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Public forum at OPS focuses on library books and proposals to eliminate lunch debt
Summary
Public commenters urged the board to remove certain library books and criticized content they consider inappropriate while other speakers defended intellectual freedom; one board member introduced a temporary resolution to clear lunch debt and fund meals through the semester as administrators study longer-term options.
Several community members used the public-comment period at the Nov. 14 Omaha Public Schools board meeting to press competing views on library materials and student nutrition.
Michelle Rogers read passages from the novel Sold and said the book is available in OPS libraries at 11 schools. "It makes me feel gross inside," she said, urging the board to remove the title and other materials she described as objectionable.
Michaela Kazer, who identified herself as a long-time public commenter, criticized prior review outcomes that kept contested titles in schools and said the formal challenge process felt futile: "Even if I went through the whole process, it ultimately would come back to the board...and it would just be voted to be kept in the schools."
Susan Tuohy, an OPS alum and parent, disagreed with calls for removal and defended the district’s process and access. "OPS does not offer pornographic material in their libraries," she said, and urged parents and neighbors to engage in dialogue rather than immediate bans.
On school meals, a board member (speaker 12) introduced a food insecurity resolution intended to eliminate outstanding lunch debt and pay for universal student lunches through the end of the semester. The presenter said roughly 70–75% of OPS students qualify for free or reduced-price meals and described barriers for immigrant and refugee families who may not apply because of privacy concerns. "This resolution is a short term solution to eliminate the school lunch debt and to pay for universal student lunches for the rest of the semester," the presenter said.
Board leadership cautioned that the resolution had not been vetted through the typical leadership and administrative review process. President Ertenberger said the concern had not been shared with board leadership or most members beforehand and urged the sponsor to meet with administration and leadership to identify fiscal, legal and practical considerations before formal board consideration.
No board action on the proposed resolution occurred on Nov. 14; the matter was raised during board comments and public comment and the board limited formal discussion to items on the published agenda.
What happens next: The board president said he asked the resolution sponsor and administration to meet with leadership to clarify the affected student groups and options; the board will consider any formally submitted item after that review.
