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OPS reports improved staffing and asks board to approve staffing adjustments; board approves motion
Summary
District HR and leadership reported improved hiring and retention — more teachers and paraprofessionals, a rise in substitutes and about 75% of classrooms now between 20–24 students — and the board approved proposed staffing adjustments.
The Omaha Public Schools Board on Feb. 3 approved proposed staffing adjustments after district human resources and central office leaders reported measurable improvements in hiring and retention.
What the district presented: Assistant superintendent / HR leadership described multiple factors the district credits for progress: higher wages approved in recent budgets, active recruiting partnerships with local universities, “grow your own” programs that move paraprofessionals into teaching roles, expanded substitute pools and improved collaboration with bargaining units. District staff said the net effect has been a substantial increase in filled teacher positions compared with the start of the 2023‑24 school year and stronger substitute availability.
Key numbers and classroom impacts: District staff told the board that full‑time teacher counts are up more than 100 from the start of 2023–24; roughly 75% of classrooms fall in the 20–24 student range; a small number of kindergarten–6 classrooms remain near 30 students and remain an active staffing focus. Staff described part‑time paraprofessionals moving to full time and noted that some part‑time declines are attributable to promotions into full‑time roles.
Board action: Board Member Thielen moved and Vice President Snipes seconded a motion to approve the staffing adjustments; the roll call recorded eight ayes and the motion passed.
Why it matters: Board members said the staffing gains help classroom stability and instruction. Several members stressed the district still has “pockets” of high‑need subjects and schools (special education, math, science and high‑need schools) and asked HR to continue targeted recruitment.
Follow‑up tasks: The board asked HR and administration to keep providing weekly hiring snapshots, to continue university partnerships and “grow your own” programs, and to identify remaining high‑need positions for prioritized recruitment.
Ending: The board praised the HR team and administration for recruitment progress but said work must continue to close gaps in hard‑to‑staff areas.
