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We are focused on improvement.
At public meetings during the past school year, we reviewed:
- the many ways Omaha Public Schools measures student progress
- what the data tells us
- how we adjust plans to meet student needs.
A Board of Education workshop last fall looked at testing schedules.
Teams reviewed our districtwide Learning Framework and the eleot, which measures student engagement in our classrooms.
Staff presented results at our Board of Education meetings, across reading, math, science and English proficiency.
On July 15, we reviewed graduation rates, behavior and discipline data at the Board of Education meeting.
It is all connected.
As a school district, we look at the big picture – test results, student engagement, behavior, discipline, graduation rates and more – to confront challenges and achieve success.
We also dig into individual reports, understanding what works and where we need to change and do better.
Teams across our district use the data, research and evidence to build a plan.
As you’ll read below, students earned 22,000 college credits last year while still in high school. Graduating seniors earned more than $60 million in scholarships. That means some students begin college as a sophomore because of their experience in Omaha Public Schools.
Data also shows that it is not everyone’s experience.
Everyone deserves safe, welcoming and supportive schools. Everyone deserves high expectations for achievement and success.
Our staff arrive each day because they care. We are proud to serve.
We have the need, and opportunity, to ensure each student is connected and supported for success. We need to keep doing better for the students we serve.
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Omaha Public Schools Publicly Reviews Behavior, Suspension Data | |
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Omaha Public Schools is taking steps to improve how our district prevents and manages student behavior incidents.
“We definitely have work to do throughout our system,” said Student and Community Services executive director Amy Williams at a recent Board of Education meeting.
That work includes reviewing and sharing data. Our district’s 2022-23 behavior report, the most recent available, showed disproportionate suspension and expulsion rates.
“We are particularly concerned that our exclusionary practices are not proportionate across subgroups,” Williams explained. “We see that students who are eligible for educational benefits are three times more likely to experience a suspension. Students with an IEP who receive special education services are twice as likely than other students to receive a suspension.”
The same report found that suspension rates at the middle school level are imbalanced too.
“Nearly a quarter of middle school students experienced a suspension in 2022-23,” said Williams. “For Black middle school students, that number was closer to one-third.”
In most cases, suspensions and expulsions occur when a student poses a threat to the safety of others.
“One of our strategies is to look at how we reduce those behavior events,” Williams said. “Prevention is key in terms of keeping kids at school and engaged.”
Our district follows the Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS-B) framework. It helps children manage behavior and guides staff on responding to misbehavior. MTSS-B teams across our district meet monthly, review student data and consider interventions.
“You can see a steady decline in our referrals since we have implemented those processes,” said Williams. “It sets the foundation and creates an environment for every student in that school.”
School staff work to prevent bad behavior, so students remain focused on learning in the classroom.
“We look at data every week,” said Benson High Principal Melinda Bailey. “If your students are comfortable in the building as a whole and feel good about where they are, they’ll go into the classroom with a different attitude."
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Principal MeLitta Wilson and her staff at Minne Lusa Elementary engage families during drop-off and pick-up. It’s how they promote positive interactions at school.
“Whoever has that relationship is the person who speaks to the parents at the end of the day,” said Wilson. “That is an important step in helping a student's behavior.”
Wilson says the daily conversations with families carry over to the classroom, especially when addressing negative behaviors. “I think it has been something that's really supported our culture overall.”
“It takes a village, and that village is building leadership, teachers and staff,” added Williams. “It's also every parent and community member.”
Omaha Public Schools review of 2023-24 student behavior data is underway now. While some areas show improvement, more work is needed to ensure an equitable experience for all.
“We have the need and opportunity to maintain our high expectations throughout the Omaha Public Schools,” said Superintendent Matthew Ray. “We have to do better.”
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Dual Enrollment Surge Sparks Students' Futures | |
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Sophia Bouman begins her senior year at Burke High in a few weeks, and she already has a jump start her college degree. She is one of many students in our district benefiting from dual enrollment programs.
“It gives you that opportunity to see what college classes are like,” said Bouman. “You learn prioritization, time management and life skills, and you have the opportunity of getting these classes considered for actual college credit.”
Dual enrollment courses are available at no cost at all of our high schools through partnerships with local universities, giving students access to advanced academics.
“Students earn high school and college credit through the same class, during the school year,” said Jane Luethge, Omaha Public Schools teaching and learning consultant for post-secondary partnerships. “We have staff focused especially on connecting students, families and staff to these opportunities.”
In addition to her main high school courses, Bouman has taken advanced classes each semester since her sophomore year. They include world history, human geography and calculus.
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“These classes go more in-depth on the material, and it’s a great way to absorb more information,” said Bouman. “I love learning, and for me, it’s more fun because I’m able to learn more about what I want to learn.”
Omaha Public Schools leads Nebraska in dual enrollment participation, with thousands of students collectively earning more than 22,000 college credits in the 2023-24 school year. Nearly 10,000 more credits than the 2022-23 school year.
Our district offers multiple advanced academic options, such as the International Baccalaureate and Cambridge International programs. At Northwest High, students have access to the Early College Program, a partnership with Metropolitan Community College.
“Students could graduate from high school with college credits before they start college,” said Luethge. “For students to say ‘I have gotten through a college course as a junior in high school’ is very meaningful for students and families.”
Omaha Public Schools is hosting a two-day session this month for students and families eager to explore more advanced academic options. The event will take place July 23-25 at the University of Nebraska Omaha Milo Bail Student Center. Visit our website for more details on sessions and topics.
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Student Enrollment Fair Kicks Off Aug. 6 | |
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Omaha Public Schools annual enrollment fair is designed for families new to our district and current families with students attending a new school due to an address change.
The enrollment fair takes place weekdays Aug. 6 through Aug. 16. It will be held at the Teacher Administrative Center (TAC) from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. TAC is located at 3215 Cuming Street. The fair will be open at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 8.
Families must bring the required documents for registration, including:
- Birth certificate or I-94
- Immunizations
- Address verification
If you have questions, visit our website or call the Student Placement Office at (531) 299-0302.
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Back to School Guide Available at OPS.org | |
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Omaha Public Schools is excited to welcome students and families in August!
Our district will begin the year with a staggered start for the first day of school.
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August 14 – Kindergarten and entry-level grades at middle and high school
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August 15 – All other elementary and secondary students
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August 21 – Pre-K students
As summer comes to an end, it’s time to begin planning for the new school year. Visit your school website and our district homepage to prepare. Not sure where to start? Check out our 2024-25 Back to School Guide.
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We’re Hiring! Join Us for Upcoming Interview Fairs | |
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Omaha Public Schools is hosting three interview fairs for classified staff this summer. Open jobs include nutrition services, maintenance and security. Staff will be on-site to assist with applications, answer questions and conduct interviews.
Click here for more information on fair dates, times and locations.
To view our current openings and apply for a position with our district, visit our careers webpage.
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Our Community Opportunities section is our digital bulletin board where families can find information about upcoming events and activities available in our area. New flyers are posted at the beginning of each month. This month's flyers include:
- Free Pediatric Back to School Clinic
- Backpack Distribution Weekend
Omaha Public Schools provides this opportunity for outside organizations for the benefit of our families. It does not endorse any business, product or service.
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… to Westview High science teacher LeeAnn Stover for receiving the 2024 Presidential Innovation Award for Environmental Educators.
… to all Omaha Public Schools summer graduates of the Class of 2024.
… to Kanyon Chism for being named one of the 2024 Exemplar Award Winners from Humanex Ventures.
… to JoAnna Hale, former teaching and learning consultant and Beveridge Middle’s incoming principal, for earning this year’s Administrative Leadership Award from the Nebraska Writing Project.
… to all Omaha Public Schools students who received recognition for their work at the Omaha Summer Arts Festival Youth Art Exhibit.
- Dah Ler, Benson High
- Maya Coleman, Benson High
- Mu Eh Su, Benson High
- Itzel Garcia, Benson High
- Anjali Subba, Benson High
- Raw Wah, Benson High
- Chantal Sierra, South High
- Ava Manhart, Central High
- Gabe Betts, Central High
- Tayah Perkins, Central High
- Jimena Munoz, Central High
- Lila Burns, Central High
- Emily Ramirez, South High
- Elliott Peterson, South High
… to District Communications staff for earning Digital and Publication Awards from the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA) for:
- Inside OPS Newsletter
- Social Media Campaign
- Video
- Annual Report
… to District Communications for receiving a 2024 NSPRA Golden Achievement Award for the 2023-24 Superintendent Search communications plan.
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Omaha Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), marital status, sexual orientation, disability, age, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation or economic status in its programs, activities and employment and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following individual has been designated to accept allegations regarding non-discrimination policies: Superintendent of Schools, 3215 Cuming Street, Omaha, NE 68131 (531) 299-9822. The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Director for the Office of Equity and Diversity, 3215 Cuming St, Omaha, NE 68131 (531) 299-0307. | | | | |
