Leaders from the Learning Community of Douglas and Sarpy Counties presented their Community Achievement Plan to the State Board on Dec. 5, outlining four core components required under Nebraska statute 79-21,222: a superintendent's early childhood plan (in partnership with the Buffett Early Childhood Institute), North and South Omaha learning centers, a MOEC collective impact plan, and a superintendent attendance plan.

Shirley Vargas, the learning community's school transformation officer, described district initiatives, a district funding formula that distributes resources across 11 districts and partnerships with community organizations such as the Buffett Early Childhood Institute and local nonprofits. Gerald Kuhn, chief executive officer for the learning community, and Monica Wells, director of strategic initiatives, discussed early learning centers, a two-generation (2-gen) approach that connects family supports with child education, and district-level professional development intended to improve kindergarten readiness and early literacy outcomes.

Board members asked how the plan aligns with the board's literacy priorities and how parent engagement and home visiting are used to identify early markers of reading struggles. Presenters said the learning community uses research-based curricula in its centers, educational navigators for home visits, and coordinated district initiatives that emphasize early literacy and family engagement. The presenters emphasized local tailoring and a plan to present the formal Community Achievement Plan for board approval next month.

Why it matters: The Community Achievement Plan is a statutory requirement for the learning community and, once approved, becomes the basis for coordinating funding and evaluation tied to student supports across Douglas and Sarpy counties.

Next steps: The board will consider formal approval of the Community Achievement Plan at a future meeting, after which related funding and certification steps will proceed.