Public commenters press Omaha Public Schools on library books, bus-pass program and recording policy at board meeting

Public comment at the Omaha Public Schools Board of Education meeting on Oct. 6 centered on library materials, the district's partnership with Metro for student bus passes and concerns about district recording policies and special education communication.

Clarice Dombeck, representing Regional Metro Transit Authority (RMTA) District 2, spoke in support of the district's K–12 fare-free program (the district refers to it as PASS), saying Metro currently serves 55 of 65 OPS elementary schools, 8 of 13 middle schools and 7 of 9 high schools. Dombeck said the program has delivered an estimated 1,800,000 student trips since it began in 2021 and emphasized many riders are from low-income and minority families. Dombeck said she wants to work with the district to improve the program.

Several speakers urged the board to remove the book Flamer from school library shelves. Amanda DeVries, who identified herself as a parent and former OPS student, described Flamer as “horrific,” citing explicit illustrations and sexual content and urging the board to remove it from schools named in her remarks. Michelle Rogers also read several descriptive passages from the book and urged removal; both speakers said exposure to graphic sexual content can harm minors. The book they referenced is Flamer by Mike Curato; audience members and board members were told which school libraries reportedly hold the title.

Mikaela Kaeser, a college student who said she represents Generation Z perspectives, urged the district to “bring unity and not division” and asked how the district is supporting students traumatized by violent online content; she also praised the board's town-hall series as a place for dialogue.

A procedural matter drew attention during public comment: Jeremy Wilson initially declined to give his name and address and asked the board to waive the usual requirement. The board considered a motion to allow him to speak without providing the information; the motion failed on a roll call (as recorded: 2 yes, 3 no, 2 abstentions) and Wilson then gave his name and address and spoke about special education advocacy, the district's policies on recording on school property and his social-media advocacy for families of students with significant disabilities.

Why it matters: Public-comment speakers focused on library materials and student safety online, highlighting ongoing community debate about library reviews and access to materials. Separately, support for the Metro PASS program underscores transportation access as an operational priority; the agenda included a consent-item purchase of student bus passes that was approved with the broader consent agenda.

Quotes from public commenters: - "I am super thankful and grateful that Metro has this partnership with OPS," said Clarice Dombeck, RMTA District 2 representative. - "This school board does not only have an opportunity, you have a responsibility to ensure that students are receiving an education that prepares them... Protect their innocence," said Amanda DeVries, who urged the board to review library materials. - "Flamer" author was identified as Mike Curato during discussion; commenters read descriptions of explicit images and urged removal from school shelves.

Board procedure note: The board enforces Policy 83-46 for public comment time limits and asked speakers to provide name and address unless the board approves a waiver. The board denied one waiver request during the meeting and then permitted the speaker to provide his information and continue.

Next steps and context: The consent agenda that passed included approval of purchasing student bus passes under Agenda item I-2 (the agenda language referenced a quantity for passes that was voiced during discussion as either "2,700 or 27,000"). Board members said they want continued coordination with Metro and other local governments to improve the program and to resolve operational issues raised by students and families.