OPS Board Weighs curriculum, teacher recruitment amid school funding challenges

The Omaha Public Schools Board of Education recognized students in the Nebraska Educators Rising program during its April 20 meeting, with Omaha South senior Camila Martinez describing her leadership experiences and work developing a pre-K Spanish-language curriculum project as part of the education pathway. The board discussed continued uncertainty surrounding funding for early childhood education programming and announced upcoming community town halls to address these concerns.

During public comment, one speaker challenged the feasibility of Governor Jim Pillen's stated goal of providing $1 billion in school funding, citing state budget deficits. The board also heard remarks from state Sen. Margo Juarez, who honored retiring board member Nancy Kratky through a legislative resolution recognizing her decades of service to OPS.

The board approved curriculum updates and data protection agreements related to career and technical education courses after reviewing 114 course offerings. Among legislative updates, LB937 passed without amendments, while LB1050, which would require third-grade students struggling with reading to repeat the grade, failed to overcome a filibuster and died in the legislature.

The board unanimously approved consent agenda items after removing two for separate discussion. Administrators reviewed procurement policies and federal compliance standards, and board members requested additional information regarding immigration-related guidelines. The board also approved continued use of SchoolLinks career-planning software and authorized the purchase of professional development books supporting OPS's expanded three-year new teacher orientation program.