June 2: Omaha Public Schools Board Reviews Superintendent Evaluation Timeline, Approves PE Curriculum Deal

At its most recent meeting, the Omaha Public Schools Board of Education celebrated the district’s 2025 graduates and moved forward with initiatives around leadership evaluation, student wellness and district policies. Superintendent Matthew Ray reported that nearly 17,000 students are enrolled in summer programming and noted progress on Burke High School’s stadium renovations. He and board president Jane Erdenberger also highlighted the availability of graduation photos and ceremony recordings on the OPS website.

A significant portion of the meeting focused on Superintendent Ray’s upcoming performance evaluation. Board member Shavonna Holman outlined a timeline approved by the accountability committee, which includes goals focused on district improvement, strategic vision and Ray’s leadership development. 

The board approved a $1.25 million agreement with SPARK PE to provide inclusive K-12 physical education materials and home-based learning resources through 2032. Members also reviewed updates to the district’s attendance and discipline policies, affirming that doctors’ notes are not, and will not be, required for sick-day absences. 

The board noted the passage of LB89, which affects transgender students’ participation in middle school athletics, and LB303, which establishes a new school finance commission. The meeting concluded with a closed session to review the April 2025 Head Start report.

Meeting documented by Adryanna Seitz

Read full meeting notes here

By Omaha Documenters

Omaha Documenters is a program that empowers citizens to actively participate in local governance by documenting public meetings. This initiative enhances transparency and accountability by making critical information accessible to the community, fostering informed public discourse, and promoting civic engagement. Through its network of dedicated Documenters, the program bridges the gap between government entities and the public, ensuring that decisions affecting the community are transparent and inclusive. For more information and to get involved, visit documenters.org.

By Leah Keinama

Leah Wambui Keinama boasts a robust professional journey, commencing as a systems engineer and integrator within the software industry. In this capacity, she excelled in the conception, design, construction, and deployment of software systems, adeptly managing projects from inception to completion. Transitioning into the nonprofit realm, Leah directed her expertise towards enhancing food systems, with a particular emphasis on soil health, regenerative agriculture, and bolstering food accessibility while fostering resilient communities. Her repertoire includes comprehensive program design skills coupled with a profound commitment to community engagement. Leah's fervor for cultivating networks and forging meaningful connections underscores her dedication to advancing organizational goals.

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