The Omaha Public Schools Board of Education convened on September 22, 2025, to discuss the district's behavior and discipline summary report for the 2024-2025 school year. The meeting featured presentations from Danielle Starkey, supervisor of multi-tiered systems of support for behavior (MTSSB), along with Amy Williams and Lisa Otterback from community services.

Starkey highlighted significant progress in reducing serious behavior incidents, out-of-school suspensions, and expulsions, attributing these improvements to the implementation of the MTSSB framework. The district reported a 2.9% decrease in behavior referrals, equating to 2,455 fewer incidents compared to the previous year. Notably, serious behavior events such as weapons possession and fighting saw substantial reductions, while short-term suspensions decreased by 18% and long-term suspensions by 24%.

Despite these positive trends, Starkey acknowledged ongoing challenges, particularly regarding equity in disciplinary actions. The report indicated that while the overall number of students experiencing exclusionary measures decreased, disproportionality among certain ethnic groups and students receiving special education services remained a concern. The district aims to address these disparities through continued monitoring and community engagement.

The meeting also addressed the impact of recent legislation prohibiting suspensions for students in grades K-3, with Starkey noting that the reductions in suspensions were observed across all grade levels, not solely in the lower grades.

Board members raised questions about the effectiveness of the MTSSB initiatives and the perceptions of staff regarding behavioral improvements. Starkey emphasized the importance of ongoing professional development for all staff, not just new teachers, to ensure consistent application of de-escalation strategies and trauma-informed practices.

In conclusion, the board expressed appreciation for the progress made in creating safer and more supportive learning environments. The district plans to continue refining its behavior support systems and addressing equity issues as part of its commitment to improving student outcomes. The meeting underscored the importance of collaboration among staff, students, and the community in fostering a positive educational atmosphere.