[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6316198,"mediaKeyId","2377369-03831f6b8ae8365b6bd7760057a5ec2e","parentId",2377369,"title","Votes at a glance: OPS board approves consent agenda, moonshot resolution and committee position change","audioSeconds",4124,"startMs",4080000,"endMs",8204000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2377369-03831f6b8ae8365b6bd7760057a5ec2e&start=4080&end=8204","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2377369-03831f6b8ae8365b6bd7760057a5ec2e/thumbnail_4080000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6316198/Nebraska/Votes-at-a-glance-OPS-board-approves-consent-agenda-moonshot-resolution-and-committee-position-change","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6316198-e1214617ef4f3036f30ed2b88f849133/orig.mp4?Expires=1776487754&Signature=aoxVC7obAfPtM3p3eKHWLK-qak3xsKJpDs~zphkdmReybpCJy7ddBjqcVOQv3HxAk27MD2ym5GW3aR2ektrB3eXDUB1fM36zJWZY7g9uyL1cy2P0tXRGjyBlALYTxf-6eC3O4lDdX~qclV4It6YtBfZRwybLOR-uCxGFg3pjK6A3MrjQeavn2To~StIaDdlYy9DCb1mAm0z5Ab7DgzFPmo2MeHaS97FN1QQrtlrO5nTRVbkY1qxE4C2QbAIeXNx36PPgbtcqpJ2Gl1JE8yhQkWnZD0lUd8Y5-5Qp0qkL7C3-wcAZSmIuoJNbIs8VVqIR9lqSSWpqIyVwkzuK80so7w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Omaha Public Schools, NE","date","2025-02-21T03:19:20Z","article","The Omaha Public Schools Board of Education took several recorded votes at its March 10 meeting. Below are the actions, motions and recorded outcomes.

Consent agenda: The full consent agenda was moved by Vice President Snipes and seconded by Dr. Holman. A roll call recorded nine ayes and no nays; the chair announced the motion carried.

Resolution 25‑001 (Moonshot reading goal): Motion to adopt the resolution committing the district to a goal that all OPS students read on grade level by 2030 was moved by Mr. Smith and seconded by Dr. Holman. Roll call recorded nine ayes; the resolution passed.

Legislative committee recommendation — LB31: The board’s legislative committee recommended changing the district’s position on LB31 (a proposed state bill concerning student surveillance, monitoring and reporting) from “monitor with research” to “oppose,” citing concerns about the bill’s scope and possible conflicts with federal privacy and child‑safety laws. The board voted on the committee recommendation; roll call recorded nine ayes and the motion carried.

Motion to go into closed session: Vice President Snipes moved the board go into closed session “for the protection of the public interest and for the prevention of needless injury to the reputation of individuals” to discuss real estate, legal advice and pending litigation with the superintendent, secretary to the board, chief of staff and legal counsel. The motion was seconded by Ms. Magnuson and approved by roll call (nine ayes). The board entered closed session at 8:18 p.m. and reconvened at 9:04 p.m.; the meeting adjourned at 9:05 p.m.

Roll‑call format: Votes were recorded by individual board member roll call; the meeting transcript lists each member’s recorded vote as aye for the above motions. Where the transcript did not record dissenting votes, the board announced unanimous passage.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Omaha Public Schools Board of Education Meeting 2-20-2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Omaha Public Schools Board of Education recorded several formal votes at its March 10 meeting: approval of the consent agenda (9–0), adoption of Resolution 25‑001 (moonshot reading goal) (9–0), change of legislative position on LB31 from \"monitor with research\" to \"oppose\" (9–0), and a motion to enter closed session (9–0).","taxTitle","OMAHA PUBLIC SCHOOLS, School Districts, Nebraska","taxId",13054,"location","Nebraska","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6316203,"Public commenter urges OPS board to spell out protections for transgender students",443,2231000,2674000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2377369-03831f6b8ae8365b6bd7760057a5ec2e&start=2231&end=2674","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2377369-03831f6b8ae8365b6bd7760057a5ec2e/thumbnail_2231000.jpg","/articles/6316203/Nebraska/Public-commenter-urges-OPS-board-to-spell-out-protections-for-transgender-students","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6316203-34aef6fd4ec9543596c5187e255ceaa4/orig.mp4?Expires=1776487754&Signature=NuJh5c5lYhBFqeH31Xb6thOQmKR2XbceU5Uj03qhwszJPkPQK0HGPB3oxrpmvrcZ2iPEEC9T-GruBcPL3pXAtQqyqEI4ON8EAbLPK~N1x65CmOqMuZzkN3RZuiNv5aynyhcDrRtBCm~X2eZhwNX-wpet9cSpHktFqXvmIP-16AqDZ1Ml8m2LAFUDQExcPDRA5vxFwMsnAlaJc2h0AppgHRHMY4n6rqAdmK4DVqeTyIlb82J0zM9oEujdXKSBBVWJ-OOjEhLBWHIvo1TUL15EmuM03x9RfoSM~EMfobzHfwrPEv0YQiopUvzCwtmNMOUOFSGQ5KdcFsg5q2Mttdl0Ng__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A member of the public urged the Omaha Public Schools Board of Education on Monday to publicly describe the district’s plans to protect transgender students and families after recent federal and state actions, saying silence can amount to complicity.

Anthony Karefa Rogers‑Wright, who identified his full name and address at the podium, told the board he is “demanding an answer” on when the district will issue “detailed commitments and procedures” to keep transgender students safe and supported in OPS schools. He cited recent federal and state measures and national rhetoric and referenced Title IX protections against discrimination as part of his appeal.

Rogers‑Wright said national policy moves have increased risks for transgender youth and cited research and high‑profile incidents as evidence of harm; he asked the board for a district response similar to prior statements the board issued to protect immigrant students. “The silence of bodies and institutions whose first and most important task is the safety and protection of our children could be viewed as disregard,” Rogers‑Wright told the board.

Board President Erdenberger replied that open‑meetings rules prohibit an immediate back‑and‑forth discussion on a newly introduced topic, but that the board would “hopefully be able to get back to you.” The board did not adopt any new policy or issue a statement at the meeting in response to the public comment.

The public comment followed earlier policy‑committee discussion in which the panel reviewed the board’s 2017 immigration resolution and concluded the 2017 language remains a statement of practice; that matter is separate from the protections Rogers‑Wright sought.

Rogers‑Wright asked for timelines and clear procedures; the board did not provide those details during public comment. The transcript shows the board acknowledged his remarks and said staff would follow up where permissible under open‑meetings law.","Anthony Karefa Rogers‑Wright told the board he is concerned about recent federal and state actions and asked when the district will provide detailed commitments and procedures to protect transgender students; the board did not respond substantively at the meeting because of open‑meetings restrictions.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6316208,"Omaha Public Schools Foundation praised for student supports in board spotlight",701,343000,1044000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2377369-03831f6b8ae8365b6bd7760057a5ec2e&start=343&end=1044","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2377369-03831f6b8ae8365b6bd7760057a5ec2e/thumbnail_343000.jpg","/articles/6316208/Nebraska/Omaha-Public-Schools-Foundation-praised-for-student-supports-in-board-spotlight","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6316208-0d5e1083ed352c88fc58000d20192d82/orig.mp4?Expires=1776487754&Signature=C5tezJZiZj4nj3A0Zv~FdZ2jBQVn5OvZ1JunraidRUDL2GGBRUd~~kpEx3VBds160myYhMFfEtDrLyzk5g~qwGbt1PYcxTY11mnCq6gz8MSpd2FrAwWBtgSDo4R3Y0y-4ZXwFeEsIf20gOqk2nnJmiHb7jaYEcFv~Vly8X09Tep-Wdc4G51xWooXacY9Y9vC7Z2EegvxdoVz~xZE4EKrJVOvYjoe3IiQgfcxemweitL7wt23D5SYNq9my~zRiOcmf4NFqArmpJpDrXoNwwg7ebPQchL8UqHFIY3zlEgdUCLQMG37kQq5detDJNM3C-FrRgSMk1ow6~-ql6nJsBBD7Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Omaha Public Schools Board of Education recognized Tova Cowen Dunning, executive director of the Omaha Public Schools Foundation, during a school spotlight segment Monday, highlighting the foundation’s role in funding scholarships, field trips and out‑of‑school enrichment.

“Our mission is to make sure that our graduating OPS seniors get to go on to college in some form or trade school,” Dunning said, describing the foundation’s focus on college and career pathways, classroom grants and support for elementary kids’ programming. She told the board the foundation helps about 3,000 elementary students annually through programs such as Kids’ Club and funds classroom grants and trips to the Joslyn Art Museum.

Board members thanked Dunning and described the foundation as a key community partner. Dr. Holman noted the foundation’s support to high school‑level foundations and family assistance, and Vice President Snipes and other members asked how community members can support the foundation’s work.

Dunning recounted several examples: a summer arts workshop that helped a new first grader with a speech issue get needed services, a $10,000-per-year scholarship found for a Central High School graduate pursuing architecture at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, and direct grants that have enabled school teams to reach fundraising goals for student activities and facility needs. She also described the foundation’s national leadership work and recent induction into the Horace Mann League.

The board joined Dunning in appreciation and photographed the honoree following her remarks.","The board heard from Tova Cowen Dunning, executive director of the Omaha Public Schools Foundation, about scholarships, field trips and programs serving roughly 3,000 elementary students annually; board members thanked the foundation for partnership.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6316213,"Omaha Public Schools board adopts ‘moonshot’ goal: all students reading on grade level by 2030",4445,3635000,8080000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2377369-03831f6b8ae8365b6bd7760057a5ec2e&start=3635&end=8080","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2377369-03831f6b8ae8365b6bd7760057a5ec2e/thumbnail_3635000.jpg","/articles/6316213/Nebraska/Omaha-Public-Schools-board-adopts-moonshot-goal-all-students-reading-on-grade-level-by-2030","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6316213-39d725a7a4f4e5d713db830e404afe1d/orig.mp4?Expires=1776487754&Signature=ClpPxCL~A79FxmGNg9UIDesBeHZjo-Om50Skyr8hn3D3rxFSq35RrI0dShR02HPHNs3mh4O22Lh~bUa~KoH1NTKnS0jNH-1KijSnSlUkNEwhwyzOpPh1VVbIVqnJXDIWFGY~pcVEW232RZyXo9romBhadFgliDIt6aGXsF-8147b4lhVS~VNYqoOHfMDPisnF79t4Le6oPsZ0CsfMU32NLpt~MaKcFG-3Zr-tn~1Y85TkTG8nJsQf-9YS0psk-gojLAeqwjWP1vVw1ojwBRe9Tr-BZy1bJ3il3Pj8pWJG-ltwX5wJU4lj0i-kRU9IsX1mrze5bla-v9JdOhJja5lPQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Omaha Public Schools Board of Education voted unanimously Monday to adopt a resolution setting a districtwide goal that every OPS student will be reading on grade level by 2030.

Superintendent Ray and district leaders described the initiative — branded the “moonshot” — as a singular, systemwide focus combining professional learning, changes to instructional time and a review of graduation requirements. “This is not a hashtag. This is not a gimmick,” Superintendent Ray told the board as he introduced the proposal and the planning process.

The board’s vote came after a detailed presentation from district staff. Suzanne Kramer, chief school improvement officer, summarized four interlocking work streams: strategy development, instructional time, graduation-requirements review and a “stop doing” team to remove programs or processes that do not support the literacy goal. Kramer said the district has trained more than 200 teachers in initial Science of Reading professional learning and is building a “3‑60 dashboard” to monitor attendance, behavior and on‑track indicators alongside reading progress.

The presentation included a problem statement showing that the highest level of literacy proficiency previously recorded for any grade in OPS was 42 percent of third graders on the NSCAS ELA assessment, with school-level proficiency ranging from 11 percent to 74 percent. Kramer and other staff argued the district needs to both raise average proficiency and close gaps between schools.

District staff described engagement and design steps taken so far: a systemwide kickoff that included staff and board members, empathy interviews with students, families and staff, alignment with strategic partners including the University of Nebraska Omaha for Science of Reading training, and monthly work‑team meetings that include cross‑functional representation (teachers, administrators, transportation, after‑school staff and community partners).

Dr. Annie McFarland, who leads the Instructional Time work group, said the team is reviewing state statutes and OPS policy to identify possible changes to the school calendar, school day and distribution of instructional minutes, then planning stakeholder feedback and a communications rollout before any changes are proposed. Deanna Moisei’s graduation-requirements group is examining options to align diploma requirements with continuous literacy support through secondary grades.

Board members asked for specifics on measurement, supports for English learners and special education students, and how the district will avoid leaving any groups behind. Mr. Smith asked whether the district is using multiple measures to capture growth; Kramer and other staff described a layered monitoring approach that pairs implementation fidelity (how teachers use new practices) with student assessments (MAP, NSCAS and local screeners) and perceptual data (empathy interviews and stakeholder feedback). Kramer said the district expects to see implementation signals in months and measurable outcome trends over multiple years, and staff emphasized a 2–3 year window for meaningful student‑level outcomes tied to large professional‑learning investments.

Several board members pressed on equity and structural barriers. Board Member Fuller asked how the moonshot accounts for longstanding segregation and unequal resource distributions across the district; district leaders said the initiative focuses on levers the district controls — instruction, professional learning, materials and school‑level supports — while acknowledging that broader housing and enrollment patterns matter and require community collaboration.

After roughly two hours of presentation and board discussion, the board considered and approved Resolution 25‑001. The motion to adopt the moonshot was made by Mr. Smith and seconded by Dr. Holman; a roll call recorded nine ayes and no nays.

The resolution directs the district to continue the four work groups, finalize recommendations this spring on possible instructional‑time modifications and graduation‑requirement adjustments, and develop de‑implementation plans to stop practices that do not directly support literacy. Staff said recommended changes and formal proposals will return to the board for review and action.

Board members and staff framed the moonshot as a long‑term, systemwide alignment effort rather than a single program purchase. Superintendent Ray said the district intends to “focus the organization” and to measure both implementation and student outcomes as work proceeds.

Votes at the board meeting also advanced related operational items and committee recommendations; the moonshot resolution was the principal policy action of the evening. The board’s adoption commits OPS to further planning and to bringing concrete proposals back for board approval as each work stream completes stakeholder input and technical design.

The board approved the resolution 9–0 at the March 10, 2025 meeting; staff will return with formal recommendations for any calendar, policy or graduation requirement changes and with ongoing progress reports to the board.","The Omaha Public Schools Board of Education unanimously approved a resolution committing the district to a goal that every OPS student will read on grade level by 2030 after district leaders outlined strategies, work groups and early implementation steps.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: OPS board approves consent agenda, moonshot resolution and committee position change

Public commenter urges OPS board to spell out protections for transgender students

Omaha Public Schools Foundation praised for student supports in board spotlight

Omaha Public Schools board adopts ‘moonshot’ goal: all students reading on grade level by 2030