little discussion. 

The Office of Equity and Diversity presented work completed with the Minnesota Humanities Center. In the last five years, more than 2,600 participants from 92 OPS schools and programs have participated in the Humanities Center core offerings. The offerings include: increase student engagement, innocent classroom, reconstructing curriculum, immersions about place and secrets to motivating students. The humanities approach allows educators to create a supportive and nurturing environment for all learners. 

During fall 2015 - 2018, 1,580 educators individually participated in professional development offerings with the Minnesota Humanities and 51 percent voluntarily participated. Schools that partner with Minnesota Humanities Center host more than 30 events each year involving community, students, parents and families.

To view the entire presentation, click here.

The district advertised a request for proposal for a bond manager for the Phase 2 bond earlier this month. Four companies submitted responses. A recommendation committee of four district staff members with some level of experience with previous and current bond work were part of the RFP recommendation committee. They scored and ranked the applications from each contractor. Each contractor was also interviewed.

Jacobs Management Co. received the highest ranking from the committee and was recommended as the project manager for the Phase 2 bond by the committee. The Board opposed the recommendation 5-3. The next steps will be discussed at a future board meeting in July.

The $409.9 Phase 2 bond was approved by Omaha voters in the May primary election. Scope of work includes five new schools and capital improvements at existing schools.

To view the entire presentation, click here .

The Omaha School Employees' Retirement System made a recommendation to approve the re-appointment of Donn Jones. The Board opposed the recommendation 9-0. OSERS will review the process and bring a recommendation back to the board at a future meeting.

To view the recommendation, click here .

The Board of Education approved the relocation renovation of the Secondary Success program. The renovation work includes classroom renovation, office improvements, ADA updates and upgrading mechanical systems.

The renovation is part of the site and building fund budget, which is traditionally used for renovations, new construction and remodeling. The site and building fund is unrelated to the Phase 1 and 2 bond programs.

The renovation project was expected to begin next year. The Board approved moving the infrastructure work ahead of schedule because the project is under budget.

To view the presentation, click here .

The Board of Education approved the proposed changes to policy 4035 - Appointment - All Employees and Contractors. The second reading will take place at the July 2 Board of Education meeting.

To view the proposed changes to Policy 4035, click here .