Jared Oswald outlines NPS strategic goals for student support and performance improvement

The Norfolk Public Schools (NPS) Board Meeting held on July 14, 2025, focused on the strategic action plans aimed at enhancing student achievement and support systems. Jared Oswald, who oversees two key goals of the strategic plan, presented an overview of the initiatives designed to improve educational outcomes and mental health support for students.

The first goal emphasizes that by 2026, NPS aims to exceed the state average on all student achievement assessments. This goal is closely linked to the fifth goal, which targets the establishment of comprehensive behavioral, mental health, and academic support systems by 2027. Oswald highlighted that the successful implementation of these support systems is crucial for achieving the first goal.

To meet the fifth goal, three strategic objectives have been developed. The first objective focuses on creating academic support systems, known as Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS). This approach involves tiered interventions to address the varying needs of students, ensuring that all receive the necessary support to succeed. The second objective centers on behavioral and mental health support, referred to as Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS). The third objective aims to train staff and communicate effectively about these support systems.

Oswald noted that NPS has been collaborating with the Nebraska MTSS program, which has provided valuable training and feedback over the past three summers. Currently, the district is strong in implementing tier 1 and tier 2 supports, with regular meetings to assess student needs and adjust interventions accordingly. However, challenges remain at the secondary level, where coordinating support for students who struggle across multiple classes can be more complex.

The presentation also addressed the importance of building relationships between students and staff through interventions like "check-in, check-out," which fosters accountability and support for students facing behavioral challenges. Oswald emphasized that while tier 2 interventions are progressing well, there is a need to further develop tier 3 supports for students requiring more intensive assistance.

In addition to the support systems, Oswald provided an update on the second goal, which aims for continuous growth in student achievement as measured by state assessments. NPS has seen positive trends in English Language Arts (ELA), math, and science over the past three years, although there was a slight dip in math proficiency last year. The district remains committed to addressing this area, as it is currently lagging behind state averages.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to transparency, as NPS plans to release assessment scores to the public in October, ensuring stakeholders are informed about student performance.

Overall, the discussions at the Norfolk Public Schools Board Meeting underscored a proactive approach to enhancing educational outcomes and student support, with a clear focus on collaboration, training, and continuous improvement. The board's commitment to these strategic goals reflects a dedication to fostering a supportive learning environment for all students in the district.