Omaha Public Schools Foundation praised for student supports in board spotlight

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.