Omaha Public Schools says an error will cut next years state aid by $50.6 million; community briefings planned

Superintendent Matt Ray told the Omaha Public Schools Board of Education that the district will receive about $50,600,000 less in state aid next year because of an internal error. "There was an error made out by the Omaha Public Schools, which meant our district will receive significantly less state aid next year — $50,600,000 less," Ray said during the boards regular meeting.

Ray said the district has immediately begun steps to reduce spending and "to protect teachers in our classrooms," and that staff would finalize recommendations for next school year. He announced three community presentations to review the proposed budget changes the week of July 21; one of the sessions will be livestreamed and full details will be posted at www.ops.org.

Shane Ryan, the districts chief financial officer, had presented the monthly financial reports earlier in the meeting and was identified by Ray as participating in the upcoming briefings. Ray said the presentations are intended to share the latest information and to answer community questions as staff finalize budget recommendations.

The board did not take a budget vote at the meeting. Ray said the district is "committed" to communicating with families and staff and that the presentations will outline how recommended savings may affect programming and operations. No detailed program cuts, personnel reductions, or specific savings measures were described at the meeting; Ray said staff were working on recommendations that would be shared at the community sessions.

Next steps: the district will hold the three budget presentations the week of July 21 (one livestreamed) and post details and any materials on the OPS website; staff will present specific recommendations and answer questions at those sessions.