Omaha Public Schools keeps K–2 non‑suspension practice; board hears code of conduct updates and implementation plans

District staff presented annual updates to the Omaha Public Schools code of conduct on June 15 and recommended the district retain its current practice of not suspending pre‑K through second‑grade students except in the most serious cases, such as those involving a deadly weapon.

Dr. Amy Williams, executive director of student and community services, reviewed the redline document and a summary of changes, emphasizing that the two most significant updates are changes to the opening material and the addition of new language in the intervention and response section. She said staff had consulted principals, union leadership, special education and early‑childhood staff, and mental‑health partners in developing the recommendations.

On the specific question of suspending very young students, Dr. Williams said Nebraska legislative changes expanded district authority to suspend pre‑K–2 students but the district recommends leaving its existing policy in place—keeping the youngest students in school except in extreme circumstances. “We do not want to resume suspending our youngest students … except in the most serious situations involving a deadly weapon,” she said.

Board members asked detailed implementation questions about supports for students who must be removed temporarily from a classroom. Mr. Talin and Dr. Williams described a new protocol intended to create a teachable de‑escalation moment, a plan for reentry to the classroom and training for MTSS behavior teams, paraeducators and counselors. Dr. Williams said targeted training began in April and will continue through next year, and the protocol includes partnerships with community mental‑health providers and crisis responders to provide on‑site support when a school has exhausted internal options.

Board members also discussed the district’s resource constraints: several members noted the state law change did not include additional funding and asked how the district would staff the in‑school supports necessary to keep younger students in class. Mr. Talin said the policy committee examined the district’s changing capacity and believes the district is now better positioned to provide the supports necessary to avoid suspensions for young children.

Mr. Talin also summarized other policy changes required by recent state statutes and bills. These included simplifying the timeline for rehiring retired teachers after separation (now described as 120 days in district policy), updated notice and reentry‑conference requirements for short‑ and long‑term suspensions, parent‑excused absences for documented medical reasons, adjustments to extracurricular eligibility for part‑time students, and new requirements to handle transfers when parents or guardians are under investigation for abuse or neglect.

The code‑of‑conduct updates were presented as information; no board vote was taken at the June 15 meeting. The board will receive the policies again at first reading with any cleanup changes noted before a future vote.